While camping on Mount Monadnock I had a most vivid dream. A person I am fond of was saying to me "wake-up". They said it repeatedly and with increasing volume and insistence. I discounted it until I thought about two other very odd experiences during the trip, one involving an owl and another a dragon fly. Both of these could also be conveying that message "wake-up". And perhaps it is not only to me but to others as well. But the question still remained, what is it that I am, that we, are supposed to wake up from? What is it that I am, that we, are supposed to wake up to?
One possible answer came through the studying of that week's Torah portion. The Israelites have come to the end of their long journey through the desert. They are getting instructions from God before they cross the Jordan. They are about to start a brand new kind of life, a lifestyle that none of them, for many generations back, have ever experienced. This requires a substantial leap of faith. They had to trust in God that they will be shown where to go and how to live. They needed to have faith that everything is going to be fine. The promise was there, they were given an opportunity. But maybe it was like a dress rehearsal where mistakes are made so improvement can happen.
Perhaps just so for us except now it is the real thing. We are about to cross over into the actual performance. And we could find that what we thought was reality was illusion. We too, are on the cusp of great change, on the brink of enlightenment. Now is the time for those of us who can, to wake up. A new life could be just ahead. A life in which the bubble we call our ego is dissolved and we fully experience the connection that exists between all of us and all that is, with that which is one and eternal. At this moment we might have little concept of how it will feel or what we are to do. But we can know that it will all be for the good, that everything is going to be fine. What's to worry? The finite, material world is less then a blink of an eye. We can rest and be comforted with the knowledge that we are going to a land that is truly flowing with metaphysical milk and honey, that Creator will, and is, showing us the way. What are we waiting for? All we have to do is pick up the challenge and let go of the fear.
Each of us has a choice. We actually make it everyday. What are your life priorities? Where is Spirit the most present for you? Shall we wake-up and cross over together or will we hold back? It could be great fun to take that leap together, leap into the arms of universal, unconditional love; that glorious light of all that is. It is given to us by Creator as a birthright to make our own and to settle in. What a marvelous adventure! And maybe all we need to do is open our eyes and wake-up to the promise.
Tuesday
Choose to be happy
Choose
Choose to be happy
Its within your control
check out: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/13/when-a-brain-scientist-suffers-a-stroke/
Choose to be happy
Its within your control
check out: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/13/when-a-brain-scientist-suffers-a-stroke/
Sunday
Lessons on Preparation 5/18
Hearing is a vital part of a spiritual life. Hearing, whether with ears, or mind or soul, leads to learning Creator's instructions for how to live a life in tune with this eternal source of love. This week I learned about an instruction that has maybe almost never has been fully carried out; to leave all the fields in Israel (about the size of New Jersey) fallow, at rest for a full year once every seven years. No tilling the soil, no pruning vines, no sowing seed. What a leap of faith! God promised that people would be fed in much the same way as the manna fell for a double portion on the day before Shabbat. But not cultivating the soil for a year requires an extreme level of faith and commitment. Faith is an essential component of a spirit connected life but a year's worth of food could mean mass starvation.
It's called a Shabbat for the land. As I thought about this I realized it would theoretically be doable with some safety if the farmers took great care and attention to prepare for this event. Keeping the weeds out in the previous years would be important. In the sixth year leaving things to flower and to go to seed naturally would make sense. This is similar to a Jew preparing for Shabbat or any family or friends getting together to have a special dinner. The day before bread needs to be baked and before that supplies need to be brought. This is not something that can be really done well spontaneously. Shabbat in particular is a time for rest and connecting with God. But also important in bringing holiness into the world is the days, or years before in which we plan and do things that make the Shabbat, whether of the week or of the land, possible and pleasant. The lesson for me was that like a stone plopped into a pond, one event, Shabbat, initiates ripples (preparation) which moves the holiness out into the world. However we set time apart in our day or week or years to bringing holiness into the world brings that connection to Creator into our lives not only through the actual moment but the preparation that leads up to it.
The second lesson I learned was just as Shabbat or setting aside times of prayer leads to ripples of preparation, it is the preparation itself that makes Shabbat and those moments possible in the first place. Preparation involves clearly seeing options, planning, teamwork, cooperation and coordination. The later it is in the process the more vital to do as much as we can. It's not unusual for me to leave far too many details to the last minute. And what if our lives on this material, finite level are simply preparation for a life in eternity? Imagine sand running through an hour glass. At some point each of us reaches the end of this life, at some point humans will get to a point of spiritual transition. How do we prepare for that spiritual connection that breaks though all our limitations? Some would say Learn Torah and do Teshuva and mitzvot. In other words, do what we do to hear Creator's instructions, turn our life around in all the ways we need forgiveness and come back to Spirit, do acts of kindness, good deeds, and love, love each other and above all else love the Divine Presence, all those things that God asks of us.
Time might be short. What if we are down to the last few grains of sand in the hour glass? Who can know for sure. Its better to be prepared and have more time then not be prepared and have time run out. And regardless of where we are in the cycle of enlightenment, prioritizing prayer, cleaning-up and repairing those places where we need to make amends and spread kindness and compassion where ever we go will prepare us for eternity, redemption or at least abundant blessings in our lives. We will never pass this way again. What could be more important?
It's called a Shabbat for the land. As I thought about this I realized it would theoretically be doable with some safety if the farmers took great care and attention to prepare for this event. Keeping the weeds out in the previous years would be important. In the sixth year leaving things to flower and to go to seed naturally would make sense. This is similar to a Jew preparing for Shabbat or any family or friends getting together to have a special dinner. The day before bread needs to be baked and before that supplies need to be brought. This is not something that can be really done well spontaneously. Shabbat in particular is a time for rest and connecting with God. But also important in bringing holiness into the world is the days, or years before in which we plan and do things that make the Shabbat, whether of the week or of the land, possible and pleasant. The lesson for me was that like a stone plopped into a pond, one event, Shabbat, initiates ripples (preparation) which moves the holiness out into the world. However we set time apart in our day or week or years to bringing holiness into the world brings that connection to Creator into our lives not only through the actual moment but the preparation that leads up to it.
The second lesson I learned was just as Shabbat or setting aside times of prayer leads to ripples of preparation, it is the preparation itself that makes Shabbat and those moments possible in the first place. Preparation involves clearly seeing options, planning, teamwork, cooperation and coordination. The later it is in the process the more vital to do as much as we can. It's not unusual for me to leave far too many details to the last minute. And what if our lives on this material, finite level are simply preparation for a life in eternity? Imagine sand running through an hour glass. At some point each of us reaches the end of this life, at some point humans will get to a point of spiritual transition. How do we prepare for that spiritual connection that breaks though all our limitations? Some would say Learn Torah and do Teshuva and mitzvot. In other words, do what we do to hear Creator's instructions, turn our life around in all the ways we need forgiveness and come back to Spirit, do acts of kindness, good deeds, and love, love each other and above all else love the Divine Presence, all those things that God asks of us.
Time might be short. What if we are down to the last few grains of sand in the hour glass? Who can know for sure. Its better to be prepared and have more time then not be prepared and have time run out. And regardless of where we are in the cycle of enlightenment, prioritizing prayer, cleaning-up and repairing those places where we need to make amends and spread kindness and compassion where ever we go will prepare us for eternity, redemption or at least abundant blessings in our lives. We will never pass this way again. What could be more important?
Tuesday
Worship 4/20/08
"In jewish mysticism there is a concept of the tree of life which is made up of 10 sepherot or spheres. Each sphere is connected to others with tubes or pipes. Some think that the idea is that this form integrates into our individual and collective souls. The spheres are like values that regulate how much Light can come through us into the world. The less contaminates, the cleaner, clearer the pipes, the more Light comes through but too much or not balanced and everything explodes which is why there needs to be valves. Each valve has a particular aspect.
