We’re always in relationship to something — to where we find ourselves, to
who we face, to who was there when we took our first breath and who is
there when we take our last breath, and to who’s there in between. Somewhere along the way, we find that we want something more than what’s inside of us. That’s part of the function of this world: to get us involved in expression, to take us from the place we are and move us forward. That in itself is an illusion, because the reality is we come to where we already are. But the world has a way of bringing us out and bringing the expression forward that’s necessary to know that each of us is already present with himself or herself.
– John Morton
The need to seek “more than what is within us” is a driving force for personal and collective growth. It is a spiritual quest to grow, learn, and fulfill ourselves. The external world acts as a trigger, pushing us out of our comfort zone and into action, compelling us to express our being.
Although we are driven to “move forward,” we ultimately return to who we already are. This reflects the paradox of personal transformation: we evolve while fundamentally remaining ourselves. This notion of returning emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the recognition of our intrinsic worth, which is not dependent on external actions or achievements.
Personal expression is the means through which we become aware of our existence and our place in the world. Various forms of expression—artistic, intellectual, spiritual—shape how we perceive ourselves. The idea of “knowing that each person is already present for themselves” is a call to acknowledge our inner completeness and our ability to fully exist independently of external validation.
The illusion created by the world (pushing us to seek outside ourselves) and the reality of our being (we are already whole) resonate with Buddhist teachings and metaphysical concepts. Paradoxically, this illusion is necessary to access the truth of our presence. This paradox highlights the role of challenges and external quests in our spiritual awakening.
Morton emphasizes that the world “invites us to participate.” This can be seen as a call to action and engagement in relationships, communities, and experiences.
The world as a mirror: the text suggests that our interactions with the world reflect our inner journey. The world merely reveals what we already carry within ourselves.
The text highlights that we are constantly in a relationship—not only with people but also with places, events, and even ourselves. The connections that shape our existence are numerous and profound. Being tied to the person present at our beginning, the one by our side at our end, and all those in between underscores the continuity of human interactions over time.
We’re always in relationship. We’re always in relationship
