The Development of Trust

"A Course in Miracles" lays it out plainly: trust is the cornerstone for anyone aspiring to be a Teacher of God. Everyone is teaching who they are everyday by their actions, thoughts and words. This isn't just about trusting others; it's about having faith in yourself and the divine guidance within you. Many people get sidetracked, thinking spiritual growth is all about reaching altered states of consciousness, but the real goal is developing altered traits.

These traits show up when your words, actions, and thoughts are in sync. Honesty takes on a new level—perfect honesty means your spoken words always reflect your true inner self. It demands that there's no gap between what you say, do, and think. Essentially, every thought should back up another; each word should harmonize with the next.

Reaching this kind of integrity isn't easy—it's a tough standard to live up to—but it's crucial for real spiritual progress. Integrity means being whole and undivided; it’s when what's inside matches what’s outside. As we work toward this balance, one thing becomes clear: as long as our words are genuine reflections of our truth, we're headed in the right direction—but all thoughts need to be aligned for us to truly live this ideal. This alignment isn't just about the words we speak; it extends to our actions, intentions, and even our silent thoughts. It's a continuous journey of self-awareness and honesty, where we must confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves. Often, we might find that our inner dialogue is at odds with what we present to the world. This discord can create a sense of dissonance that affects not only our personal growth but also how others perceive us.

To cultivate integrity, we must consistently check in with ourselves and ask: Are my actions reflecting my values? Am I being true to who I am? Is this what I am truly guided to say or actions I want to take? It requires vulnerability and courage to peel back the layers of pretence we've built over time. The process may be daunting; there will be moments of doubt or hesitation when facing those truths can feel overwhelming. Yet, embracing this honest path leads to profound liberation.

When we live authentically, not only do we foster deeper connections with others—free from the weight of maintaining facades—but we also pave the way for genuine spiritual evolution. In this pursuit of integrity, let’s remind ourselves that it’s okay to stumble along the way; what truly matters is getting back up and continuing on this meaningful journey toward wholeness.