The most blessed thing in the world is to live by faith without imputation of guilt; having the Kingdom within.
—Paul Goodman—
What does it mean, to have the kingdom within? At those times when we’re happiest, we also feel most blessed. The kingdom is one name for a peaceful spirit.
There are times, though, when we doubt whether anyone could live this way, in hope and joy. No regrets, no fears, no guilty conscience: how can it be? So often we feel we have to cover our happiness with misery,to feel bad in order to feel good. But the inner kingdom is built of self-acceptance. When we learn to love ourselves for the good people we are, that kingdom is ours.
Even when happiness is not our condition, even when sadness clouds our lives, we can be peaceful. By knowing ourselves to be good, and by believing we deserve goodness in return, we will acquire the strength to endure. The faith we live by is a peaceful, hopeful faith in the goodness of our own spirit.
I’ll work to free myself from the shadow of old shame and guilt. I can be blessed as I choose to become.