This morning I meditated on the juncture of spiritual knowledge (Da'at) that is connected to judgment or strength on the left (called Gevurah )and love, compassion, mercy connected on the right (Chesed). Down the middle, knowledge is connected to beauty (Tiferet). I realized that while gevurah and chesed balance each other there is tiferet, a middle point that grounds them both. This is an important message for me this morning. By focusing on beauty I have something that can hold me in that centered place. This is especially necessary during difficult times, times when it feels like we are attacked on the basis of our views and convictions with the aim to harm or silence us.
As I concentrate on the higher knowledge and the guidance I get from this source, my spiritual energy can feel like it swings back and forth in rapid succession between loving kindness and good judgment. However, if I learn to keep a firm hold on that pivot point of beauty which is all around us, in the depth of a flower, the song of a bird, the face of beloved friends I am greatly enriched. For each of us, by holding on to beauty we will keep our core firmly rooted in God's goodness. In this way the tree of life has total stability and we can build a Garden of Eden where each of us can grow in love, in light and find true peace."
This morning I meditated on the juncture of spiritual knowledge (Da'at) that is connected to judgment or strength on the left (called Gevurah )and love, compassion, mercy connected on the right (Chesed). Down the middle, knowledge is connected to beauty (Tiferet). I realized that while gevurah and chesed balance each other there is tiferet, a middle point that grounds them both. This is an important message for me this morning. By focusing on beauty I have something that can hold me in that centered place. This is especially necessary during difficult times, times when it feels like we are attacked on the basis of our views and convictions with the aim to harm or silence us.
As I concentrate on the higher knowledge and the guidance I get from this source, my spiritual energy can feel like it swings back and forth in rapid succession between loving kindness and good judgment. However, if I learn to keep a firm hold on that pivot point of beauty which is all around us, in the depth of a flower, the song of a bird, the face of beloved friends I am greatly enriched. For each of us, by holding on to beauty we will keep our core firmly rooted in God's goodness. In this way the tree of life has total stability and we can build a Garden of Eden where each of us can grow in love, in light and find true peace."
Worship 4/13/08
"A few weeks ago I went to the dentist for some rather extensive work and was given nitrous oxide. In the experience I sensed the vibration of life energy force. Humans I found operate at a very hight level, trees very, very slow; like an "eeee" as opposed to a "w-a-h, w-a-h. w-a-h". I felt that this place of vibration was one of the key spaces where we can connect our true selves with all of creation and the divine essence. At committee day in New Hampshire yesterday I found that the high level was increased to an extreme frenetic level. We were all so committed, wanting so much to help with the repair of the world, tikkun olam. One of the models that was put forward was Gandhi yet we also learned that he had seriously abused his wife and daughter and I realized that even the best of us, we are all so human; with incredible wonderfulness and serious flaws. That our humanness is something that we should not only try to understand in a spirit of forgiveness and acceptance but also find amusement and delight in all our quirkiness.
Committee day was gorgeous with bright sun and clouds so afterwards for about 3 hours I went to hike on Mt. Monadnock, oh my goodness! The ranger said the snow was half way up the calf in places and the rest was free flowing water melt. But I found it quite passable and beyond belief beautiful. After the wonderful high energy, it gave my life balance all that beauty and slow, low vibration. It was an awesome experience in the true sense of that word.
I again thought about the dentist experience and another thing that came from that was a prayer. "Oh God, all of us human beings are trying so very, very hard. Please, please have compassion." I realize that not only do we need this from God but I and we need to cultivate that compassion in our own hearts. We are all fabulous and flawed. Finding this compassion I and we can get to that place of balance, of beauty and peace. We can connect with the eternal Spirit of pure love and know that Light within. For over an hour on my trip back to the Cape I followed a rainbow and I know for certain that ultimately all is well."
Committee day was gorgeous with bright sun and clouds so afterwards for about 3 hours I went to hike on Mt. Monadnock, oh my goodness! The ranger said the snow was half way up the calf in places and the rest was free flowing water melt. But I found it quite passable and beyond belief beautiful. After the wonderful high energy, it gave my life balance all that beauty and slow, low vibration. It was an awesome experience in the true sense of that word.
I again thought about the dentist experience and another thing that came from that was a prayer. "Oh God, all of us human beings are trying so very, very hard. Please, please have compassion." I realize that not only do we need this from God but I and we need to cultivate that compassion in our own hearts. We are all fabulous and flawed. Finding this compassion I and we can get to that place of balance, of beauty and peace. We can connect with the eternal Spirit of pure love and know that Light within. For over an hour on my trip back to the Cape I followed a rainbow and I know for certain that ultimately all is well."
see the rainbows
I recently was on a walk that was gorgeous! As I stopped on a little bridge and looked into a stream the sun was to my side. My gray hair had fallen before my eyes and created prisms. I was literally seeing rainbows before my eyes. How cool is that! Anyway, it was delightful with honeysuckle leafing out but there was also a lot of mud. My mind went to the crossing of the Reed Sea and how the people complained about the mud. I understood because in the thickest part it could easily have taken off my shoes. Maybe some people got so stuck they couldn't move. Just so in life. People can get so stuck in obsessions or thinking badly about others, feeling disrespected, resentful, all that negative, self absorbed goop. Amelek tendencies attack us from behind. Those transcendent moments are incredibly important for spiritual connection and enlightenment but eventually we all, even Moses, have to come down the mountain.
When I was at a religious service this year at a bay, everyone was oohing about the myriad of fish darting back and forth. Soon I realized that what they were seeing was not the fish but their shadows. The light was such that the actual fish were virtually invisible. So often we focus on the shadow. We get fooled into thinking it is real. Some of us find it an easy way to fool each other, fool our family, fool even ourselves but we cannot (and I think this is of critical importance) we can never fool God. Creator knows everything, our very thoughts. All the rationalization justifications doesn't matter, we and our actions and attitudes are seen for what we are. On my walk I noticed that out of the mud was sprouting the skunk cabbage. The lesson was that the trick is to rise above the shadow, rise above the mud. Even when we know, see and maybe even experience it, understand that it does not have to influence or anchor us, we can just let it be and let it go and pull ourselves into the light. We can understand our connection to that Source of all and be the person we really are. This is where God knows us, in truth.
God doesn't want any of us to beat ourselves up, just get better and better, stronger and stronger in who we are - above the mud, beyond the shadow, in the Light. It is only when we are above the mud and shadow that this can be fully realized. And if we make the effort, God is there to help, the door is open.
When I was at a religious service this year at a bay, everyone was oohing about the myriad of fish darting back and forth. Soon I realized that what they were seeing was not the fish but their shadows. The light was such that the actual fish were virtually invisible. So often we focus on the shadow. We get fooled into thinking it is real. Some of us find it an easy way to fool each other, fool our family, fool even ourselves but we cannot (and I think this is of critical importance) we can never fool God. Creator knows everything, our very thoughts. All the rationalization justifications doesn't matter, we and our actions and attitudes are seen for what we are. On my walk I noticed that out of the mud was sprouting the skunk cabbage. The lesson was that the trick is to rise above the shadow, rise above the mud. Even when we know, see and maybe even experience it, understand that it does not have to influence or anchor us, we can just let it be and let it go and pull ourselves into the light. We can understand our connection to that Source of all and be the person we really are. This is where God knows us, in truth.
God doesn't want any of us to beat ourselves up, just get better and better, stronger and stronger in who we are - above the mud, beyond the shadow, in the Light. It is only when we are above the mud and shadow that this can be fully realized. And if we make the effort, God is there to help, the door is open.
Monday
great riches in difficult passages
God sometimes hardens peoples hearts to achieve a higher purpose; that if Pharaoh had said "sure, go with my blessings" there would have been no experiences that had potential for people to realize God's power, if they had permission to leave they wouldn't have developed the inner strength and courage for all the trials on a spiritual journey and if they were able to simply walk out exile they probably would not have ended up at Mt Sinai for that tremendous transcendent covenantal event. So holding onto resentments for those who have hardened their hearts against us can be counterproductive, we could be missing the larger picture of giving us the strength and courage, if we are indeed spiritually serious, that allows us to pass through and be brought into that perfect place.
