Unit 7: Meeting Aesclepius

This exercise probably had an unintended effect on me.  When directed to conjure up an image of a wise person, I automatically envisioned Jesus Christ.  I guess it came so naturally as He embodies all the characteristics mentioned.  I had no qualms sitting in communion with Jesus and reflecting on His peace, wisdom, compassion, love and joy.  Furthermore, I thought the suggestion of the strong white beam of light very befitting.  It all felt right, up until the speaker directed me to allow the image to dissolve, enter my body and permeate within me, so that I BECOME this person – “What…become Jesus?” were my thoughts…yeah, I was a bit apprehensive about imagining myself as Jesus.  For the purpose of allowing the meditation to flow, I chose to improvise and pretended to hear “become LIKE this person”, so I thought, “Well, OK, I can certainly imagine myself being like Jesus, because I believe I am (we are) called to be God-like, Christ-like.  I have to admit that it sounds trifling, but I am only being honest about my exact thoughts during that precise moment.  I then imagined the Holy Spirit entering me and transforming my entire being into one of loving kindness and wisdom.  I also chose to ignore Aesclepius, as to acknowledge him as my inner essence would probably compromise my faith…I don’t know!  Anyway, it was extremely difficult to stay focused after that, as I had so many other thoughts and questions running through my mind and I couldn’t help but ruminate.  After the exercise was done, I reflected more on my reaction and how I was so affected by the suggestion of becoming Jesus.  Would I be blaspheming? By making these seemingly minute changes, did I defeat the purpose of this meditation?  I decided to write to a priest, explaining the exercise and my plight, so I'll have to wait and see what he has to say, if he responds.  I don’t think I am necessarily plagued by scrupulosity, I just don’t want to go about things with ignorance.  I suppose that in a sense, I was able to experience slight growth in my spirituality because as a result, I had a deep conversation with my husband, who is well-studied in the faith (spent 7 years in the seminary) and it also served as a reminder that we are all called to universal love, regardless of our faith background. 

A soon as I started reading page 477 of Consciousness & Healing, I was taken aback when I read “The ability to see the divine in everyone and treat each individual as though he or she were Christ…”  Not only did it somewhat address my issue with imagining myself as Jesus, but the topic of divinity in humans was part  of my discussion with my husband.  I just thought it was interesting to share that.  Anyway, the saying, “One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” seems self-explanatory.  This takes us all the way back to earlier units where we had discussed practicing what one preaches and leading by example.  My expertise is meaningless if my actions contradict my teachings.  Moreover, how can I possibly expect my clients to heed my advice, follow my directions, etc., if I lack the experience to truly relate to them?  The blind leading the blind usually results in futility.