Breaking Down the Inner Fortress
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- Category: General
- Published on Sunday, 23 January 2011 15:34
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The image of the fortress has always been fascinating. Built to withstand any attack from hostile forces, it stood for a place of safety, shelter, a wall of protection from enemies, and a show of strength. Sometimes we can build internal walls that serve a similar function, but in the illusion of creating a place of protection for ourselves, how much are we in fact imprisoning our self instead?
Whether the fortress is built outside or inside the self, there is no protection in these dense walls, there is only protection in virtue. When one is full of virtue, always giving happiness and has accumulated an account of good deeds, one no longer needs the protection of walls, as their conscience is clear and there is no longer any need to fear.
As scared and weak individuals, we began construction of our own inner fortress early in life, to protect ourselves from people who hurt us and from disappointments, and dreams unfulfilled.
As we got older, our accumulated negative experiences often just served to fortify these walls, to make them stronger and even more impenetrable. In the attempt to keep ourselves safe, we also prevented ourselves from receiving love, co-operation and good wishes from others.
Or… perhaps, with spiritual power, we came to know there was a better way to live, and we succeeded in breaking those walls, little by little, brick by brick. Because to let others in, we also realized we have to manage our own expectations first. Over time and with a little compassion, we replaced the barrier to our hearts with trust, faith, and an inner sense of being able to take care of our-selves.
For those who have thickened their walls of the inner fortress, time may crack them; to let some light in, and to let others in. The process of simply being aware awakens them to the freedom beyond the wall, beyond their fears, hurts, and their false ego. It reveals to them how the wall no longer shields as much as it traps them. The energy they expend to fortify the wall is energy taken away from exploring their inner strengths, from learning the beauty in being, from experiencing the wonder of life, and from enjoying the warmth of the light... the light that is our true self-respect.
The victory for those who have the courage to break down their inner walls is that they become flexible, more able to accept change, and they develop a new ability to embrace the beauty of life. They are able to manage the ups and downs that life brings them. Their capacity to love and be loved is expanded. They have a very good sense of who they are and what they stand for, and are open to any challenge in the world. The world is no longer their enemy, and nothing, and no one is a threat to be feared.
In actuality, an enemy appears to threaten and oppose you, seems to block your vision and your path. You begin to feel defenseless and fearful, and you may feel that your only options are to ‘fight or flight’. However, in the light of meditation one sees the truth which is, that the enemy is not out there. The real foe is not on the other side of the wall but, right here within. Thus, we are only fighting with ourselves or running from ourselves, i.e. fighting within our own fort.
Fortresses are indeed of the past. They served a purpose but now they are relics of our history. So too make your inner fortress a relic. Use meditation as the tool with which to break down your walls and replace it with an aura of light and love… brick by brick. Instead of a wall of fear, create a flow of energy which allows your real powers and strengths to emerge, and also invites others to step in and experience the light.
It’s time… to check our level of self respect, and self trust. Be courageous, begin to be more open and accepting, and see how many bricks have been removed to let light into the soul. Check to see what threatens your freedom and ask yourself why or how. Do protect your-self, your family and those you love, but use your inner strengths, your thoughts, words, and your spiritual love, for they are your only and ultimate circle of protection.