Thursday
one in One
Come get me
Sometime I hear it in Creator’s call to my soul
Sometimes I hear it in the pulse of my heart
Beyond death and life; beyond words and worlds
It is a passionate pursuit
Come get me
It is the cry of a lost homesick child
The impatience of an anticipating lover
It is full of longing and desire
It is full of hope; a great adventure
Come get me
With fear of rejection, of being unworthy
With humility and patience and contradictions
With forgiveness and gratitude
An invitation without conditions
Come get me
Playfully; knowing that life is all a game, there really is no separation
A romp in a Shakespearian Mid summers night
And laughter - sparkling eyes
A message on the wind, in a breath
Come get me
It speaks of wonder, the great dance
beyond all distinctions and divisions, race, class, whatever
A memory of bliss that has yet to happen
A promise of a reality that knows not past, present or future
Come get me
Forgetting any and every impediment
Nothing is more important
Not any thing, not any time, not any place, not any person
The time is now - only love
Come get me
It says take my hand on the path together
Of Beauty (Tiferet), of compassion (Chesed),
Of justice and strength (Gevurah), of wisdom (chokhman)
And of understanding (Binah)
Come get me
We will journey through the hidden place
To the great mystery (Keter),
Into eternity, being one in One without end (Ein Sof).
In pure and perfect peace and wholeness (Shalom)
Come get me
(Oh compassionate One, May you come to us, speedily and in our time. bimhayrah be'yameinu. Amen Selah)
[Rachel Carey-Harper; April 2007]
Sometime I hear it in Creator’s call to my soul
Sometimes I hear it in the pulse of my heart
Beyond death and life; beyond words and worlds
It is a passionate pursuit
Come get me
It is the cry of a lost homesick child
The impatience of an anticipating lover
It is full of longing and desire
It is full of hope; a great adventure
Come get me
With fear of rejection, of being unworthy
With humility and patience and contradictions
With forgiveness and gratitude
An invitation without conditions
Come get me
Playfully; knowing that life is all a game, there really is no separation
A romp in a Shakespearian Mid summers night
And laughter - sparkling eyes
A message on the wind, in a breath
Come get me
It speaks of wonder, the great dance
beyond all distinctions and divisions, race, class, whatever
A memory of bliss that has yet to happen
A promise of a reality that knows not past, present or future
Come get me
Forgetting any and every impediment
Nothing is more important
Not any thing, not any time, not any place, not any person
The time is now - only love
Come get me
It says take my hand on the path together
Of Beauty (Tiferet), of compassion (Chesed),
Of justice and strength (Gevurah), of wisdom (chokhman)
And of understanding (Binah)
Come get me
We will journey through the hidden place
To the great mystery (Keter),
Into eternity, being one in One without end (Ein Sof).
In pure and perfect peace and wholeness (Shalom)
Come get me
(Oh compassionate One, May you come to us, speedily and in our time. bimhayrah be'yameinu. Amen Selah)
[Rachel Carey-Harper; April 2007]
Tuesday
Its all for the Best
Friends,
2006 was a difficult year. It is fitting that it ended its last week with the death of an artist and two presidents. Some would say one president was all good, the other all evil and the performer; well, transcendent. But I hold with the idea that all three encompassed all three attributes albeit to differing degrees.
This year there have been times when it’s been extremely difficult for me to really see either that divine spark in everyone and that “Gamzoo l’tova” (Its all for the best). From my perspective it seems like a lot of people I loved and trusted “drank the kool-aid” this past year and things descended into extreme negative, unhealthy, judgmental, rigid and seemingly irrational thinking.
How is going through this and other interpersonal problems for the best? How do I continue to see the Light in people in the face of hurtful behavior? Gamzoo l’tova. This in no way justifies atrocities rather is a personal spiritual attitude of acceptance. I am learning about unconditional love while at the same time I’m learning to let go of unhealthy relationships and separating from unwholesome situations. I’m working to let go of all disappointment. I've learned that I can actually control my thoughts and have the power to choose where I focus my energy. I've learned that since I don't have control of anyone else, best not to dwell on longing for things to be different. I can choose to simply move forward in the positive, in those ways that connect with that which is eternal, with love. I can do this with the understanding that it isn't that there is something fundamentally wrong with them or me. It is the combination that is toxic. It’s a journey; we must cross the darkness until we reach the light. Unconditional love however requires me to always hold out hope. Nothing is beyond the Creator’s power. Unconditional love means allowing for the possibility that people change and relationsips can heal.
To leave often requires a leap of faith, but in such times we are not be alone. I know this and realize that really I’ve been so blessed! I have Gail and Pamela, Allan and K, Yvonne and Jamie, Jim and my Dad, Sharon and Mother Bear, lots of other people too numerous to mention and of course holding everything grounded my beautiful sweet brilliant husband. Thank-you each and every one. I love you so much and am so very, very grateful for you in my life!
I've been thinking about Plato's Republic and that famous cave. The reflections on the wall were thought of as reality instead of turning around and seeing that they were mere shadows of something between the light and the wall. Sometimes there is only so much we can learn in the place of comfort. The longer we wait the more time we waste. When we take that leap, when we turn to face the light, marvelous things can open or us. The way of Love is simple but not easy. Not only is the path often hard to find it can be get us into situations that feels dangerous. But for me I found that the true spiritual home is in fact right here and now and open. The path of G-d's ultimate truth of righteousness, of respect, joy and of wholeness is above all else an inner reality that transcends everything else. This is what we see in its shadow form as we go through our days hoping for approval or respect, accolades or acceptance.
Loss can be the first step on a new beginning. It can be healthy. Goodbye 2006. When something new is started something old usually gets left behind and that can be sad. Some of us (myself included) at times find ourselves looking for, longing for, a real spiritual home. Sometimes we think we've found one only to find it doesn't really fit. There is no need to fret. Gamzoo l’tova. All is good. Love surrounds us. Just let it be what it will be. The task of walking the walk of spiritual thankfulness is to follow where G-d leads even as we seek and question. The trick is to make a commitment to the Eternal presence and open our ears and mind to what this force is communicating all around us. It’s like Plato in teaching the Pythagorean theory in the play the Republic. A youth off the street learns the theorem by simply answering questions and one led to another. Just so for us. We can find the first simple answer knowing that for a spiritual question it will be grounded in peace, compassion and justice. Then we find the next and the next. We are in the hands of God. All wisdom comes from this source and its there for us discover when we and the world are ready. This will guide us where we need to go even if at the time it seems hopeless. Imagine Joseph in the dungeon, Job who was laid so low that his wife said “curse God and die”.
I start 2007 healing and faithful. Exciting things are afoot for this New Year! The Quakers of the Light is solidly formed. We has a perfect building to use, a gorgeous professional sign and have doubled attendance in the first month. We are working on a number of exhilarating programs; from proactive action around homelessness, to a program that removed the shame and blame and promote a healing model for discussions about racism. We have a beautiful place to worship, a place to learn and fascinating people to encourage us. And after all it is about how we walk not what we talk and talk and talk.
So the final question is, what is our spiritual commitment in 2007? Are we working, walking toward a new tomorrow of peace and joy and love? Are we going to let all unhealthiness go and work toward the positive? Can we walk into the Light and make this world a better place, one little bit at a time leaving the rest up to G-d. You never know. One little effort might be the last mitzvah necessary to push the world to the time of being ready for true holiness. After all it really is waiting just inside for us. All we have to do is let it out. Former presidents Gerald Ford and Sadaam Hussein and the Godfather of soul, James Brown all impacted the world in a significant way. But maybe we can do even better, G-d willing and come what may, Gamzoo l’tova.
take good care of your beautiful Self,
Rachel
2006 was a difficult year. It is fitting that it ended its last week with the death of an artist and two presidents. Some would say one president was all good, the other all evil and the performer; well, transcendent. But I hold with the idea that all three encompassed all three attributes albeit to differing degrees.
