I wish to express my appreciation for the comments of my friends, Crystal Rose VH and LittleOwl on this topic.

The greater one advances in the spiritual/mystical life, the greater are hazards for self-aggrandizement (ego trips), self-delusion, or a descent into madness. All great souls recognize their human fragility in these areas and are ever on their guard. Hence they have a more stringent scaffolding or structure within, as Crystal Rose VH says. Most great souls thus maintain a firm grasp on reality in the outer world by continuing to live in community with other souls and even working in jobs, careers, and ministries.

In the historic Christian tradition, both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic, the Saints themselves continued in this mortal life to engage in spiritual direction from other souls and go to Confession. This is reflected in one form or another in other world faiths.

Also I had used the metaphor of the soul taking flight as a bird. But birds have the capacity for safe, controlled flight built within them by instinct. Read the New Age classic, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach for a highly inspirational understanding of free, unhindered flight.smiley: happy


Thom.

Last Edited By: StMichaelThomasDC Aug 26 11 1:26 AM. Edited 2 times.