The Light of Hope

“In times of War it takes more than Hope to find Peace…but without Hope we cannot ever find it.” John Krysko, founder Berkshire CenterPoint

Having just reviewed, and re-defined, “Faith” in our last message, what about “Hope”? If Faith can be seen as representing both a Light on our Path as well as the Under-standing beneath us that supports us, then what light can we shed upon the concept of “Hope”?

 For many, hope is an oft vague desire for something…something Good. “I “hope” my dog will get better;” “I hope I will have enough for retirement; etc.”. With this approach it can be rightfully stated that “Hope is not a strategy” True, but what about a more robust approach to the Word?

We use the word hope in at least three distinct ways:

• Hope is the desire for something good in the future. … 
• Hope is the good thing in the future that we are desiring. … 
• Hope is the reason why our hope might indeed come to pass.

My goal is strength both the definition of hope and to link it to positive actions that can be taken to actualize it.

Imagine sitting around a fire or placing yourself in a cozy chair by a fireplace. We feel warm, our imaginations open-up to positive possibilities, our thoughts roam to reasons why something good will come to place. Cue soft violin and cello strings soothing us, lulling us into blissful ruminations. Ah…

Let’s instead take the next step in Self-Actualization. “Be the change you wish to see in the world” is most commonly attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, but this is a paraphrase rather than a direct quote. It reflects his philosophy that to change the world, one must first change their own nature, rather than waiting for others to take action. The closest actual words from Gandhi are: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him.” This is an avenue worth pursuing and applying this wisdom to our greater aspirations and convictions. 

How can one “Be” the Hope we seek? Actually, it is quite simple. It involves completely inhabiting our goals and desires. To paraphrase another Teacher: “Love “Hope” with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (adapted from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 12).  This great commandment, what might be called the Shema in Hebrew, was directed towards God, but it can be equally applied with Hope. This approach is anything but flimsy, whimsical, or dreamlike. Jesus followed this commandment with the equally strong injunction to “Love your neighbors as yourself”.  This is absolutely critical in the examination and implementation of our hopes and dreams. If a “Hope” is only for us, it cannot be something that will be able to completely come to fruition. All of our true Hopes   inevitably serve the Whole and help humanity (and the Earth).    

Perhaps the very first step to take on this Journey of Hope is to honestly examine our aspirations. Are they truly meaningful? Will they truly move us along our Journeys? Will it be beneficial to all? Take the time for this self-assessment before engaging in planning and strategizing. Keep a Journal of Hope or at least add it to your regular writings and meditations. Just as we utilize GPS to guide us on unknown roads, use your critical and meditative techniques to “update” your hopes, and make course corrections. Be honest.

Once you feel you have come to a clear and positive set of hopes, then begin the process of cooperative co-creation with the Universe. Announce it…in whatever tradition, practice, that guides and supports you. Do not keep this light under a bushel. Write them down, each day, each week. Then take the next step…breathe with them. Close your eyes, imagine the hope list, and imagine that with each in-breath, some of the ink/ideas is going into your lungs. The goal is for you to become the very goals you seek. Making it “real” involves breathing life in them. Learn to activate and utilize all of your senses in this effort. (This is part of the techniques shared in the HeartMind courses offered through Berkshire CenterPoint). 

Finally, when you can begin to feel these hopes becoming internalized and actualized in your being, do a final assessment of how this will be beneficial to your circle of friends and associates, and then to the world. Then practice breathing with that intention. You will be sending a message to a world that you might not be able to see, but it will be received/ With practice and patience you can further your dialogue with the Universe, and you will begin to see real changes in your Life and your Journey. Then Hope can truly become Reality. Then the Light of Hope will truly guide your Way.