(Written in August 2008)
Dear Guides & Guardian Spirits, I’m having a really hard time. Can you help me?
Dear Jenny, we love you very much. Let yourself relax and sink into our loving. It is hard for you to be aware of us because your early environment was so lacking in tenderness. It’s OK to stop struggling and fighting. It’s OK to stop giving away your resources to people and causes you value, it’s important and necessary at this time to take care of yourself. Radically. Extravagantly. It’s true that there is not enough support for you in the culture. This is an indicator of the sickness of the culture, not of your lack of value. Your continued existence is very important to the welfare of the planet. You embody certain values that are badly needed at this time: compassion, inclusivity, concern for the realm of nature as both a physical and spiritual resource. Just as you are, you bring these values alive. You do not need to do anything more. It’s OK to say no to all the people and causes that ask you for money. It’s far more important, at this time, to take care of yourself. We love you, dear Jenny. Relax and let yourself take it in. Ultimately, all shall be well. The planet that you love so much is surrounded and held and interpenetrated by a vast number of loving and powerful spiritual beings, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. You do not need to take action, or make anything happen. You are like Etty refusing to hate in the face of Nazi persecution. She did not refuse to feel fear, or sorrow, or joy, and she suffered many collapses. Her work to witness it all, and to open her heart wide enough to include everything, everything, is what counts in the long run, is what makes a difference to the planet, even if no one knew about it but those who came in contact with her. Allow Etty’s spirit to support yours as you continue the same work.
Etty Hillesum died in Auschwitz in October 1942. Excerpts from her journals were first published as “An Interrupted Life”. The complete letters and diaries were published recently.