Exposed - Part 2

Last week I wrote about how we guard our backstage selves or inner selves and don't let them on stage often. In doing so we often find ourselves being less than authentic. And this can be a spiritual drain on our souls at the same time it protects our souls. A bit of a paradox isn't it?

Parker Palmer in his book A Hidden Wholeness claims that the soul is shy. He says it only shows up when there is a safe environment for it. At first I wasn't ready to accept this statement about the shyness of the soul until he talked about a safe environment being necessary for the soul to show up. Then I remembered all those times when I protected my soul when I knew the environment wasn't safe, knew that whatever I shared about my inner self could and most definitely would be used against me and knew there were parts of my soul too precious to me to be put out there for general discussion among those who didn't understand. So, yes, Mr. Palmer, I agree with you the soul is shy.

As I thought about this I wondered if I allowed for other people's souls to be shy or did I in my role as pastor feel I needed to see that soul and to help fix it? Yes, I am saying that out loud and it makes me cringe when I think of the audacity and arrogance of my one time thinking. (At least I hope it is an outmoded way of thinking now...hmmmm). Palmer goes on to say that no soul needs us to fix it. Each soul needs to find a way to discover its true self and to grow from the inside out in the safety of unconditional love, non judgment and compassion. Sounds a bit like the safe space God provides for our souls doesn't it?

How do we contribute to that safe space, that circle of trust and love, that moment of discovery for all the souls we meet? How do we help create a place of safety and trust for the soul? When in our workout mode do we sit and rest in silence and trust?