Yes, Ralph Waldo Emerson and I have spent quite a lot of time together. His "Essays" have affected me deeply, and his ideas have tweaked my mind and led me into new trails of thought. He was quoted frequently back in the days when I gave sermons, talks, seminars, etc.
This morning, I saw a quote of his that was significant in my journey.
Your life talks so loudly that I cannot hear the words you say.
It is somewhat related to a Ghandi statement. Someone asked him what he believed, and his reply was to watch how he walked his life.
If someone watches me for very long, they will know me at some unspoken level. I remember one-time in Russia, when I used to go there to teach spiritual things, someone told me they believed what I said because they watched me and how I reacted to the various people and surprising challenges of life there. And that was perhaps more important than my words, or at least reinforced my words by being what I taught, even in moments when not realizing anyone was looking.
I suppose human life could be lifted, if each of us were aware of what our lives teach. Is there congruence between our words and actions? Do we teach love and oneness by how we live our lives? Or do we say one thing but do another? Being who we say we are is vitally important.
As an interesting and instructive exercise, watch yourself and be aware of what you teach by what you do and how you react. Be aware of inconsistencies. Strive to become, in thought, word and deed, the best version of yourself. That is a precious and priceless gift to yourself, your loved ones and to all humanity.
Our lives talk loudly. What is being said?
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