Rev. angel Kyodo williams: On Liberation, Justice and Love

Aspiration

The balance between grasping and aspiration is crucial for personal growth. Rev. angel Kyodo Williams explains that aspiration should enliven and stretch us without causing us to lose our essential sense of self. She emphasizes the importance of being grateful for where we are while reaching for more, as this is our evolutionary call 1. Rev. angel shares her personal journey of embracing differences and how it led her to Zen practice, which provided a foundation for her life 2.

If you become untethered from your basic ground, then that's grasping. And if on the other hand, there's a sense of that reach actually enlivening you, even if it causes you to stretch, then that's aspiration.

--- Rev. angel Kyodo Williams

This balance allows us to pursue growth without losing ourselves in the process.

   

Limitations

Breaking self-imposed limitations requires a mindset of exploration and resilience. Rev. angel Kyodo Williams discusses the importance of being undefended and open to experiences, which helps in overcoming internal and external barriers 3. She highlights the role of capitalism in creating societal limitations, where people often devalue themselves, making it easier for the system to maintain order 4.

I've completely divested myself to external circumstances being the cause, and therefore having the potential to detract from my basic sense of contentment with my life and who I am.

--- Rev. angel Kyodo Williams

By recognizing and challenging these limitations, we can move towards a more liberated and fulfilling life.