What Is Mine To Do? How Am I To Do It?

“To begin by always thinking of love as an action rather than a feeling is one way in which anyone using the word in this manner automatically assumes accountability and responsibility.”

~ bell hooks

Few questions are more important to an individual than the question “What is mine to do?” This question calls forth a sense of inner accountability and of inner identity, both of which enable our evolutionary growth. When we have not seriously and deeply considered this question, we often find ourselves scattered, over-committed, or adrift.

In my Beloved Community books, I speak to the idea of having boards and other groups engage in a process of answering the questions “Here is what you can count on me to do” and “Here is what you cannot count on me to do.” The very process of answering these brings a sense of personal clarity to the individual and sets boundaries within the group.

It is only through the acceptance of individual accountability that the group can successfully navigate toward achieving its mission. When adults fail to take responsibility for what is theirs to do, the group will wallow in a miasma of drama and failure.

“What is spirituality and what is the contemporary spiritual journey about? It’s about empowerment and it’s about taking responsibility for the power of your soul.”

~ Caroline Myss

“Self-Esteem“

Our teaching, The Science of Mind, tells us that we are powerful beyond our understanding by nature. We are capable of the expression of love, strength, wisdom, and joy because we have access to unlimited potential through our individualized soul. It is our natural birthright to thrive. But we can realize this level of being only by being radically honest with ourselves and holding ourselves accountable for the highest expression of who we are.

True accountability comes from within. It is about knowing oneself deeply. When we have only a surface idea of who we are, our accountability is driven from without – from family, society, the law, the church. When this is the case, we feel imprisoned and inadequate. The Science of Mind helps us to find the inner locus of power, our divine center, from which true accountability can emerge. When we live by our own authentic compass, we do not need to worry about the laws – we will do what is right. We will also be less likely to be influenced by negative societal pressures.

“One cannot do more than live what one really is. And we are all made up of opposites and conflicting tendencies. After much reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is better to live what one really is and accept the difficulties that arise as a result – because avoidance is much worse.”

~ C. G. Jung

“Reflections on the Life and Dreams of C.G. Jung”, page 13

Evolutionary theory shows us that life requires unpredictability, or randomness, to exist and evolve. This means that we can expect the unexpected to occur from time to time. We must accept the reality of paradox and mystery as elements of our accountability, as they are integral to reality. This is where the expression God laughs at our plans comes from; life is largely unpredictable.

“After midlife we are truly on our own, morally and psychologically responsible for the conduct of the journey, and not only the outer world but our own psyche will hold us accountable.”

~ James Hollis

“Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life“

I must learn that only I am responsible for my own evolutionary growth and development. While I may work to encourage and enable others to grow, it is ultimately up to them whether and how they do so. There will always be those who are ahead of me and those who are behind me in the process. Some will continue to grow, and others will stagnate, remaining where they are or even de-evolving. Our lives will be filled with people who are difficult for a variety of reasons, some positive and some negative. What is ours to do?

“When we generate compassion for the difficult people in our lives, we get to see our prejudices and aversions even more clearly. It can feel completely unreasonable to make a compassionate wish for these irritating, belligerent people. To wish that those we dislike and fear would not suffer can feel like too big a leap. This is a good time to remember that when we harden our heart against anyone, we hurt ourselves.”

~ Pema Chödrön 

This is where the need for compassion arises. Compassion includes true accountability – it is not mere niceness; it is an insistence on a truth based on love and wisdom. Compassion answers the question How am I to do it? We are to do what is ours to do from a deep sense of accountability and compassion. Compassion for ourselves and for others.

We may forget that to be compassionate means to act from love and wisdom, AND to be radically honest. One cannot be truly compassionate and deny or refuse to speak the truth as they know it. Compassion can be difficult to receive sometimes because it will remind us of who and what we really are but may not be behaving as such. Compassion is never without love, but it is also never without truth.

“Perfection is inhuman. Human beings are not perfect. What evokes our love — and I mean love, not lust — is the imperfection of the human being. So, when the imperfection of the real person peaks through, say, ‘This is a challenge to my compassion.’”

~ Joseph Campbell

Our current political/social/media climate is filled with confusion, false narratives, faux outrage, and unhealed shadow. We are called to have conversations with those who have ideological differences, to see “both sides” (as if there are only two) as being valid, and that we are all more alike than different. What this approach often does not consider is that so many have been effectively trained to cling to their grievances, ideological beliefs, and political narratives regardless of whether they are supported by evidence or whether they harm others. All points of view are not equally wise and loving.

And yet, we must try. When we do so despite the challenges we must develop our sense of true compassion, determined to neither abuse nor be abused. And to see the possibilities in the other while being open to discovering where we may lack sufficient awareness or have succumbed to false beliefs ourselves. And, perhaps at the end of the day, to walk away without the desired result.

So, What is Mind to Do? First, to work on myself to develop a capacity for true compassion, then find constructive action to take which resonates deeply within.

How Do I Do It? From a place of wisdom, love, and compassion for yourself and others.

“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Copyright 2026 – Jim Lockard

https://newthoughtevolutionary.wordpress.com