Charism

October 26, 2012 — chairos, charisma, practice, spirituality, talent

Hendrix in Tune

The idea that we all have access to deeper or higher powers is indicated in religions.  It is also embedded in medicine and mythology. The individual is called on to find courage to discover and develop the talents or graces given for spiritual development. Some are called to musical interpretations, others to various forms of creativity. These vocations, or callings are the gate, the opening through which the divine enters the world. By carefully copying others or projecting an image to please the public one specifically stops unique gifts from being expressed. Charisma is an attraction to a special, unique force. Charism is the influence exerted by the unique force.

When kids learn patterns from adults today they are likely to be focused and stuck in the physical appearance or status of a person place or thing.  The Dalai Lama once advised in his teachings to seriously observe the way you feel about an object (place or event works here too) you desire.  He added that the details of the feelings are the most important parts to observe.  Noticing the feelings toward the object when you decide to buy it, at the moment it is acquired, and again three months after the purchase tells a story of fleeting emotions, and perhaps buyers’ remorse.  This desire/want more syndrome is the nature of the physical realm.  If no attention is given to individual gifts or talents the cycle of never ending desire will be the only path taken in life. The treadmill of wanting what others have will consume all available time and energy.

Artists find both beauty and divine inspiration in practicing their arts. A  charismatic person accepts responsibility for nurturing his or her talent.  The path of creative expression focuses on personal ways to distill the beauty of nature  for enjoyment by all.  Charism is not a commercial effort or ROI on some training received.  It is the bold decision to connect the physical world to the cosmos through mediation and art. The kids today do not need to join an order or commit to a religious vocation to be exposed to the idea that their special gifts are worth discovery. The talents are worth development because they are also gifts for the entire world.  Kids need encouragement and appreciation of their artistic abilities, and exposure to the artistic work of others.  Can you find your own charism and use it to inspire other people?