A Deeper Understanding

I’ve always had a deep interest in the charted path of mankind, expressed not only in the spiritual teachings of all times, but in the artwork created that has been a reflection of humanity throughout history. Art that has been created in different periods of history has always fascinated me and peaked my imagination as to what was influencing the artist on a personal level, as well as a collective societal level, to create the brilliant pieces that have endured.

A few years ago, I had an opportunity to tour the Louvre in Paris, where not only some of the most revered art throughout history is stored, but archeological wonders throughout antiquity We arrived early, just as the museum had opened and began to work our way through the vast halls, reflecting on this amazing collection relatively undisturbed by the early morning crowds.

Come noon, all that rapidly changed as the tour buses carrying hundreds of tourist descended like a wolf pack on a fresh kill. Soon the previously sedate and tranquil halls were filled with a whirlwind of rushing tourists, sporting bright shirts, tube socks and baseball caps, cameras tightly tethered around their necks and bouncing high off their ample bellies.

I watched from a distance as the swarm descended on the Venus De Milo, bumping and twisting for position to get  pictures of themselves in the same frame with the most famous depiction of female beauty. Camera shutters clicked from all angles as the sea of photographers directed their models on were to stand and how to pose all with their backs to the sculpture, never honoring this gift by giving it a first, or a second glance. 

I watched amused as security made feeble attempts to keep the swarm at a reasonable distance. One of the greatest depictions of art of all time, might as well have been Mickey or Goofy at Disneyland. The significance of this masterpiece was lost to ignorance, all for a Kodak moment to record another notch in their travel belts.

This surreal image has not left me for many years, the dishonorable and almost comical way in which one of the greatest gifts to mankind was exploited. It occurred to me that this is the way that a majority of mankind has attempting to embrace their spirituality.

When we choose a spiritual path, some of us have been taught that there is a specific universal formula to follow and we will be have everything that we have wished for forever and ever Amen. We don’t need to have a deeper understanding, a heartfelt appreciation or even a personal relationship with our spirit, somehow this is taken care of for us. No responsibility, just scripted ritual that will ensure our spirit endures. Just like the tourists at the Louvre, when we ignore the deeper understanding… the significance and process of creation and how we feed our spirit, we are missing the point. Your spiritual development is your responsibility, there is no magic bullet to deliver you to “salvation”.

True growth is gained through honoring who you truly are, your spirit, your soul, and presenting this part of you into everyday life. Daily rituals and routines are good, however, you are not honoring your true self if you don’t put into practice what you have learned into every moment and every situation every minute of every day.