A Time For Reverence

In my morning meditation, I came across this reading, "A reverent person looks at everyone with a deep sense of respect: with enough distance to allow people to be free to be themselves, and with enough closeness to be filled with wonder at the hidden mystery. Reverence is an excellent antidote to self-absorption because a reverent person marvels so much at the wonder of what they encounter that they have little time to think of themselves."

When polarization exists between viewpoints, politics, and values, are we able to be reverent with one another? Is it possible to wonder at the hidden mystery of another's world? I admit that this has been difficult for me in many instances, so perhaps it would be better to ask, "How would I feel if I were reverent?" or "What would it feel like if I felt the wonder of another's world?"

My clinical practice has always allowed me to enter the client's world through what he or she says during the session. It would be like seeing what they described and even feeling what they felt. As they freely expressed themselves, I felt awestruck and honored to be in their world. Despite the fact that this is my clinical work, it has not always been my personal position.

Our reverence often elicits reverence from others. Individuals are often seen as embodying the Divine in many cultures, and when two people meet, they bow or place their hands in a prayer position to express their respect. Once we reach this point of reverence, we can create a society that is more civil, more respectful, and eventually safer and more loving. My vision, my hope, is that. The only way I can begin is with myself. Are you willing to join me?