Hate is not the opposite of love. Hate is a manifestation of fear.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Looking at something metaphysically includes understanding it from a broader perspective than we are accustomed to doing. The interesting thing is that we often recognize the metaphysics internally, at a place that is hard to access with our thinking mind. And even when we do recognize it cognitively, we tend to only be able to use the words that we know from this three-dimensional existence in which we live.

I, and others, have already written about hate’s inability to see the commonalities of seemingly different people (gender, ethnicity, faith, etc). When I look at hate from a metaphysical approach, I see a deeper misunderstanding that each of us is also experiencing.

THE PAST: AS PERCEIVED IN THE PRESENT

Our past. We used to be one – with others and with the Divine. But then separation occurred, and this separation is a very uncomfortable sensation. Most of us are aware of this separation only subconsciously, but it doesn’t mean that we don’t unconsciously remember how it felt to be connected with the energy of All That Is. This connection felt (and feels) wonderful. Whole. Complete. In fact, it feels like our gestalt (which means the whole is greater than the sum of its parts) becomes complete.

We are actually evolving to return to Oneness, but some of us don’t realize that yet. And some who are attempting to achieve Oneness are misdirected. As a result of separation we generally follow two paths: Abundance Seeker or Scarcity Follower; and scarcity followers might be inclined to follow Opportunists.

Abundance-Seekers

Some people experience separation and seek ways to connect with the Divine by seeking goodness, love, and true connection with others. They seem to always see abundance.

Scarcity Followers

For others, separation creates a different path. Rather than seeking the Divine connection as the abundance-seekers do, they get bogged down in the continued experience of separation. They then find themselves seeking connection with anything that in the short-term feels valuable. But these connections never fulfill their Soul’s need and so they continue to feel separate, becoming ever more desperate, and thus seeing and focusing on scarcity. (Scarcity is the belief that there is not enough for all of us, so one had best become competitive to protect one’s own assets.)

The Opportunists

Opportunists achieve their own quasi-connection by rallying others to follow them. Opportunists thus prey on those who see scarcity, maintaining the latter’s focus on separation, and making it even more difficult for their followers to see the light.

When people continue to experience separation without the emphasis on abundance, they can be drawn into fear, which can then manifest into hate.

FUTURE

Unity and oneness will return for us all. The question is how soon we will usher it in. The choice and the speed of delivery is given to each of us.

There is a Cherokee parable about a man with two wolves inside of him. He is asked which is stronger: The wolf of goodness and love, or the wolf of fear and hate? His answer: “The one that I feed.”

Each of us has the opportunity to change from scarcity-follower to abundance-seeker. Reflect on your own attitudes and behaviors. Which ‘wolf’ do you feed? Have you focused on abundance or scarcity?

When you encounter people in your day, greet them with a smile. Smiles are contagious and, like love, what you send out you get back in return. The Beatles understood this when they wrote, “The love you take is equal to the love you make.” (The End, Abby Road) As you identify all that is good in the world and in your day, write them daily into a gratitude journal.

THE PARADOX

If you are already living with a focus on abundance, it is easy to fall into an “us vs. them” framework when you interact with or observe someone who is mired in fear and hate. But this generates more separation. Instead, hold compassion for those who focus on scarcity and understand how difficult it is for them at this moment to make the shift toward abundance. In life and in meditation, reach out with grace and compassion. As you avoid judgment, it is perfectly acceptable, if needed, to respond with boundaries. As Marianne Williamson says, “Sometimes the loving response is ‘no’.”

During these challenging times, it helps to see the metaphysical perspective of what is occurring. In order for us to individually and collectively achieve oneness, we must first recognize separateness. When hate and fear are this apparent, we see what can no longer be hidden behind the smoke and mirrors. Instead, it is made visible, front and center, to observe and address which is a necessary step for change. Now is the time for compassion, for grace, and when necessary for boundaries. Now is the time to create this change.

Namasté (The light in me acknowledges the light in you.)

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield, MI. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties, work or school related anxiety, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders, and those who wish to Remember and Become ‘Who You Really Are’. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www.SpiralWisdom.net for more information. 

This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to replace medical care.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

In author Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, he describes the mindsets of scarcity and abundance.  Abundance is the recognition that there are enough resources and successes for everyone. He contrasted this with the scarcity mindset, which focuses on not having or being enough.

When scarcity is your mindset, you believe there is not enough to go around. Scarcity is founded on the idea that if someone else wins or is successful in a situation, another loses. There is little consideration for the possibility of all parties winning. Scarcity, therefore, often results in destructive and unnecessary competition.

Compare this mindset to those who see life as abundant. Individuals with an abundance mentality are able to celebrate the success of others rather than feel threatened by it. Abundance is the realization that there is always enough and that we need not worry about quantity and opportunity – for ourselves or for others.

You may believe that you live in a mindset of abundance, but it may surprise you to know that you sometimes fall into the scarcity mindset. To determine how well you stay in abundance, look at the small experiences in your life:

• Do you save items to be used later rather than enjoying them now?
• Do you worry that others are ahead of you in life?
• Can you fully applaud the achievements of others, without comparing your own? Or, do you wonder if there will be an opportunity for you to reach others’ achievements?
• Do you focus on what you have, or is your focus on what you lack?
• When you see what is lacking in your life, do you find yourself in Fear?

One belief that creates scarcity thinking is the assumption that we are all separate; but when you realize that we are all one and that there is no difference between us, you can gain a better appreciation for the happiness and accomplishments of others.

An aspect of abundant thinking is recognizing the difficulty that others may have achieving this mindset. Have compassion for those who you perceive as angry or narrow-minded. They are actually filled with fear. Fear and scarcity frequently go hand in hand. Fear fosters the belief that if you have something, you will keep me from having it and you therefore must be the enemy.

The best way to combat your own fear or the fear that others direct toward you is by using its opposite: love. When you demonstrate a loving countenance, people will respond positively to your words, your actions, and your energy. Your loving, unconditional acceptance of them is what helps lead them away from their own fears and scarcity beliefs.

Imagine if all of us focused on the adequacy of our own lives – there would be less competition between individuals or between groups. As I think about this possibility, I wonder, would people still be so divided over politics? Would countries and cultures be at war? Would people of faith accept that there are many other ways to worship? Would families and coworkers engage in petty arguments?

I hope that peaceful coexistence and the abundance mindset will be the norm in my lifetime.  We each hold the possibility to create this reality. Developing an abundance mindset creates optimism and joyful thoughts for ourselves. As we subsequently interact with others, we radiate this positive energy of acceptance and unity. Oneness replaces separateness, promoting societal changes and ultimately greater peace on earth.

Thinking with abundance brings possibilities for peace and acceptance for us all. We change our planet one person at a time, and it begins with ourselves. As you strive to bring more abundance and peace into your life, consider author Doreen Virtue’s affirmation: I accept good graciously into my life; all of my needs are met abundantly for me now and always.

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties; work or school related anxiety; ADHD; Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders; and those who wish to Remember and Become Who You Really Are. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www. SpiralWisdom.net for more information.