The new life

Unshielded

"You go where life seems open and unshielded, where pain and happiness are sharper and much more clearly experienced. And yet, before long you find others who are venturing into that wilderness as well, and they are as uncertain as you, though they may not admit it."

"As you seek for greater purpose, often as the result of personal failure, then something else can be given to you because you are laying down your shields. That is love. If you are terribly burdened, how can you be loving?"

"We are adamant that students of Knowledge become very conscious of their influences. What is influencing you? Often this question is seen as a limitation of your personal [freedom]], but it is more a form of protection for you because as your mind begins to open, you become much more vulnerable. Here you are more easily persuaded, and until your powers of discernment have grown strong, you can be influenced in all kinds of directions. You are less shielded now. You are more open. Therefore, it is important that you become more discerning and more attentive."

The bridge to a new life when a parent

"Maintain your duties. Provide for your children."

"If you are in a relationship and you have children, do not make any sudden moves in your life."

"Do not make any sudden decisions about your primary relationships if you are married with children, for in most cases it will be premature."

"The most difficult thing in the early stages is people’s obligation to others, to their friends, their family. The only exception to this obligation is the raising of your children, which you must do until they reach adulthood. But to all others, your relationship is now put into doubt. There are circumstances where you will have to care for an elderly or infirm parent, and that is appropriate. But beyond this, you are building your allegiance to God, and that will challenge your allegiance to others and their hold upon you."

See Also

Metaphors for the new life

Further study

• Journey to a New Life