This year there have been times when it’s been extremely difficult for me to really see either that divine spark in everyone and that “Gamzoo l’tova” (Its all for the best). From my perspective it seems like a lot of people I loved and trusted “drank the kool-aid” this past year and things descended into extreme negative, unhealthy, judgmental, rigid and seemingly irrational thinking.
How is going through this and other interpersonal problems for the best? How do I continue to see the Light in people in the face of hurtful behavior? Gamzoo l’tova. This in no way justifies atrocities rather is a personal spiritual attitude of acceptance. I am learning about unconditional love while at the same time I’m learning to let go of unhealthy relationships and separating from unwholesome situations. I’m working to let go of all disappointment. I've learned that I can actually control my thoughts and have the power to choose where I focus my energy. I've learned that since I don't have control of anyone else, best not to dwell on longing for things to be different. I can choose to simply move forward in the positive, in those ways that connect with that which is eternal, with love. I can do this with the understanding that it isn't that there is something fundamentally wrong with them or me. It is the combination that is toxic. It’s a journey; we must cross the darkness until we reach the light. Unconditional love however requires me to always hold out hope. Nothing is beyond the Creator’s power. Unconditional love means allowing for the possibility that people change and relationsips can heal.
To leave often requires a leap of faith, but in such times we are not be alone. I know this and realize that really I’ve been so blessed! I have Gail and Pamela, Allan and K, Yvonne and Jamie, Jim and my Dad, Sharon and Mother Bear, lots of other people too numerous to mention and of course holding everything grounded my beautiful sweet brilliant husband. Thank-you each and every one. I love you so much and am so very, very grateful for you in my life!
I've been thinking about Plato's Republic and that famous cave. The reflections on the wall were thought of as reality instead of turning around and seeing that they were mere shadows of something between the light and the wall. Sometimes there is only so much we can learn in the place of comfort. The longer we wait the more time we waste. When we take that leap, when we turn to face the light, marvelous things can open or us. The way of Love is simple but not easy. Not only is the path often hard to find it can be get us into situations that feels dangerous. But for me I found that the true spiritual home is in fact right here and now and open. The path of G-d's ultimate truth of righteousness, of respect, joy and of wholeness is above all else an inner reality that transcends everything else. This is what we see in its shadow form as we go through our days hoping for approval or respect, accolades or acceptance.
Loss can be the first step on a new beginning. It can be healthy. Goodbye 2006. When something new is started something old usually gets left behind and that can be sad. Some of us (myself included) at times find ourselves looking for, longing for, a real spiritual home. Sometimes we think we've found one only to find it doesn't really fit. There is no need to fret. Gamzoo l’tova. All is good. Love surrounds us. Just let it be what it will be. The task of walking the walk of spiritual thankfulness is to follow where G-d leads even as we seek and question. The trick is to make a commitment to the Eternal presence and open our ears and mind to what this force is communicating all around us. It’s like Plato in teaching the Pythagorean theory in the play the Republic. A youth off the street learns the theorem by simply answering questions and one led to another. Just so for us. We can find the first simple answer knowing that for a spiritual question it will be grounded in peace, compassion and justice. Then we find the next and the next. We are in the hands of God. All wisdom comes from this source and its there for us discover when we and the world are ready. This will guide us where we need to go even if at the time it seems hopeless. Imagine Joseph in the dungeon, Job who was laid so low that his wife said “curse God and die”.
I start 2007 healing and faithful. Exciting things are afoot for this New Year! The Quakers of the Light is solidly formed. We has a perfect building to use, a gorgeous professional sign and have doubled attendance in the first month. We are working on a number of exhilarating programs; from proactive action around homelessness, to a program that removed the shame and blame and promote a healing model for discussions about racism. We have a beautiful place to worship, a place to learn and fascinating people to encourage us. And after all it is about how we walk not what we talk and talk and talk.
So the final question is, what is our spiritual commitment in 2007? Are we working, walking toward a new tomorrow of peace and joy and love? Are we going to let all unhealthiness go and work toward the positive? Can we walk into the Light and make this world a better place, one little bit at a time leaving the rest up to G-d. You never know. One little effort might be the last mitzvah necessary to push the world to the time of being ready for true holiness. After all it really is waiting just inside for us. All we have to do is let it out. Former presidents Gerald Ford and Sadaam Hussein and the Godfather of soul, James Brown all impacted the world in a significant way. But maybe we can do even better, G-d willing and come what may, Gamzoo l’tova.
take good care of your beautiful Self,
Rachel
Friday
Portland Oregon
15 ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLOTHESLINE PROJECT
IN THE NORTH WEST
Someday every child born into this world will be guaranteed an entire life completely safe from rape, completely safe from incest, completely safe from battering. Someday every child born into this world will be guaranteed an entire life completely safe from sexism, racism and all forms of oppression. Someday every child born into this world will be guaranteed an entire life of respect, dignity and influence. Creating a violence free society is no more radical then the industrial revolution. People changed the world they lived in then, we can do it now; its up to us.
In the Fall of 1990 I began the Clothesline Project with a vision of a multi-colored clothesline telling of pain, promise and survival. One purpose was to help with the healing process as it gives females a safe and nonverbal way to tell their stories. It also helps the healing by contradicting the isolation as women see their shirt hanging next to another. A further purpose is to educate and inform everyone of the devastating effects of this violence. It lets potential perpetrators know the consequences of this action. And it exposes the roots of this violence which is sexism.
For quite a while now a primary focus of my work has been as an anti-racist. The issues are very similar to working on sexism. Everyone wants the problem to be "out there". They want to see the violence expressed on the Clothesline Project as being done by a few bad men. In reality it is the extreme conclusion of a society that conditions us within a cultural context of domination, control and privilege of the few. We are all a part of this system. Its influences how you and I behave often very unconsciously with groups "our" group traditionally oppresses. It effects how (unless we are owning class, able bodied, heterosexual, white, Christian men of the right age) we have internalized the oppression and projected it on each other to our serious disempowerment. An example was recently shared by a friend. She was at her therapists office which had the air conditioning turned up too high and everyone was freezing. 15 professional women agreed that the thermostat should be adjusted. When one of them went to do so they were interrupted by the one male in the office who said no so they all went back to their work in the cold. Or another example is a group of Quakers (known for civil rights and progressive action, who believe that there is that of God in everyone) called the police who came with three cars, sirens going to evict the one identifiable person of color in a community of over 200 people. Then on subsequent Sundays they physically barred the door to worship to her (for the first time in Quaker history to my knowledge), claiming she was disruptive, explicitly telling her that she is not welcome. As a life-long Friend (as well as a Jew) I am appalled and ashamed. As a product of this society I am embarrassed to say I understand.
As earthquakes tear the fabric of the land, so physical violence and the violence of oppression and injustice bring suffering and shred the harmony of inner peace. Ultimately, we all suffer spiritually in immense proportions for it alienates us from the roots of our being. By keeping us apart the violence hides how we are truly powerful. By proclaiming the agony of pain and the joy of healing with programs such as the Clothesline Project, we cut through some of the alienating aspects of this culture. This work makes it possible to weave ourselves into the process of transforming from victim to survivor to thriver, from perpetrator to seeker to ally, from people asleep to the Spirit, the wholeness, the oneness of humanity to full awareness.
Many of us have a dream of a world of peace and harmony. We dream of a world free of the violence and oppression that many people in the world experience continuously. We dream of a world free of violence against mother earth, against her creatures, against every woman, every child, every man. While this might seem an unattainable utopia, if we consider the changes that have occurred in peoples lives in the last 250 years, it is not so far fetched. Creating a violence free society is no more radical than the industrial revolution. In the early 1700's, houses had only a fireplace for heat. The process of canning food, refrigeration or many other tools that have improved the quality (or at least quantity) of our material lives did not exist. Then people with imagination, energy and vision dared to challenge the so called normal way of life even though they were thought of as dreamers, idealists and often as delusional. It is time now for us to challenge what many perceive to be normal. It is our turn here and now to put our strength, imagination, energy and vision to work.
