On Psychological Armor

I was browsing in 'How to be Free', a free ebook available on the internet, which discussed a concept that Wilhelm Reich once introduced, the notion that we are building psychological armor by trying to protect us from harm. Yet, all it does is to cut into our ability to experience the creativity and unconditional love life has to offer. We are building walls around us and complain that we have lost contact with the sun in the process. The path of the spiritual aspirant is to start demolishing the comfortable mental structures that we erected.  It is hard work, it takes time, but it is well worth the effort.

 The symbolic contrast that comes to mind is the difference between an adolescent dancing naked in a field of flowers in the summer time, versus that of a middle-aged knight stumbling in the muddy battle field in heavy armor, with a raised sword and shield. The former image is the innocent earth connection we are destined to experience while the latter is the reality that we tend to create for ourselves, often at work, but sometimes, sadly, even with our friends and family.

 The question is now how can we drop all these pieces of metal without getting hurt by the ghosts and monsters we have created for ourselves. Well that's what the Tao is for. Life will invite you to see your sister and brother as is, rather than the image that you have created in your head. No doubt, it is not an easy undertaking, and it may be a life's mission to complete, but at least you have the feeling of being on a mission which will give you the energy to cope with the problem at hand. Start small, the necessary trust to continue will come once when you realize that with every piece of armor that you drop the scary environment that you perceived starts changing for the better in response. Before you know it, the sun will be shining and it will be so warm and comfortable that even letting go of your clothes will feel natural and safe. It is time to embrace your birth right of peace, love and laughter.