Service

As we grow and become healthier, as we recognize the interdependence of all life, it is a natural impulse to want to relieve unnecessary suffering and help foster health, happiness, and actualization for all. Inspiration participants are highly encouraged to use the fruits and energies of their healings, transformations, understandings, and insights for the benefit of all. Thus the inner work is not explored in a vacuum, but with the clear intention to cultivate service in the world.

It is a time-honored tradition of most spiritual lineages and cultures to reach out and lend a helping hand. One of the cornerstones of Buddhism is compassion and selfless service. One of the great practices of Yogic and Hindu philosophy is Seva (selfless service). Judaism teaches us the duty of Tikkun Olam, the repairing of the world. The giving of charity is one of the five pillars of Islam. In Christianity service is elevated as one of the highest spiritual disciplines: to Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself. In addiction recovery, the 12th Step is: “Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others…”

We have noticed that there is a shadow in the human potential movement where the healing of the self can become a pre-occupation with caring primarily for the self. Sometimes when healing younger parts of the psyche, an attachment to feelings of comfort and safety—states we wish for all children to experience—may be emphasized at the risk of negating other equally vital dimensions of development and wholeness. The recognition of the True Self simultaneously recognizes the inherent interconnection of all beings. Thus whenever one suffers, all suffer. Responding to that suffering is an intrinsic part of waking up into reality. Inspiration encourages people to find ways to utilize their awakening experiences in service to the world.