There are people who after seeing a display feel overwhelmed by the pain and acts of hatred they've seen. Yes, the Clothesline Project portrays great suffering. Yet, we need to consider that the pain is balanced with healing and survival. Imagine a balanced world in which female, people of color and all human beings wisdom, vision and energy have equal authority and power. Sometimes I hear that someone is so angry that people can't hear her message. Anger is at times the most appropriate response. Personally, I am furious. Most men contribute to sexism, many women collude with it and I am angry at all of them. We are all living within a racist construct. A single black parent feels unsafe to worship with Quakers because of what is happening with another person of color. This makes me furious. Maybe the solution is not to ignore the anger but to acknowledge it up front, Yes I am angry. I am furious at the sexism and racism that seems inescapable, that disconnects us from the Divine spark in each other.
We do not have the luxury of saying that it is someone else's problem. We can not let ourselves be silenced by fear or apathy. Getting angry is important. It allows us to confront some of the assumptions we have been carrying about equality and gender. But what do we do with this energy? One thing we can do is quietly look within ourselves; see, acknowledge and make amends as we can, then let the anger motivate us to take action.
The Clothesline Project has been described as bearing witness to violence against women. Bearing witness means to be public and visible. It means that with sharpened awareness, we observe something that is evil, vicious, grievously wrong. It means that we do this work even when it is difficult or painful. Our presence makes it impossible for anyone to pretend that we do not exist. As yet another person joins the Clothesline Project movement or works to end violence against women, as another shirt is hung on the line we become more visible, no longer silent, no longer without power, no longer isolated from each other.
This future will be ours. The forces that would make true peace and justice happen are right here right now unfortunately the forces that would prevent this are also among us. It isn't the Rush Limbaughs, Bill O'Riellys who ultimately defeat us, it is actually ourselves. Too often we succumb to the temptation of apathy. We think someone else will do it or our contribution would be too small to matter. But perhaps the biggest thing that gets in our way is how we treat each other. Respecting, supporting and loving the people we like is easy, although even here we sometimes take them for granted. It is much harder to respect, support and love those with whom we disagree or don't get along or don't understand because we have no cultural framework on which to categorize their behavior. However, this respect is essential if we are ever going to succeed. Certainly there are outside forces that want us divided. They encourage competition and distrust. Knowing this we can do something about it if it is contrary to the leadings of our heart. What it would be like if everyone here tonight dedicated an extra two hours a week to create a peaceful and just world.
Although violence hangs like a shroud around the globe, our past has shown that radical social change doesn't start with an intentionally organized and planned mass movement. It begins with individuals, people like you and you and you and me.
Its up to us and
We will no longer be silent. We will no longer be docile. We are the agents of change.
Say this with me: We will no longer be silent. We will no longer be docile. We are the agents of change.
And again: We will no longer be silent. We will no longer be docile. We are the agents of change.
Let's meet each other with love and respect. Let's keep up the struggle for a violence free world. Lets take time to smell the flowers and be thankful for the beauty in the world, for really its not about the pain. There is some higher purpose at work that perhaps is beyond our limited human capacity to understand. Lets imagine a violence free world. And let's walk together into a better tomorrow.
-----------
http://images.google.com/
http://www.google.com/
search for "Clothesline Project"
IN THE NORTH WEST
Someday every child born into this world will be guaranteed an entire life completely safe from rape, completely safe from incest, completely safe from battering. Someday every child born into this world will be guaranteed an entire life completely safe from sexism, racism and all forms of oppression. Someday every child born into this world will be guaranteed an entire life of respect, dignity and influence. Creating a violence free society is no more radical then the industrial revolution. People changed the world they lived in then, we can do it now; its up to us.
In the Fall of 1990 I began the Clothesline Project with a vision of a multi-colored clothesline telling of pain, promise and survival. One purpose was to help with the healing process as it gives females a safe and nonverbal way to tell their stories. It also helps the healing by contradicting the isolation as women see their shirt hanging next to another. A further purpose is to educate and inform everyone of the devastating effects of this violence. It lets potential perpetrators know the consequences of this action. And it exposes the roots of this violence which is sexism.
For quite a while now a primary focus of my work has been as an anti-racist. The issues are very similar to working on sexism. Everyone wants the problem to be "out there". They want to see the violence expressed on the Clothesline Project as being done by a few bad men. In reality it is the extreme conclusion of a society that conditions us within a cultural context of domination, control and privilege of the few. We are all a part of this system. Its influences how you and I behave often very unconsciously with groups "our" group traditionally oppresses. It effects how (unless we are owning class, able bodied, heterosexual, white, Christian men of the right age) we have internalized the oppression and projected it on each other to our serious disempowerment. An example was recently shared by a friend. She was at her therapists office which had the air conditioning turned up too high and everyone was freezing. 15 professional women agreed that the thermostat should be adjusted. When one of them went to do so they were interrupted by the one male in the office who said no so they all went back to their work in the cold. Or another example is a group of Quakers (known for civil rights and progressive action, who believe that there is that of God in everyone) called the police who came with three cars, sirens going to evict the one identifiable person of color in a community of over 200 people. Then on subsequent Sundays they physically barred the door to worship to her (for the first time in Quaker history to my knowledge), claiming she was disruptive, explicitly telling her that she is not welcome. As a life-long Friend (as well as a Jew) I am appalled and ashamed. As a product of this society I am embarrassed to say I understand.
As earthquakes tear the fabric of the land, so physical violence and the violence of oppression and injustice bring suffering and shred the harmony of inner peace. Ultimately, we all suffer spiritually in immense proportions for it alienates us from the roots of our being. By keeping us apart the violence hides how we are truly powerful. By proclaiming the agony of pain and the joy of healing with programs such as the Clothesline Project, we cut through some of the alienating aspects of this culture. This work makes it possible to weave ourselves into the process of transforming from victim to survivor to thriver, from perpetrator to seeker to ally, from people asleep to the Spirit, the wholeness, the oneness of humanity to full awareness.
Many of us have a dream of a world of peace and harmony. We dream of a world free of the violence and oppression that many people in the world experience continuously. We dream of a world free of violence against mother earth, against her creatures, against every woman, every child, every man. While this might seem an unattainable utopia, if we consider the changes that have occurred in peoples lives in the last 250 years, it is not so far fetched. Creating a violence free society is no more radical than the industrial revolution. In the early 1700's, houses had only a fireplace for heat. The process of canning food, refrigeration or many other tools that have improved the quality (or at least quantity) of our material lives did not exist. Then people with imagination, energy and vision dared to challenge the so called normal way of life even though they were thought of as dreamers, idealists and often as delusional. It is time now for us to challenge what many perceive to be normal. It is our turn here and now to put our strength, imagination, energy and vision to work.
There are people who after seeing a display feel overwhelmed by the pain and acts of hatred they've seen. Yes, the Clothesline Project portrays great suffering. Yet, we need to consider that the pain is balanced with healing and survival. Imagine a balanced world in which female, people of color and all human beings wisdom, vision and energy have equal authority and power. Sometimes I hear that someone is so angry that people can't hear her message. Anger is at times the most appropriate response. Personally, I am furious. Most men contribute to sexism, many women collude with it and I am angry at all of them. We are all living within a racist construct. A single black parent feels unsafe to worship with Quakers because of what is happening with another person of color. This makes me furious. Maybe the solution is not to ignore the anger but to acknowledge it up front, Yes I am angry. I am furious at the sexism and racism that seems inescapable, that disconnects us from the Divine spark in each other.
We do not have the luxury of saying that it is someone else's problem. We can not let ourselves be silenced by fear or apathy. Getting angry is important. It allows us to confront some of the assumptions we have been carrying about equality and gender. But what do we do with this energy? One thing we can do is quietly look within ourselves; see, acknowledge and make amends as we can, then let the anger motivate us to take action.
