FORTY-FOUR

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ENCOUNTERS WITH OUR LOWER NATURE

CONCERNS: The approach and growth of negativity; the encroachment of darkness, doubt, illness or negative conditioning.

1. If we do not control negative influences as soon as we sense them —if we carelessly allow them to establish a beachhead within us —we will almost certainly be overcome by them.
2. Negative influences firmly isolated at the outset cannot undermine us.
3. Restlessness and indecisiveness can unnecessarily complicate our decisions; the central problem here is our unstable emotional condition which makes it difficult for us to discern a proper course.
4. Here we are out of touch or contact with some important element in our environment, perhaps a relationship or group sentiment or an aspect of reality, so that any action taken runs the risk of being frustrated.
5. Our spirited strength is needed now to support a shaky situation which will deteriorate if left unaided.
6. Digging ourselves into a narrow position limits our range of response, making us vulnerable.

COMMENT: Negative influences are real; they are like mold, seemingly invisible until they take root and flourish. We invite them in and let them become established by being negligent, by being stubborn, by being lethargic, by being arrogant. It is wise, therefore, to treat our internal and external environments with great respect and meticulous care, scrupulously cleaning away the “mold” before it multiplies. It is wise, therefore, to make a respectful appeal to the Higher World, to connect with the correct spiritual energies so that we may realize in our lives the support of the Divine Order, and find the strength, thereby, to maintain the necessary vigilance.