Life is a Gift – Three Creation Myths
At the recent workshop, Gill Edwards of Living Magically, talked about three different cosmologies. Depending on which cosmology you go with affects how you live your life.
1. Life is a Trial – Religion
2. Life is an Accident – Science
3. Life is a Gift – Embodied Mysticism
1. LIFE IS A TRIAL – Religion
The “Be Good” cosmology
Life is a trial, test, challenge or mission. Earth is a training school and the purpose of life is to “perfect” yourself. You are here to learn lessons. You are here to prove yourself good and worthy. The underlying message is that there is something wrong with you (or with the world), which needs to be fixed, that you are inadequate, that you must seek redemption or fulfil an unknown task or mission – and you get Brownie points for hard work, suffering and self-sacrifice. If you succeed, you will get your reward in the after-life (or at least burn off bad karma). If something bad happens, you are either being punished or being tested.
The word God comes from the German word for good. In other words, this cosmology is based upon judgement. Conditional love. It is judgement – that is, splitting the world into good and bad, or right and wrong – which destroys our inner peace, and it is the source of every war, feud and on-going conflict on the planet. Deep down, it sees us as inherently bad.
When you are taught to be good, you are learning not to be true to yourself. You learn to suppress your own emotions and desires, in the vain hope of earning or deserving love. Your priority is being good and perfect in the eyes of others. You are guided from outside yourself, and learn to conform. You jump through hoops to please others. You develop an inner judge or critic who keeps you (and others) in check. You are taught that love is conditional. Which is not love at all!
2. LIFE IS AN ACCIDENT – Science
The “Be Safe” cosmology
This creation myth emerged from science in the 17th century, when science was officially separated from religion. It suggests that life on earth is a random, statistical accident. An accident which is so unlikely as to be quite miraculous – but an accident nevertheless. In Western society, this is the myth which is widely agreed to be ‘common sense’, so we all carry some of this myth within us too. We are seen as isolated beings hurtling through space on an inert lump of rock, in a mostly dark and empty universe. Life starts with conception, and death is the end. The existence of God and the unseen realms is seen as unnecessary or irrelevant, or pooh-poohed as childish fantasy.
We are seen as the hapless victims of luck, chance and coincidence. It sees life as unpredictable and chaotic. Accidents can happen. Disaster might strike. You never know what is around the next corner. You can only control life by actively controlling your circumstances, and safeguarding yourself against threats and danger. The priority is staying safe and secure. You might seek security through jobs, pensions, insurance or possessive relationships. You might become afraid of taking risks. Afraid of change. Afraid of letting go. Or you might be controlling towards others. It is a myth which promotes beliefs in lack, scarcity and competition. After all, in a solid reality, there is only so much to go around.
This is a creation myth based upon fear and separation. It means that you try to change or control life from the outside-in, instead of from the inside-out. Psychologically, it leaves you anxious and vulnerable, or lonely and empty. Happiness often feels precarious, as if the rug might be pulled from under you at any time. And love is nowhere to be found.
3. LIFE IS A GIFT – Embodied Mysticism
The ancient, divine, feminine cosmology
Since ancient times, there has been a holistic and earth-centred cosmology – still held by many tribal cultures – which sees us as inseparable from God and nature. In Western society, this ancient way was hunted down, outlawed and forced underground for many centuries. But in recent decades, it has been emerging not only from mysticism and shamanism, but also from the cutting edge of modern science. This myth sees everything that exists as birthed from the body of God. It sees creation as an undivided whole – a web or field of conscious energy. And it suggests that life is a wondrous gift from a loving, conscious and ever-evolving Source.
When you see life as a gift, the Earth becomes a playground. We are all creative sparks of divine energy. You are inseparable from God/Source, and that same creative force is flowing through you. You are loved. You have nothing to prove. Your goodness and worthiness are never in question. You are an eternal being of Light – and the purpose of life is joy. God is unconditional love. There is no judgement. There are no risks. Mistakes are impossible. Your priorities are joy and delight, love and freedom, adventure and creative self-expression.
(Gill Edwards, Living Magically)
No Comments
Comments are now closed.