The Clothesline Project has been described as bearing witness to violence against women. Bearing witness means to be public and visible. It means that with sharpened awareness, we observe something that is evil, vicious, grievously wrong. It means that we do this work even when it is difficult or painful. Our presence makes it impossible for anyone to pretend that we do not exist. As yet another person joins the Clothesline Project movement or works to end violence against women, as another shirt is hung on the line we become more visible, no longer silent, no longer without power, no longer isolated from each other.
This future will be ours. The forces that would make true peace and justice happen are right here right now unfortunately the forces that would prevent this are also among us. It isn't the Rush Limbaughs, Bill O'Riellys who ultimately defeat us, it is actually ourselves. Too often we succumb to the temptation of apathy. We think someone else will do it or our contribution would be too small to matter. But perhaps the biggest thing that gets in our way is how we treat each other. Respecting, supporting and loving the people we like is easy, although even here we sometimes take them for granted. It is much harder to respect, support and love those with whom we disagree or don't get along or don't understand because we have no cultural framework on which to categorize their behavior. However, this respect is essential if we are ever going to succeed. Certainly there are outside forces that want us divided. They encourage competition and distrust. Knowing this we can do something about it if it is contrary to the leadings of our heart. What it would be like if everyone here tonight dedicated an extra two hours a week to create a peaceful and just world.
Although violence hangs like a shroud around the globe, our past has shown that radical social change doesn't start with an intentionally organized and planned mass movement. It begins with individuals, people like you and you and you and me.
Its up to us and
We will no longer be silent. We will no longer be docile. We are the agents of change.
Say this with me: We will no longer be silent. We will no longer be docile. We are the agents of change.
And again: We will no longer be silent. We will no longer be docile. We are the agents of change.
Let's meet each other with love and respect. Let's keep up the struggle for a violence free world. Lets take time to smell the flowers and be thankful for the beauty in the world, for really its not about the pain. There is some higher purpose at work that perhaps is beyond our limited human capacity to understand. Lets imagine a violence free world. And let's walk together into a better tomorrow.
-----------
http://images.google.com/
http://www.google.com/
search for "Clothesline Project"
Tuesday
Living Waters
Living Waters
This is a very unsettling time. The Middle East could escalate into a conflagration with world-wide consequence far more serious then the price of gas. Provocation led to escalation then retaliation and so forth. This is happening not only on the world stage but in some of our communities as well. Misunderstandings can lead to alienation and it can seem like there’s no way back to a sense of kinship. Its not unusual for it to be generated by race or cultural dissonance, people whose thoughts, motives and behaviors seem outlandish and completely incongruent from our own sense of what’s rational especially when we all are under pressure. We become rigid, feeling righteous and in the right and that “they” are totally in the wrong.
So at this moment, putting some extra space in our lives for prayer is probably a good thing. Also taking time to smell the flowers, see the beauty and experience small pleasures. At a recent sunset I walked barefoot on the sandbars at the end of Doctor Lords Road. It was so wonderful! The softness of the sand and coolness of the water. It was a beautiful and powerful part of my current exploration and connecting experiences with Living Waters and this prayer came to me:
*Oh God and God of our ancestors please
*Open up our eyes that we may see your beauty and light
*Open our ears to hear the wisdom of your voice that is beyond perceived difference and ideology
*Open our mouth to drink the living water that we might heal and be spiritually clean
*Open our lips to declare your glory and open our minds to your Truth that transcends wrong and right
*Open our hearts to your Love and our hands to the work for justice that you’ve explicitly given us
*Open our arms to your mercy and forgiveness
*Open our souls to join joyfully with your eternal oneness
*And God if it is your will, open us up completely to your everlasting wholeness, your peace.
Given the world situation the most rational thing we can and should do is repair and make whole any of our spiritual communities that are in distress. Without each other we are like a single hair, sometimes splintered and very easy to break. But when we are braided together we become indestructible. I know that I want and am willing to work for communities where our hearts are bound together in love, communities that is ever ready to see the Spark within even during disagreements. I as one individual am more than willing to further reconciliations but it needs group effort. It needs leadership and commitment. It needs us together joyously embracing diversity and seeking the healing of the Living Waters. Often conflicts are described as matches lighting kindling. The question is how do we not get burned or at least not be consumed in the flames? God’s grace or living waters surround us even when we are amidst the fire. The pain is still there but the water is also and can be a source of comfort and strength. God’s living waters is also a vehicle for spiritual cleansing, biblically described as ritual purity. It can cleanse away what keeps us separate from God as well as each other. Living waters used to create a sense of purity however are not magical. They speak of intention. We still have to do the hard work ourselves. We will be judged more by our actions then our aspirations.
One way of seeing what is going on is that the ugliness in people at this time is having to rise to the surface, be exposed so that it can be cleared away. Once this is done then their/our Light can shine without the veils and walls and garbage we've built. This cleansing makes it possible for us to more fully connect with the Creator. It also allows us to build healthy community and come together to work toward respect and true peace. Perhaps it is simply a phase of our evolutionary process, a step to the next stage of spiritual perfection which is coming upon us now very fast.
How can we all be an outward, active part of the process of cleansing or healing? I think one way is to put forth a vision - a vision of wholeness, of healthy behavior, of inclusion, a vision of God's beauty. So I’ve asked myself, when am I feeling out of God’s presence the most? The answer was when I think poorly about someone, when I complain, when I feel burdened, when I act out of fear or old distress. This is my responsibility. What is yours?
Each and every one of us has a vital purpose and unique talent. However our Light is not necessarily going to speak to everyone, and everyone’s not necessarily to us. We all need to accept and let each other be the authentic people we are without expectation or demands, without hostility. Just because it doesn't resonant with us doesn't mean it has no value.
We need to build peaceful and spirit filled places for worship and study. The divides come in what that means, how that is defined and achieved for each individual. So what I think we can specifically do to resolve disputes is:
1. to stay strong in the Spirit, strong in following the path God’s has given us.
2. Disengage from confrontation; walk away when necessary, de-escalate.
3. Look inside ourselves and be willing to work on those places that create tension and respect others as they do their best with this work
4. keep open to the Light, God’s spark within everyone and the possibility of new ways of seeing
5. acknowledge our part in creating the problem and what we are willing to give for a solution
6. Keep our hearts holding compassion for everyone open to and for forgiveness
7. Stay and put out a positive and optimistic vision,
8. trust in God and keep ourselves connected to that complete source of goodness.
9. Wait for the teachable moments keeping ever hopeful and helpful
10. share what is on our hearts and be available to listen fully to what is in others,
11. be able to listen to the Spirit as it speaks to and through and as it guides each of us.
12. give full authority to this personal and communal process and experience of the Divine.
13. not give up on each other and not give up on God’s presence in the midst of the struggle.
It is up to us collectively to build spiritual communities not necessarily where everyone is of like mind but where everyone turns to God, waiting for clarity from this source when necessary with a willingness to let go of personal desires in favor of God's. It is up to us collectively, to build a group where everyone is welcome to join fully in this holy experience to use the full extent of their talents within the framework of faith, to be with each other, even those with whom we disagree, in our joys and sorrows, our fears and our triumphs.
Years ago I said “Love is the most powerful force in the universe, just as the gentlest stream will eventually erode the hardest rock so love will eventually soften the hardest heart.” I still believe it. This is one way of answering "to what is god calling us?” Another way of saying the same thing is "to be holy people": "to love the Lord with all our hearts and souls and might and to love each other as ourselves". We have a higher purpose. Its time we start living it. Can you honestly say that God is calling you to something different? If we seek that infinite spirit we will find a peace beyond words. Nothing else is better - nothing else really matters.
Lets use this as an opportunity to let go of any "us vs. them" thinking, work together for good.
Lets stay as grounded as we can in the Spirit.
Lets keep our hearts open.
