As the creator of GGG, it is always challenging to "stay in the mix." Meaning, I have to practice what I preach. The last three months have proved difficult in that regard. A personal issue extending over twenty years has emerged (yet again!) to push, prod, vex and bedevil me. Several times I have been reduced to Anne Dillard's personal prayer ('help-help-help!'). And it isn't as if I'm not utilizing my own techniques. Ultimately, though, it is the outcome I am having trouble with. I keep thinking (believing--feeling) that if I just do a little more...
Thomas Merton (Trappist monk) said, "We stumble and fall constantly, even when we are most enlightened." I know this to be true...but I know another of his quote's is equally true: "Perhaps I am stronger than I think." In this context then, can I re-embrace gratitude for how the situation is now? Honestly appreciating it as it now stands--unfair, destructive, confusing? Can I view my personal angst as a metaphorical nova that will result in the creation of new elements--new aspects of my personality otherwise doomed to remain dormant? Can I learn to tango for two/you?
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Monday, July 18, 2016
Sibyl of the Rhine
"Divinity is in it's omniscience and omnipotence like a wheel, a circle, a whole, that can be neither understood, nor divided, nor begun nor ended."
"The mystery of God hugs you in it's all-encompassing arms."
"Humanity, take a good look at yourself. Inside you have heaven and earth, and all of creation. You're a world--everything is hidden in you."
"Even in a world that is being shipwrecked, remain brave and strong."
"We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light."
~Hildegard of Bingen
This remarkable woman (1098-1179) was a Benedictine nun who authored 9 books, 70 poems, a play, and composed music--for which she is most celebrated today. During her lifetime she was venerated as a visionary and seer. She advised and consulted bishops, kings and Popes, and actually called Frederick Barbarossa, the Holy Roman Emperor, a "madman" for his support of two anti-popes.
"The mystery of God hugs you in it's all-encompassing arms."
"Humanity, take a good look at yourself. Inside you have heaven and earth, and all of creation. You're a world--everything is hidden in you."
"Even in a world that is being shipwrecked, remain brave and strong."
"We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light."
~Hildegard of Bingen
This remarkable woman (1098-1179) was a Benedictine nun who authored 9 books, 70 poems, a play, and composed music--for which she is most celebrated today. During her lifetime she was venerated as a visionary and seer. She advised and consulted bishops, kings and Popes, and actually called Frederick Barbarossa, the Holy Roman Emperor, a "madman" for his support of two anti-popes.
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Sand, Sunni's, and Couscous
Algeria is over four-fifths desert--which would be an impressive statistic if it wasn't dwarfed by being 99% Sunni Islam. Those are some overwhelming percentages. And it seems everyone eats couscous...
The biggest surprise (for me) regarding Algeria was to find there is a Notre Dame d'Afrique. Located in Algiers, this cathedral is noted for the inscription behind the altar; "Notre Dame d'Afrique priez pour nous et pour les Musulmans." (Our Lady of Africa pray for us and for the Muslims) Hope she is listening.
The biggest surprise (for me) regarding Algeria was to find there is a Notre Dame d'Afrique. Located in Algiers, this cathedral is noted for the inscription behind the altar; "Notre Dame d'Afrique priez pour nous et pour les Musulmans." (Our Lady of Africa pray for us and for the Muslims) Hope she is listening.
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