Small Minded and Critics: Are you killing inspiration?

There are professional reputation smashers, sometimes referred to as “the Old Grump next door.” No matter what you can do, they can do it better. If you sing, they sing better (even though they can’t sing). If you dance, they dance better (even though they can’t dance). If you coach a hockey team, they can do it better (even though they know nothing of hockey). Whatever it is, they know more than you, even though they are vacant of knowledge and experience, and have no clue. And since they make assessments without understanding, it shouldn’t be particularly surprising that their judgment is inaccurate. Whether they are critiquing the works of genius or praising the truly awful, these Critics tend toward error an inordinate amount of the time. Nevertheless, they possess tremendous influence. And that influence is behind the tragic loss of much that would have benefited to the world.

Chinese philosopher, Chuang-tse describes the small mindedness of the Critics in his story about a know-it-all quail. In China there is a great bird known as the P’eng. Its back, broad as a mountain range, extends to support expansive wings, which sweep the sky like clouds. In flight it rises powerfully like a whirlwind penetrating the high mist and majestically soars into the heavens.

As the P’eng glides smoothly, effortlessly on its way to the sea, a quail in the marsh gazes up and laughs. “What does that bird think it is doing?” The quail exclaims, “I leap, fly a few feet and descend again; I flutter busily among the bushes, jumping from here to there and back again. That is what flying is for! Who is that creature trying to fool?”

Thus it is that the small-minded, lacking knowledge and perspective, cannot lift their vision to comprehend greatness, anymore than the words of a fool can equal the depth of a wise one, or the experience of a few years can equal that of many.

Remember this when the voice of inspiration speaks to you and you recognize that it is time to step beyond past limitations because something greater beckons you. The creative among us can discern true art, the visionary can ascertain direction, and the small-minded will stand back in their safe domain and condemn.

Where do you see yourself? Is it time to step into a vaster experience? Or would you choose to risk nothing to stay safe and small?

Goals are Obtainable with Determination

There are a lot of unsure, yet determined people described in the Bible. We can examine their behavior and develop a prototype for success.
Moses did not think he had the ability and intelligence to meet with the Egyptian Pharaoh to plead for the release of his people but he did it. He kept stating his case to the pharaoh and steadfastly held to the belief that he deserved what he requested. Whenever he doubted himself, an inner knowledge told him to press on. He persevered and eventually crossed the Red Sea with the Israelites.
Joshua was another example of determination. He walked through the desert for 40 years before reaching the Promised Land. There were many challenges, including running out of food. Yet he knew he could not stop until he arrived at his goal.
Then, of course, there was David, a mere boy who killed a giant with a sling-fired rock. He faced seemingly impossible odds and anyone would have said that he did not qualify for such a feat, (he was after all taking on a giant), yet he maintained his faith, commitment and courage -- and succeeded.
Often we find ourselves faced with overwhelming odds. By harnessing an over-riding courage and determination to win, you too can reach your objective. Moses, David and Joshua were men of vision and courage. They did not let seeming limitations stop them. Perhaps they knew something with which the rest of us struggle. Each had an awareness of personal divinity that spurred them forward during tough periods. Through your imagination and courage you can develop awareness of the same divinity.
Most of the time, the limitations we accept as insurmountable are nothing more than illusions born of fear. We mental conjure them up. Once we face our fears, they dissolve.
The ultimate success principle is stated in Genesis, Chapter 1:26, "Then God said: 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.” This quality of creatorship can inspire you with vision during times of doubt. You were created with equality and dominion. It is up to you to grasp the vision and control what this edict implies. You can draw upon your natural divinity to expand your thinking and be all that you can be. When you restrict yourself with small thinking and fear, you are creating struggle. Yet you can push past self-imposed boundaries by challenging them. You will discover in yourself a person who is greater than the moment and can withstand temporary flare-ups of doubt.
With each thought and act of vision, others follow, as they did with the heroes of the Bible. Each addition causes yet greater change in the world and abundance follows -- for all mankind.
Make your decision to choose courage over fear, honesty over limitation and inspiration over laziness, and you will take your place among the great ones. Moses, Joshua and David completed their missions and you can too.
To get in touch with your goals and the determination to complete them, call Jean Walters at 314 991 8439 and set an appointment to work through your blocks. Check out her website at www.spiritualtransformation.com Thanks!