More Metaphors?

A friend was drilling into what is meant by ‘spark of humanity’: “Is it the soul? Is it the true self? Is it the spirit?” Frustrated, I struggled to find a true response. Finally, the concept and the word came: it’s a metaphor. It’s a metaphor that ‘works’ for some folks, and not for others. It’s a metaphor.

Another friend, not feeling fond of humanity, wrestled with what we might be trying to say. “Humane,” she offered. “ A spark of the capacity to respond in a humane way.” Okay.

At a recent Conversation and Meditation session, a participant suggested “Peace, a place of peace.” We tried it out and it seemed to work. The dynamic can be the same. A place that we all have, every one of us, and through which we can reach out to and affirm that place in others, strengthening both. Thus eroding defenses, clarifying bafflement, releasing distortions. Okay. 

As long as we are working it, or working with it, does it matter what we call it? 

Reading later that evening I came across the idea that there is a sanctuary of silence available to everyone. That too. Like a place of peace. I played a bit with how that metaphor might interact with or be understood by others. Does the spark dwell in the place of peace which is also a sanctuary of silence? Then I thought, does it matter? Not to me, not at the moment. 

What matters is that there is a place, a quality, a thing, a space, an event, within each human being, every one of us, that can be connected with and strengthened. And that transforms. From the inside. 

From what those of us who are trying this practice are learning, it cannot be corrupted, it cannot be extinguished. And there is no defense against it. 

What metaphor might work best for you? 

And how do we encourage and support folks in finding that place or sanctuary or dynamic within themselves? How do we encourage and support them in claiming it in order to become agents of transformation? 

What do you suggest?