Lets appreciate the abundant blessings that are all around each of us.
Lets visualize the cleansing power of Living Waters and the healing of our souls, healing of our hearts and healing of our communities and healing of the world.
Lets stay strong and trust in that Power. It will not let us down, of that I am certain.
And finally, lets be optimistic. I think its quite possible that we are here and now at this place because God has a purpose for us. What a wonderful thing! We could be the perfect people at the perfect time to bring the perfect solution,
God willing.
So be of good cheer,
- breathe in, breathe out, hold each other in the Light.
In search of that perfect Love and Light and place of peace,
your
Rachel
"May the angel Michael; the strength and power of God be always at your right, may the angel Gabriel; the messenger of God be always on your left, and may Raphael; the healing power of God be always behind you. May Uriel; the Light of God always be before you and be your guide. And may above your head always be the Shechianah, the divine inner and outer presence of God surrounding and covering you with peace. For now and for ever, if it be God's will, let it be so" - for us all.
This is a very unsettling time. The Middle East could escalate into a conflagration with world-wide consequence far more serious then the price of gas. Provocation led to escalation then retaliation and so forth. This is happening not only on the world stage but in some of our communities as well. Misunderstandings can lead to alienation and it can seem like there’s no way back to a sense of kinship. Its not unusual for it to be generated by race or cultural dissonance, people whose thoughts, motives and behaviors seem outlandish and completely incongruent from our own sense of what’s rational especially when we all are under pressure. We become rigid, feeling righteous and in the right and that “they” are totally in the wrong.
So at this moment, putting some extra space in our lives for prayer is probably a good thing. Also taking time to smell the flowers, see the beauty and experience small pleasures. At a recent sunset I walked barefoot on the sandbars at the end of Doctor Lords Road. It was so wonderful! The softness of the sand and coolness of the water. It was a beautiful and powerful part of my current exploration and connecting experiences with Living Waters and this prayer came to me:
*Oh God and God of our ancestors please
*Open up our eyes that we may see your beauty and light
*Open our ears to hear the wisdom of your voice that is beyond perceived difference and ideology
*Open our mouth to drink the living water that we might heal and be spiritually clean
*Open our lips to declare your glory and open our minds to your Truth that transcends wrong and right
*Open our hearts to your Love and our hands to the work for justice that you’ve explicitly given us
*Open our arms to your mercy and forgiveness
*Open our souls to join joyfully with your eternal oneness
*And God if it is your will, open us up completely to your everlasting wholeness, your peace.
Given the world situation the most rational thing we can and should do is repair and make whole any of our spiritual communities that are in distress. Without each other we are like a single hair, sometimes splintered and very easy to break. But when we are braided together we become indestructible. I know that I want and am willing to work for communities where our hearts are bound together in love, communities that is ever ready to see the Spark within even during disagreements. I as one individual am more than willing to further reconciliations but it needs group effort. It needs leadership and commitment. It needs us together joyously embracing diversity and seeking the healing of the Living Waters. Often conflicts are described as matches lighting kindling. The question is how do we not get burned or at least not be consumed in the flames? God’s grace or living waters surround us even when we are amidst the fire. The pain is still there but the water is also and can be a source of comfort and strength. God’s living waters is also a vehicle for spiritual cleansing, biblically described as ritual purity. It can cleanse away what keeps us separate from God as well as each other. Living waters used to create a sense of purity however are not magical. They speak of intention. We still have to do the hard work ourselves. We will be judged more by our actions then our aspirations.
One way of seeing what is going on is that the ugliness in people at this time is having to rise to the surface, be exposed so that it can be cleared away. Once this is done then their/our Light can shine without the veils and walls and garbage we've built. This cleansing makes it possible for us to more fully connect with the Creator. It also allows us to build healthy community and come together to work toward respect and true peace. Perhaps it is simply a phase of our evolutionary process, a step to the next stage of spiritual perfection which is coming upon us now very fast.
How can we all be an outward, active part of the process of cleansing or healing? I think one way is to put forth a vision - a vision of wholeness, of healthy behavior, of inclusion, a vision of God's beauty. So I’ve asked myself, when am I feeling out of God’s presence the most? The answer was when I think poorly about someone, when I complain, when I feel burdened, when I act out of fear or old distress. This is my responsibility. What is yours?
Each and every one of us has a vital purpose and unique talent. However our Light is not necessarily going to speak to everyone, and everyone’s not necessarily to us. We all need to accept and let each other be the authentic people we are without expectation or demands, without hostility. Just because it doesn't resonant with us doesn't mean it has no value.
We need to build peaceful and spirit filled places for worship and study. The divides come in what that means, how that is defined and achieved for each individual. So what I think we can specifically do to resolve disputes is:
1. to stay strong in the Spirit, strong in following the path God’s has given us.
2. Disengage from confrontation; walk away when necessary, de-escalate.
3. Look inside ourselves and be willing to work on those places that create tension and respect others as they do their best with this work
4. keep open to the Light, God’s spark within everyone and the possibility of new ways of seeing
5. acknowledge our part in creating the problem and what we are willing to give for a solution
6. Keep our hearts holding compassion for everyone open to and for forgiveness
7. Stay and put out a positive and optimistic vision,
8. trust in God and keep ourselves connected to that complete source of goodness.
9. Wait for the teachable moments keeping ever hopeful and helpful
10. share what is on our hearts and be available to listen fully to what is in others,
11. be able to listen to the Spirit as it speaks to and through and as it guides each of us.
12. give full authority to this personal and communal process and experience of the Divine.
13. not give up on each other and not give up on God’s presence in the midst of the struggle.
It is up to us collectively to build spiritual communities not necessarily where everyone is of like mind but where everyone turns to God, waiting for clarity from this source when necessary with a willingness to let go of personal desires in favor of God's. It is up to us collectively, to build a group where everyone is welcome to join fully in this holy experience to use the full extent of their talents within the framework of faith, to be with each other, even those with whom we disagree, in our joys and sorrows, our fears and our triumphs.
Years ago I said “Love is the most powerful force in the universe, just as the gentlest stream will eventually erode the hardest rock so love will eventually soften the hardest heart.” I still believe it. This is one way of answering "to what is god calling us?” Another way of saying the same thing is "to be holy people": "to love the Lord with all our hearts and souls and might and to love each other as ourselves". We have a higher purpose. Its time we start living it. Can you honestly say that God is calling you to something different? If we seek that infinite spirit we will find a peace beyond words. Nothing else is better - nothing else really matters.
Lets use this as an opportunity to let go of any "us vs. them" thinking, work together for good.
Lets stay as grounded as we can in the Spirit.
Lets keep our hearts open.
Lets appreciate the abundant blessings that are all around each of us.
Lets visualize the cleansing power of Living Waters and the healing of our souls, healing of our hearts and healing of our communities and healing of the world.
Lets stay strong and trust in that Power. It will not let us down, of that I am certain.
And finally, lets be optimistic. I think its quite possible that we are here and now at this place because God has a purpose for us. What a wonderful thing! We could be the perfect people at the perfect time to bring the perfect solution,
God willing.
So be of good cheer,
- breathe in, breathe out, hold each other in the Light.
In search of that perfect Love and Light and place of peace,
your
Rachel
"May the angel Michael; the strength and power of God be always at your right, may the angel Gabriel; the messenger of God be always on your left, and may Raphael; the healing power of God be always behind you. May Uriel; the Light of God always be before you and be your guide. And may above your head always be the Shechianah, the divine inner and outer presence of God surrounding and covering you with peace. For now and for ever, if it be God's will, let it be so" - for us all.
Thursday
Friends, a Metamorphosis
Friends, a metamorphosis is taking place. This is a critical time. Its like the transition from a caterpillar into a butterfly. What does a caterpillar know of life as a butterfly? It is so foreign to a being whose life is on the ground or in the somnolence of a cocoon as opposed to in the air with wings. Like the caterpillar, for us it can be very frightening to leave the comfort of what is familiar. It takes strength and patience to realize our struggles are just part of this process and to be with each other in gentleness and support.
