Often, people delight in what is considered Beautiful yet abhor the Ugly things in life. However, there are teachings available from both the Beauty and the Beast within us. Whenever we can observe the shadow and the light with some equanimity, we receive many gifts.
Even the most ugly circumstance contains a beautiful story that is beyond our recognition in the moment. Even the most ugly actions contain a deeper truth that transcends simple ideas of Good and Evil. These events can sometimes be called “blessings in disguise” once we have the hindsight to understand the gems hidden in the coal. With some foresight though, we can face the Beast with increasing courage and trust. We can find Beauty in sickness and in health. We can find Happiness for richer or poorer. We can be fully committed to Life, even though one day, Death do us part.
There was a point in my life where I made a very conscious choice about Beauty and Ugliness: I decided that I was innately good and beautiful even though I was capable of much ugliness. I accepted the duality of the Beauty and the Beast within myself. This acceptance allowed me to face the darkest aspect of my psyche and yet trust that I was still Good. Over time, I could look at the ugliest aspects of humanity and still see our divinity. It brought much healing in the heart, solidified my commitment to life and is an intrinsic part of the Epic Evolution philosophy. It changed how I saw and responded to the world’s suffering and allows me stay inspired during the inevitable twists and turns of our earthly adventures. It gave me more compassion for those who are violent and for those who act without awareness. My original state of idealism and delight which I’d lost in childhood was regained in adulthood with one major difference: The idealism was not based in speculation and hope, it was now based in devotion and knowledge.
* For related course work, see Evolution of Beauty & Beast workshop
