Let Your Creations Flow Right Through You

When Her work is done, she forgets it.
That's why it lasts forever.
(Tao Te Ching)

There was once a body-builder who had won a number of important tournaments and was on the way to make a name for himself. A friend took him out for dinner and had some advice for him. He said, "you know son, you are in a good position to do something with your life. You have a talent, don't squander it. This body of yours will not earn you a living forever. You could open fitness studios in the LA area; you can become a businessman; you can brand your name." The body-builder laughed and said, "I have other plans. I first will become a famous actor and afterwards become a politician. One day I will be the president of the Unites States."

Do you recognize the German accent when you read this story? Yes, this exchange allegedly once took place between Arnold Schwarzenegger and a friend as he was on his was to win the seven Mr. Olympia championships in body-building. This magnificent body of his was the means to reaching for the stars.

We spiritual travelers sometimes look down on any goals that involve our body, yet, as Arnold Schwarzenegger's showed, he used his impressive body to express the longings of his soul. His body was a means to an end, to break into Hollywood and eventually into politics. There are so many others - dancers, performers, athletes - who manage to express themselves with the help of their amazing bodies. What right do we have to say, "you are not your body"? Yet, the spiritual community is right in pointing out out that you if your body ever becomes an end in itself, chances are you will become depressed one day. The giant is within - eventually, not even the most amazing body can represent the Spirit.

The same is true for money. When earning money in a prestigious job is just the reward for putting your heart and soul into a job that you live doing, the money will flow right through you. Perhaps it becomes the means to financing your children's education, or taking your family on some exciting vacations, and providing a beautiful home. Yet, when you enter a competition with your peers in who has the most earnings and buying power then money unfortunately has become an end in itself. It sticks to you and chances are, sooner or later life will send you a message that you are abusing your creative powers.

The message of spirituality is quite a simple one. Grant yourself whatever your heart desires but make sure none of your belongings possess you. Let all of your creations flow right through you. God gave you your creative powers to enrich all of us. And when your work is done, know that it is good and then walk away. This is the difference between a life-giving, flowing brook and a decaying, stagnant puddle.

Don't get us wrong, you have every reason to be proud of your creation just as God is proud of His. Keep them coming, never get entangled with them and never make them an end in themselves. You would only belittle your creative powers that way. Your creations are the means to uniting your Self with God. Enjoy every step of the Way.