There are very few things in life that compare to the excitement that we feel when we first awaken. It’s heady, intoxicating and we feel as though we are seeing the truth of reality for the first time…as if we have been given the blessed opportunity to pop our heads above the clouds to glimpse Heaven.
For some of us the new beliefs we embrace are radically different from those we had before. We feel certain that our family and friends would be so much better off if they could leave behind those same beliefs and embrace the new ones with us. In fact, we may become so convinced of this that we inadvertently attempt to convert them. Of course, it’s because we love them and don’t want them to be left behind, or we don’t want them to turn their backs on us. Either way, this is a very crucial point in our awakening process that can determine how easy or painful our journey becomes. Below are a few pointers on how, what and when to share your new beliefs with your family and friends. Continuing with the example of Joan in the first segment….
Avoid any attempt to convince, convert or sway others to your way of thinking.
As much as we may want to, it is best to keep our beliefs to ourselves and only share them with others of like mind. Trying to convince or convert our family and friends, especially when they have not asked about our beliefs is a boundary violation. Convincing and converting can take many forms such as giving them a book they did not ask for, debating a belief, trying to prove a point, or sending them a link to a website. Such behaviors send the message that believe their spiritual beliefs are flawed and they should embrace ours for their own good. Is it any wonder when faced with such behaviors, a friend or family member tends to resist? Part of being a loving, compassionate creator god/goddess is allowing others to believe as they choose, respecting, and protecting their right to do so.
Share your beliefs only when specifically asked to do so, and only answer what is asked.
Example: Joan’s dad asked her if she believes in aliens. Joan could answer with a simple yes, no or maybe. She doesn’t have to elaborate.
Avoid answering questions that can lead to arguments.
Example: Joan’s mom asks her if Joan believes that Jesus is still her savior. Joan would do well to find out if her mom genuinely wants to know by responding with a qualifying question such as, “Why do you ask, Mom?” If Joan feels her mom just wants to argue the point or try to convince her that she is wrong, Joan could field the question by saying something like, “I’m not sure, I’m still exploring that. In other words, Joan doesn’t answer questions that she knows could lead to an argument. If Joan’s mom seems to really want to understand Joan’s new beliefs, Joan could answer the question with a simple yes or no and not elaborate beyond that. If her mom wants Joan to elaborate, once again, Joan would do well to qualify her mom’s request with the previously mentioned qualifying question.
The key here is not to answer questions posed unless the person is really seeking to understand. This is something that we must feel out. Taking such a position regarding sharing your beliefs may appear to some to be standoffish. I guess it could be construed that way. With that said it is my personal experience that when we take this position, we prevent many needless arguments and ensure that our family and friends know that we respect their right to belief as they choose and expect the same treatment from them. It’s an empowered position based on love and mutual respect — the position of a loving, compassionate creator god/goddess.