Reality?

For a couple of days now thoughts about reality have been bouncing around in my head. What is it? Do we share the same reality? Can we explain our reality fully to someone who has a different reality?

In my book on forgiveness, one of the chapters is "Marlene Colored Glasses." We see everything through who we are, at least who we are in that moment. If we are in an extreme emotional state, for example, how we interpret something varies according to that state. If we are angry or happy, life looks different. If we have unhealed wounds from our past, our view of now is distorted.

Let's say we see an agitated person. One person responds with compassion, another with disgust, another with anger - to the same person in the same moment. Is there an actual reality, or is there merely a reflection of our own consciousness?

Is our view unique to who we are in our stage of development? Do we form groups of friends, maybe without knowing it consciously, on the basis of having the same or similar versions of reality, thereby reinforcing our view and excluding others as false or wrong or dangerous?

Is our life a mirror showing us how close or how far we are from walking a spiritual walk? What yardstick can we use to measure ourselves? For me, there are several ways based on what Jesus is reported to have said.

First, "by their fruits you shall know them." What might be the result of this choice? Does it lift others? Does it produce love? Does it foster peace? If not, what would be a better choice?

Second, "what you do to the least of my brethren, you do to me." Would I really say or do this to Jesus? Would I exclude him? Would I hurt him? Would I treat him In this way? In the spiritual understanding of Oneness, what we do touches all. What would be the highest choice?

Third, paraphrased, "Love God with all of yourself and love your neighbor as yourself. This fulfills all of your requirements." So, I must ask myself and answer honestly, am I thinking, speaking and acting from unconditional love in all instances? What do I need to heal, restore, uncover in myself to fully walk in love?

For many of us, it is time to heal and rise to a more inclusive and loving reality. Look in the mirror of your life and see the smudges on your reality, and wipe them clean with love.