The Epilogue from "Beyond Knowing" by Brent Lee

Over the last few months, several people involved with the final preparation of my book have asked similar questions pertaining to the process of awakening and its effects on our present day commitments to our families, our lives, and our religious beliefs. Each person's questions originate from different areas of thought. One person was concerned with the process of change and the required sacrifice that might be necessary to accomplish that change. Another person was concerned with her additional responsibility that comes with her new understanding. And another person was concerned with the growth process and its effects on her commitment to her family and religious beliefs. Even though these are three different concerns, there is still a common thread through them, and that is change. How do we deal with change?

We can actually begin with our present beliefs and see ourselves simply expanding upon each tier of understanding as a foundation to greater growth.

Nothing is as Constant as Change

Let us begin by looking at a misconception surrounding change. Many people believe we have to make some profound sacrifice in order to grow or change. When a person responds to this concept as a basis for change, it may create some fears. However, there is a simpler way to look at change. We can actually begin with our present beliefs and see ourselves simply expanding upon each tier of understanding as a foundation to greater growth. Why not look at it this way? That would actually be the simplest thing for us to do. So let's keep it simple by using our present day thoughts, perceptions, conceptions, beliefs and commitments as the foundation for the growth process discussed.

Another thing we need to take into account is how slowly change happens. Sometimes this is because we are afraid of change and instinctively seek a level of comfort we wish to keep. Often we consciously or unconsciously reenforce our search for comfort by drawing people of like minds to us. Some of us take this one step further by seeking out and associating with groups, whether they be a church group, or a community support group. We seek comfort, security and acceptance through these associations. We further find security by sharing with the group and people of like minds, our ideas, concepts, beliefs, perceptions and expectations. This manner of sharing furnishes us with the building blocks for trust, faith, acceptance and love. And through this step of growth within the group, we make individual commitments to others.

As I re-read the previous paragraphs, several specific questions come to mind. As we continue to grow, are we accountable for our commitments? What if we feel we have outgrown our partner? Our beliefs? Our support groups? Are we accountable to our commitments to all of these entities? The basic answer to this question is Yes. Yes you are accountable and responsible for your present day commitments. But further—yes you may also outgrow these commitments. And yes you can even out grow your partner, your beliefs, and your present day group affiliations.

But if you can understand the growth process, you will be able to stop and think about how you developed your present day character. Isn't it true that you as a person are what you are from your absorption of the teachings you received as a child? Of course you are much changed from what you were as a child. Do you still have the same friends as when you were nine years old? Do you still attend the same group functions as you did when you were nine years old? However, as you look at this process of your growth, you realize that the memories, the lessons learned, are all still there—each intricate thread woven together into the tapestry of your present day persona. These years have built a foundation which anchors the growth process of your future. Changes, additions, new commitments to yourself and "new others" are always accruing in your life.