copyright Bela Johnson, published in The Maine Eagle, December 2001

Each year around this time, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the essence of giving. We wonder what we can share that has meaning. As we scurry to the shops with our best intentions, we might also reflect on the many symbols we see before us which can stimulate this deeper meaning our souls are seeking. Take for instance the Christ ARCHETYPE. An archetype is a term coined by the father of analytical psychology, Carl Jung. Jung described archetypes as "primordial images" which present themselves in our consciousness. They are "without known origin and ... reproduce themselves in any time or in any part of the world" (from Jung's book MAN AND HIS SYMBOLS). Some examples of archetypes include Mother, Father, Hero, Warrior and Martyr. Understanding how we as humans pattern ourselves after these images allows us to learn from them rather than to become enmeshed in them. For example, religous fanatics such as Osama Bin Laden might feel they are carrying out God's will by killing many people. Bin Laden might be what Jung termed "in the grip of" the Christ archetype, feeling he is a sort of savior of his people.

The Christ is often referred to mythologically as a depiction of Logos, or the Word. Over time, there have been other depictions of Logos, but we will use the Christ example here. (William Fix's book, LAKE OF MEMORY RISING, provides thoughtful and well-researched information on Logos and Christ as Logos.) Jesus, the Christian incarnation of the Christ archetype, taught his followers to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and others AS THEMSELVES (emphasis mine). This is a classic example of what I have described, above. For how can we share with others what does not exist first within the self? If we are giving from a dry well, so to speak, we are depleting the source of our own vitality, and wholeness cannot be maintained. More importantly, we not only respond physically and emotionally to other people, but we respond symbolically. What we represent to one another creates movement on a subtle level, both positive and negative. We affect one another by setting an example which others can and do follow. Whether it is our children or our mates or friends, we impact one another more than we know.

Though challenging at times, being kind and giving to ourselves sets an important example. Most of us are brought up as caretakers. We are raised, not necessarily to make the world a better place, but to provide ease and comfort for others. As children, we mostly lack a say in how things go. We learn that giving others what they want and need creates a reciprocal effect, not the other way around. In other words, instead of being taught to be kind to ourselves first, we give to the exclusion of ourselves. This unbalanced form of giving eventually results in a tapped-out individual who perhaps gives gladly but from a place of lack. Universal law states that like attracts like. Have we then created a society of craving spirits, looking for love, acceptance and fulfillment outside the self? Though this model works well in a consumerist culture where we often fill our aching souls with material goods, it does not serve to salve our souls.

Over some fifteen years of practicing intuitive medicine, one thing I continue to notice is the healing influence of self love and acceptance. When a person learns to care for the self, deeply care for and cherish themselves, healing energy begins to take root. What is it our souls need for food? Usually it is some form of love. We want acceptance from others. We crave touch. We reach out to seek relationship with others, to find a common source of understanding in our world. Yet remember, like attracts like. If we are looking for something that we cannot accept about ourselves deep inside, our desires are not met. Some of us even feel our prayers are not being answered and that somehow Creator is treating us unfairly. Perhaps we are bad people who simply don't deserve better. It is at such challenging times we do well to remind ourselves of Jesus' words. We can learn to better love ourselves so that we might foster wholeness. Symbolically we can see wholeness as a circle. This circle includes others in our world. When we contribute love to the circle, love returns in kind. What we give returns to us for the good of all.

Before making your New Year's resolution, consider this. You can succeed, even heal, with this simple commitment: resolve to do one kind thing for yourself each and every day. Practice kindness and forgiveness on yourself. Ponder the meaning of kindness, what it means to be deeply kind. If you criticize others, examine your own inadequacies and forgive yourself for them first. Resolve each day to be a better person TO yourself and ask Creator for help in doing this. You might suddenly notice others responding to you differently, and this can simply cause you to smile inside as you continue your ongoing commitment to a better way of life. Keep giving to others, during and beyond this season of giving. Remember that "charity begins at home," so include yourself in the circle of life and watch the healing unfold.