Mistakes and Spiritual Integrity

A mistake is a wandering from the truth. But what it the truth?

Well, we won’t find out if we cover our mistakes with nice slogans like

“There are no mistakes - only learning opportunities “ OR “There are no mistakes - only results”.

As I’m wandering around these questions

Why is it so difficult for us to acknowledge our mistakes?

What could help us face our mistakes and failure without fear or shame?

I read this beautiful comment by William Stafford on poetry:

“Each poem is a miracle that has been invited to happen.

But these words, after they come, you look at what’s there. Why these? Why not some calculated careful contenders? Because these chosen ones must survive as they are made, by the reckless impulse of a fallible but susceptible person.

I must be willingly fallible in order to deserve a place in the realm where miracles happen.”

Miracles do grow from mistakes, growth does erupt from failures - only if we let them survive as they were born. Wandering away from the truth, exposed and vulnerable as we are, searching for meaning in experiences as they happen.

Forgiveness can be offered. To ourselves. To others. By offering genuine forgiveness we have to own our mistakes, let them survive the pain, let them be the chaotic, confused, unpleasing experience that they are.

To have spiritual integrity is to reintegrate the fractures of our being, the fractures of this world.

Each mistake I make causes a small crack in my being that leads to wholeness and healing by following the surprising glow that shines through it.

Follow your mistakes and they will lead you to a realm where miracles happen.

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Art: Diana Schmertz