Enlightenment isn’t a race you run. You’re not trying to be first. You don’t win prizes for coming in first. You come in when you’re ripe to come in. Speed is not of the essence.
Look at the bigger picture.
If you are building a table, the first nail hammered in isn’t better than the last nail. Each nail serves its purpose.
And for those of you who are set on Enlightenment, you are not to miss the present moment. The present moment also serves.
When there are, let’s say, seven flights of stairs, you climb each step. You can run up the stairs, and you can go fast, yet it is not necessary that you run up the stairs. You don’t necessarily reach the top by going faster, nor does anyone cheer you for running up the stairs.
What is the story about the Tortoise and the Hare?
In any case, dear children, when you are ripe to become enlightened, nothing will stop you. Enlightenment is assured. You don’t have all the say. Enlightenment means a lot to you, yet Enlightenment is simply part of life. It will come in due time.
Enlightenment is like moving into a new house. You were you in the old house. You are still you in the new house. After a while, you settle down.
Enlightenment is a great thing, yet it is not the be-all and end-all. Enlightenment is not the end of the line. Meanwhile, you live life. And after Enlightenment, you also live life. Either way, you are living life in the relative world. Enlightenment is not life in a fairy tale. You don’t want to get out of breath from your passage through the Running Brook of Enlightenment. There still is an Ocean to get under your belt.
Most assuredly, We cannot compare Enlightenment to a new car, yet We can. You are so certain that everything will be so wonderful when you can buy a new car, yet, after a while, the new car isn’t quite as new as it once was. It becomes old hat.
So, I ask again, what is your rush? What is it that you can’t wait for? What is it that you can’t keep an easy pace for?
The truth is not: Enlightenment or bust. The truth is not: Now or never. The truth is not ambition. Enlightenment is not a career change. With or without Enlightenment, you live life. Enlightenment is not a special miracle. It is simply what is next. Of course, all of this dream of life is a miracle, one after the other. All life is a miracle. Enlightenment is only one of them.
With or without Enlightenment, you are worthy. It is natural that you want more and more, and you shall have it. You don’t have to go after it at break-neck speed.
Consider Enlightenment a visitor who is coming to see you. The visitor is walking across a continent or across galaxies in many Universes. This visitor will reach you, yet no one knows the exact date of arrival. Each day, however, is a day closer. Fine, be eager. Look forward to the visitor named Enlightenment. Yet your life doesn’t depend upon his arrival.
One way or the other, you are making progress. Uphill or downhill, you are on your way. There is no other way to go. There is no other direction for you to take.
Life on Earth is not about excelling. There is more to life than performance appraisals.
You do not know by appearances who is Enlightened and who is not. You do not know what Enlightenment is really like until you are there, nor can you know how near you are or far away based on your assessments.
You have heard of Enlightened Ones who surprised themselves and those around them. There have been tales of reprobates who were suddenly Enlightened. Ready or not, Enlightenment can happen to you or anyone. I am your Saving Grace. Enlightenment by itself is fine, yet it is not the whole story. I AM the Whole Story.