The Beauty Of The Human Spirit

I’m sure you’ve heard of the adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

This is a true story that attests to this. It’s a story about a man named Jack.

Jack grew up living his life based upon his beliefs about how the world around him was. He made decisions and took action based upon those beliefs. The choices he made eventually led him to being incarcerated for 10 years.

You could say that the life he led in the past was written all over his face and in fact that is the case. He is heavily tattooed and there are all kinds of markings emblazoned on his face and body.

If you were to simply judge a book by it’s cover you would become stuck at merely being transfixed upon the indigo shapes and words that juxtaposition themselves over his skin.

You would make up meanings about them and define that he is particular type of person.

Perhaps you’d be intrigued, perhaps you’d be shocked, perhaps you’d be afraid or perhaps you wouldn’t even give him a 2^nd glance. If that were the case, you would never get to see that there’s a human being right in front of you.

No question there would be a man facing you that has been forged in the fire of life. Yet if you look deeper you can see the vulnerability, the desire and passion to change the course and trajectory from whence he came from and if you looked deeper still you’d recognize the beauty of the human spirit.

Yes this man has made mistakes. Show me a single human being that has not. We have all fallen down, made mistakes and failed at some point in our life. To err is human, to forgive Divine.

If you look beyond the mistakes, and see the years of redemption, the soul searching, the self-awakening and self acceptance that exists beyond the edge of self-deprecation, you will see an innocence emerge, like that of a child, a pure heart that has been in existence long before the ego and identity was ever formed.

This man is kind and is soft natured. He has extended himself way beyond what most people would ever do and he has paid the price of doing things that we as a community and society will never accept or condone as they transgress the boundaries of what we consider just and lawful.

There is pain and trauma hidden beneath the surface and yet, look a little deeper and you will see hope and a radiant light shining out of those blue eyes.

Today, if you give this man a chance, you will discover qualities that belie all the markings that are so prominently on display. On the contrary you will see a softness, a deep faith, courage and the ability to overcome any adversity.

That is the true beauty of the human spirit. The ability to overcome all odds and still radiate the Divine. Still smile, laugh, show up with integrity, loyalty and a joyous heart.

This is the story of a man that I feel honored to have met and know as I get to witness the blossoming of his becoming. In life we come across all types of people with all kinds of backgrounds and life experiences: some salubrious and others totally insalubrious.

What is important to be aware of is not what merely is apparent on the surface.

It is the ability to see beyond judgment, beyond identity and beyond beliefs to what is the pure consciousness and creative intelligence that lies within.

Transformation can occur in an instant and every human being deserves a 2^nd chance.

Next time you take a look at someone and begin to judge them, realize that they could be your brother or sister, your parent or child, your husband or wife. They could be a reflection of you. Take the time to stop, look deeper, beyond your own weaknesses, limitations and frailties and you will see the reflection of yourself.

Every human being is part of the family of man. While we strive valiantly to be separate and different, when we look deeper still we see that we are all connected, a mirror of each other, a mirror that reflects the beauty of the human spirit.

The 2 people in the photo are Jack Battle and his mentor Lt. Anthony Munoz of the Nevada Highway Patrol. On the surface they appear to be the antithesis of each other; an incongruous combination that doesn’t mix and could never work. Yet here they are.

The reality is they are like brothers. They do fit as they have a deep filial bond that contravenes the societal boundaries and perceptions placed upon them.

Love overcomes all obstacles and boundaries.

Jack has completely turned his life around and is embraced by his family. He’s currently employed doing what he loves. The smile on his face says it all.

Lt. Munoz is a police officer with a huge heart. His focus is on making a difference in the lives of people around him. Anthony goes above and beyond the call of duty with his kindness, caring and compassion. I am deeply honored to know him and witness the blossoming of the extraordinary friendship between the 2 of them. Together they make a dynamic duo and are are an inspiration to all.

When we remove our prejudices, perceptions, beliefs and the definitions that we use to make meaning of the world, we are left with the ability to be established in an open heart. We can welcome our differences, learn from each other and cultivate wisdom from receiving a new perspective.

Just ask Jack and Anthony. Together they are leading the way.

Together they exemplify the true beauty of the human spirit.