Yesterday, when I went to bed (before I fell asleep) I felt someone’s hands on the top of my head gently trying to lift it off like the lid on a jar. An empty jar? You be the judge. I’ve never felt that sensation before. Only goosebumps. And it felt like actual hands. I knew it was Erik. Now it’s your job to guess what he was trying to tell me. Be creative, peeps.

About this post, be forewarned. This one is controversial, but, as I mention later, I did clarify some of this in my last session. Feedback welcome as always!

Me: Okay, here’s a long one from a blog member, but it’s a pretty simple subject. “They say that honesty is the best policy, but I think it only helps people who can accept the truth. The problem is, I don’t know anybody who can accept the complete truth. From what I’ve seen, unconditional honesty leads to lost jobs, broken relationships, etc. So what gives? Is there a positive spiritual basis for lying or not telling the total truth? There’s a big range: lying to the Nazis about harboring Jews, doing something you disagree with in order to keep your job, withholding personal thoughts and feelings. If there is no right or wrong, how do you know when to tell the truth and be punished or rejected or just lie and save our ass?”

Erik: Dude. Tell the reader that you always tell the truth.

Me: Wait. Are you saying that you’re supposed to tell the Nazis that the Jews are in the attic?

Erik: Nice example, but look at it this way. It’s the language you choose to use when you’re speaking the truth. So, if you know something and it’s not your responsibility to keep it a secret to keep someone safe in the attic or beneath the floor, then you say it. But you say it in a language that’s not attacking.

I cringe. Don’t worry. He clarifies this later. Thank god.

Erik: I think people go wrong when they throw out blunt truths or get confused on what personal opinion is versus truth.

Me: Yeah.

Erik: Saying, “Those shoes are so fucking ugly on you”, that’s an opinion. Saying how you feel—

Me: Mm hm.

Erik: So being honest, you’d say, “In my opinion, I don’t like those shoes.”

Me: What if somebody asks, “Do I look fat in this dress?” and they do? What are you gong to say?

Erik: Seriously?

Me: Yes.

Erik: If she looks fat, I’d say, “In my eyes, that is not the best dress on you. I world try a different cut.”

Me: And then she says, “Wait. Are you telling me I’m fat?” What do you say?

Erik: I would say to her that those are her own words, not mine.

Me: And what about if the Nazis come to your house and ask you if you’re harboring Jews?

Erik: Am I, in this case?

Me: Yeah. Yeah.

Erik: I am?

Me: Mm hm.

Erik: Okay. How many.

Me: Oh, let’s say—

Erik laughs. He’s just yanking my chain.

Me: Oh, Erik. Let’s say they’re six, like that matters. Let’s say one of them is a baby and one is a young child.

Erik: Action. Go.

Me: What?

Erik: Action. Go! What were you going to ask?

Me: What do you say to the Nazis who are banging on your door asking if you’re harboring Jews?

Erik: Then me and my integrity—and I know those people and I want to protect them—I would take that question as am I harboring a Jew on my physical body? Then I would say to them, “No, I am not personally harboring any Jews.”

Me: Okay, well that’s sort of scurrying around the truth, isn’t it?

Erik: Well, no, because I interpreted his question and I responded. He didn’t ask if I had any in my house.

In a recent session, I asked him what he’d do if they actually asked, “Are you harboring Jews in your house.” I’ll transcribe and post that eventually.”

Me: Yeah, but you kind of know what they mean. It’s being dishonest to yourself, isn’t it?

Erik: No. I just wish people would discern between personal opinion and absolute honesty. If you’re not in love with someone but you pretend to be because you don’t like the outcome of it, it’s not right. If you’re in a job that sucks and you’re getting constantly bullied or your pay is not enough or you simply just don’t like it but you make yourself go, these are things that need to be flushed out of your life.

Me: Exactly.

Erik: And once you can handle being truly honest with who you are, then play the game of “What am I going to hold back.”