unveiling our perfect selves
Michelangelo’s extraordinary sculptures, including the Pietà and David, are not merely carved stone; they are masterpieces that transcend time and space. When asked how he brought these magnificent creations to life, Michelangelo offered a profound insight: “The statue already existed within the marble. God Himself had created the Pietà, David, Moses.” He believed that his role as an artist was not to create something from nothing but to unveil what was already there, hidden within the marble.
In the same vein, each of us possesses a perfect self that is not the result of our striving or efforts to become something we are not. Instead, it is a divine creation, already present within us. As the great sculptor saw himself as a conduit for God's vision, we too can learn that our true essence is the love within us. This love, this perfect self, was placed within us by a higher power, and it is our task to let go of the excess and fearful thinking that obscures this inner brilliance.
Michelangelo's perspective can be seen as a powerful reminder that we need not strive endlessly to become a perfect version of ourselves. Instead, we must recognize and embrace the inherent beauty and goodness within ourselves. Just as Michelangelo chipped away at the excess marble to reveal the divine form hidden within, we must chip away at the negative thoughts and beliefs that shroud our perfect self in fear and doubt.
The Bible reminds us of our divine origin, stating, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them” (Genesis 1:27). This verse reaffirms that we are, at our core, reflections of the divine. Our true nature is love, compassion, and goodness, just as God intended. Our task is to eliminate the superfluous clutter that surrounds our sacred selves. To release the fears, doubts, and insecurities that have accumulated over time, much like the excess marble that enveloped Michelangelo's sculptures.
It's essential to recognize that this process of unveiling our perfect selves is not about achieving a state of flawlessness or never experiencing challenges. Instead, it's about acknowledging our inherent worthiness and striving to align with our true nature. As Marianne Williamson eloquently put it, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” This power lies in our capacity to love, to embrace our perfect self, and to share that love with the world.
Embracing the idea that our perfect self is already within us is not a call for complacency but a call to action. It's a call to let go of self-doubt, fear, and negativity and to tap into the wellspring of love and potential that resides within. Just as Michelangelo's sculptures continue to inspire and captivate us, our divine selves, when unveiled, have the power to touch the lives of those around us and make the world a better place.
So, never forget, like a sculpture hidden within a block of marble, your perfect self is waiting to be revealed. The wise and enlightened people in the world are those who have unlocked their inner spiritual power. When we learn from their journey, we're actually walking the path to discovering our own wisdom and enlightenment. Our job is to let go of the excess fears and doubts that obscure our true nature and allow the love within us to shine forth.
