John D. Caputo (Power of the Powerless) states; "Whatever it is you say God is, God is more. The very constitution of the idea is deconstructive of any such construction...the very formula that describes God is that there is no formula with which to describe God."
I absolutely agree with Mr. Caputo. Still, what is G-G-G if not a formula, or at the least, a process? And my contention is, ultimately, within the dynamic (process) an ASPECT of God is experienced. How can I embrace both views? By simply allowing the "Gift" to be whatever it is that is experienced. That no limitations, boundaries, or expectations be imposed on the experience. We allow it (Life) to come through unfiltered--accept it in Gratitude--then decide what, if anything, we choose to do. If a situation is rife with discord, do we wish to add to the cacophony? Or do we desire a peaceful resolution? Choice is always part of the Eternal Now. Even if that choice is that you refuse to choose.
Here is an example. Many people I talk to want "peace" in their life. A reduction, if not a cessation, of so much "drama." I ask them how they would rate their "patience." The usual answer is; it needs work. Well, I say, how many opportunities does Life provide (on a daily basis!) for you to improve or enhance your level of patience? Rather than an attitude of, I can't take any more of this crap; you develop a response that perceives the event as an occasion (Gift) to explore the parameters of what makes you angry or reactive. To question; what button of mine was just pushed? Why did I react so forcefully to something that, in truth, really isn't that important to me? Do I actually see patience as capitulation? Am I really all that interested in becoming a patient person, or is it simply a characteristic I think I am suppose to have?
So, the formula becomes what I experience and how I respond IS the very formula for which there is no formula. Because I am not describing God, I am experiencing God. I am not saying what God is, I am saying how I understood Him in the moment. That I realize the creativity of the Creator, though beyond my comprehension, does not preclude a manifestation of that creativity in my life. That paradox is, in the end, nothing more nor less than another aspect of God.
Or is it?
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Child of the Universe
If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Desiderata, you are in for a treat. If you have, and its been awhile, it will be like a pleasant reunion with a good friend. Either way, enjoy.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield against sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever you labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
~ Max Ehrmann (written 1927)
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield against sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever you labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
~ Max Ehrmann (written 1927)
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Brass Tacks
Well the results are in and the consensus is I'm sometimes difficult to understand. The most recent example is Fridays post where I linked the song "Stones" to the post because of the line; "a landslide starts with a single PEBBLE." The individual in question didn't make the association. Further, the line; "...now is the time, this is the place, you are the person;" with the link to Orly's video was specific for you to do something similar this weekend. The direction, "mount up" was a reference to the 2-23-13 post of the same name that instructs you to ACT! That I am not the least bit interested in your excuses. (in case I was unclear the entire post)
While spirituality is self-generated, you can "grease the wheels." It won't happen though, if you come to this site with an every day attitude. If all you bring is your five senses, nothing much is going to happen. If however, you tote your imagination and your intuition in here, with an understanding of metaphor and allegory, momentum will start to build towards a manifestation of "promises made" (that if you see things as a Gift, with authentic Gratitude, God will make His presence known).
A simple test for you is to go to the "headers" atop Home-Gift-Gratitude-God; they tell a story. Can you see it? The About Me and Blog headers are very much a part of that story, though nuanced to a specific part of the "plot" rather than the story in general. Can you discern the distinctions? I can tell you hours (and HOURS!) were spent selecting the "perfect" pictures. The restrictions on what was available were enormous. (they had to be free and site specific) Gwenn and I went at it several times (hammer and tong) as to the appropriateness of what we were using and why. That Gwenn adopted this attitude is why I love her. She became a collaborator. She took part ownership of MY web site!
I told you that to tell you this; I anticipate the same involvement from you. Mentally, metaphorically, "take off your sandals" (the worlds mass hypnosis) as you enter this site. (see the first sentence of the July 3rd post; Holy Ground) This is the way to maximize the benefits. If you should snort derisively and think--this fool believes his site is holy ground, up his--trust me, I get it. The problem is, you won't. Another opportunity will go by the wayside. And you will wonder why your head hurts as you continue to bang it against the proverbial wall.
Know that you are most welcome to bang your head against the wall. This too is a gift. How else for you to insure all roads have been explored? As Neil Diamond said, "being lost is worth the coming home." And whether you know it or not, you are headed home--the game is rigged, the outcome assured. G-G-G is just a way to hasten the process. Now I ask you, is that really so hard to understand?
While spirituality is self-generated, you can "grease the wheels." It won't happen though, if you come to this site with an every day attitude. If all you bring is your five senses, nothing much is going to happen. If however, you tote your imagination and your intuition in here, with an understanding of metaphor and allegory, momentum will start to build towards a manifestation of "promises made" (that if you see things as a Gift, with authentic Gratitude, God will make His presence known).
A simple test for you is to go to the "headers" atop Home-Gift-Gratitude-God; they tell a story. Can you see it? The About Me and Blog headers are very much a part of that story, though nuanced to a specific part of the "plot" rather than the story in general. Can you discern the distinctions? I can tell you hours (and HOURS!) were spent selecting the "perfect" pictures. The restrictions on what was available were enormous. (they had to be free and site specific) Gwenn and I went at it several times (hammer and tong) as to the appropriateness of what we were using and why. That Gwenn adopted this attitude is why I love her. She became a collaborator. She took part ownership of MY web site!
I told you that to tell you this; I anticipate the same involvement from you. Mentally, metaphorically, "take off your sandals" (the worlds mass hypnosis) as you enter this site. (see the first sentence of the July 3rd post; Holy Ground) This is the way to maximize the benefits. If you should snort derisively and think--this fool believes his site is holy ground, up his--trust me, I get it. The problem is, you won't. Another opportunity will go by the wayside. And you will wonder why your head hurts as you continue to bang it against the proverbial wall.
Know that you are most welcome to bang your head against the wall. This too is a gift. How else for you to insure all roads have been explored? As Neil Diamond said, "being lost is worth the coming home." And whether you know it or not, you are headed home--the game is rigged, the outcome assured. G-G-G is just a way to hasten the process. Now I ask you, is that really so hard to understand?
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