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Have you been to a mall lately? I had not been for quite awhile...If you have ever wondered whether you have made any progress in your spiritual growth...if you have ever wondered if you could hold your state of peace in spite of your surroundings...then the mall is your ultimate testing ground. It is no fair going during a slow period, however...no, the test must be done during the full rush of the holiday season––with everyone caught up in the frenzy of “giving.”

I am reminded of the story of the man who went up, alone, unto the mountains of India, working on his personal meditations, seeking the higher realms. Years past and others heard of him and asked that he come down into the city, so they could learn from him. So, willing to share all that he had learned, he descended down into the market place, where he was immediately jostled by someone making their way towards a purchase. It is here that the guru “lost it”. Moral: it is easier to be a “holy one,” when there is no one else around...

It would seem we need the reflection of self in the other, to see our own progress.
Also, it would seem that enlightenment has something to do with compassion...for having gained the wisdom of how Spirit works in the world, we must then find a way to practice that wisdom...one of the most important pieces of that practice and growth, is to be compassionate for those who still struggle with their own knowing and remembering.

Back to the Mall: I stand in awe of clerks working behind counters and dealing with the public during this season...they seem to be the focus of everyone’s highly charged emotions. To hold on to their jobs, clerks must learn how to deal with another’s outrage and anger and ignorance. They do it by either holding”it” in, until they can safely vent elsewhere, or else, something transpires within them which allows them to see that the emotions of the other are really coming from fear––stirring a compassion within them.

It is much easier to offer comfort to others, when we remember the Course in Miracles’ words of wisdom...there is only love or fear––all actions, all words, all thoughts have their roots in one of these two emotions. The emotion may appear to be about something else, but if we follow the line of thinking, which created the emotion, back to its source...it is either love or fear.

Fear, at “giving time”, can bring up all of a “shopper’s” inadequacies: how can I possibly find something for everyone on my list...(I am inadequate, I am not up to the task?) Will they like it...I don’t even know what they like...(my generic gift shows that I don’t care enough.) I didn’t spend enough, it looks cheap (I am inadequate, they will think I am cheap) I spent too much...how will I ever pay for this (I am inadequate...I don’t make enough money.)

If we can realize that fear is at the base of every non-loving action, word or thought...then we can see the others (harried shoppers in this case) as victims of their own thinking. Here is where compassion can work wonders right before our very eyes.

Away from the Mall: So, while we are learning, while we are honing our skills of love and compassion and knowing and being, it is wise to also use discernment and give ourselves a supportive environment in which to practice and grow...away from the madding crowd. BUT, when we feel we have somehow mastered patience and brotherly love and all those higher ideals that one strives for...then take a job, just for the holidays, as a clerk––one who is there to serve, to assist, to find that which others cannot find for themselves, for the others know not where to look. Be their eyes,...be their inspiration.

You can learn much about yourself.

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