This is our opportunity to rise to be better, more wholly spiritual and lead our communities to the same. To do this we need to take concrete action to get closer to God and closer to each other - to be in Love. One of the most difficult parts of this transition is that in order to awake to this new life we have to be as clean and clear as possible of everything that keeps us separate. This includes speaking up when those around us act in hurtful ways. It also includes accepting our own unacknowledged benefit from oppression and the denial of our culpability and responsibility. Examples are that in one of the more affluent communities in this wealthy nation our sick, poor and elderly are left to die homeless on the street or warehoused in lonely over medicated stupors. Another is when we refuse to grasp that the mere fact of skin color drastically effects a person's ability to fully realize their potential (as does other arbitrary things like sexual orientation, gender, appearance, faith, etc). We also are separated by letting our desires for material comfort or dominance for ourselves and our families become insatiable needs which blind us to the issues and bind us to a caterpillar’s life. We need to wake up to some uncomfortable truths about our world and ourselves. We must wake up then stand up then soar to a higher sphere of consciousness.
Telling someone that they are defective is not what this is about. There is a difference between pointing out areas where we as groups need to work and include ourselves (we - our) and singling out another individual for attack or moral condemnation (you – you’re). It is easy to give up on each other or give in to the temptation to scapegoat. Sometimes this behavior is used as a substitute for giving up on or blaming ourselves. However, bringing the things we are not proud of in ourselves to the surface gives us the chance for correction and is simply part of the process of evolution. All this ugliness must rise to the light. We can’t clean up what we can’t see. There is no need for guilt.
Through experience of the Divine Within -- that everlasting spark -- we can see that the positive approach works best. Difficult, painful situations are perennial as the grass. In dealing with actions which seem inconsistent with higher principles we can share, in compassion and humility, our own understanding. We can say or keep in our thoughts something (anything) to affirm their innate goodness. Being truly with each other in the struggle is vitally important. No one is beyond the redemptive power of love. If an individual seems cut-off from their spiritual roots we can be the one to take the initiative and with respect and care, labor with them. They just might have something to teach.
To really be part of this work and be true peace makers we need to understand that "us" and "them" are really the same and try not to take the distress, projection and lack of spiritual maturity to heart. This is a time when all the nasty meanness has to come out. The brighter we shine the more this will happen around us. Nevertheless now is not the time to retreat. Yes its painful but we can be as ducks whose beautiful feathers let the water just roll off. We can hold oneself above the garbage in gentleness and patience.
We can also realize that it’s all about attitude and our attitude is something we have some control over. Holding onto anger does no one any good. Smile and breathe, laugh and touch. Relax and be happy. This is a challenge when things are hard. The process of the butterfly transition is not going to be pleasant, either in our interpersonal interactions or in the physical world. Upheavals will continue and intensify. We are poised for some country taking the war nuclear, bird flu, a worse than 911 type terror attack, an asteroid of ice falling into the Atlantic, stock or housing market crashing, an earthquake sending the coast into the sea, other catastrophic natural disasters or any sort of combination. The most important thing we can do to prepare is remember we are aligned with the Creator and the deep goodness within each of us. Lets be part of a rebirth of peace, respect and harmony between us. Lets be open and fearless in our search for truth. Lets together resolve that it's better to light a candle than curse the darkness. Lets together nurture healthy communities and relationships. We are all called to a sacred purpose. Lets make a commitment to have our work be of service, trusting that this Power will work in each person. Our time is limited.
Each of our traditions has instructions - follow them (without using religion as a shield or weapon to justify negative judgments). Each of our hearts longs to connect with others in love. Do it - let go of all that keeps us separate. Act out of our higher selves; out of that place of kindness, forgiveness and forbearance and call others to the same. In this way I believe we can truly be the beings of our destiny.
Poem by Kabir ( 1500's Indian mystic/poet)
Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat.
My shoulder is against yours.
You will not find me in the stupas, not in Indian shrine rooms, nor synagogues, nor in cathedrals:
not in masses, nor kirtans, not in legs winding around your own neck, nor in eating nothing but vegetables,
When you really look for me, you will see me instantly —
you will find me in the tiniest house of time.
Student, tell me, what is God?
He is the breath inside the breath.
(day 22)
This is our opportunity to rise to be better, more wholly spiritual and lead our communities to the same. To do this we need to take concrete action to get closer to God and closer to each other - to be in Love. One of the most difficult parts of this transition is that in order to awake to this new life we have to be as clean and clear as possible of everything that keeps us separate. This includes speaking up when those around us act in hurtful ways. It also includes accepting our own unacknowledged benefit from oppression and the denial of our culpability and responsibility. Examples are that in one of the more affluent communities in this wealthy nation our sick, poor and elderly are left to die homeless on the street or warehoused in lonely over medicated stupors. Another is when we refuse to grasp that the mere fact of skin color drastically effects a person's ability to fully realize their potential (as does other arbitrary things like sexual orientation, gender, appearance, faith, etc). We also are separated by letting our desires for material comfort or dominance for ourselves and our families become insatiable needs which blind us to the issues and bind us to a caterpillar’s life. We need to wake up to some uncomfortable truths about our world and ourselves. We must wake up then stand up then soar to a higher sphere of consciousness.
Telling someone that they are defective is not what this is about. There is a difference between pointing out areas where we as groups need to work and include ourselves (we - our) and singling out another individual for attack or moral condemnation (you – you’re). It is easy to give up on each other or give in to the temptation to scapegoat. Sometimes this behavior is used as a substitute for giving up on or blaming ourselves. However, bringing the things we are not proud of in ourselves to the surface gives us the chance for correction and is simply part of the process of evolution. All this ugliness must rise to the light. We can’t clean up what we can’t see. There is no need for guilt.
Through experience of the Divine Within -- that everlasting spark -- we can see that the positive approach works best. Difficult, painful situations are perennial as the grass. In dealing with actions which seem inconsistent with higher principles we can share, in compassion and humility, our own understanding. We can say or keep in our thoughts something (anything) to affirm their innate goodness. Being truly with each other in the struggle is vitally important. No one is beyond the redemptive power of love. If an individual seems cut-off from their spiritual roots we can be the one to take the initiative and with respect and care, labor with them. They just might have something to teach.
To really be part of this work and be true peace makers we need to understand that "us" and "them" are really the same and try not to take the distress, projection and lack of spiritual maturity to heart. This is a time when all the nasty meanness has to come out. The brighter we shine the more this will happen around us. Nevertheless now is not the time to retreat. Yes its painful but we can be as ducks whose beautiful feathers let the water just roll off. We can hold oneself above the garbage in gentleness and patience.
We can also realize that it’s all about attitude and our attitude is something we have some control over. Holding onto anger does no one any good. Smile and breathe, laugh and touch. Relax and be happy. This is a challenge when things are hard. The process of the butterfly transition is not going to be pleasant, either in our interpersonal interactions or in the physical world. Upheavals will continue and intensify. We are poised for some country taking the war nuclear, bird flu, a worse than 911 type terror attack, an asteroid of ice falling into the Atlantic, stock or housing market crashing, an earthquake sending the coast into the sea, other catastrophic natural disasters or any sort of combination. The most important thing we can do to prepare is remember we are aligned with the Creator and the deep goodness within each of us. Lets be part of a rebirth of peace, respect and harmony between us. Lets be open and fearless in our search for truth. Lets together resolve that it's better to light a candle than curse the darkness. Lets together nurture healthy communities and relationships. We are all called to a sacred purpose. Lets make a commitment to have our work be of service, trusting that this Power will work in each person. Our time is limited.
Each of our traditions has instructions - follow them (without using religion as a shield or weapon to justify negative judgments). Each of our hearts longs to connect with others in love. Do it - let go of all that keeps us separate. Act out of our higher selves; out of that place of kindness, forgiveness and forbearance and call others to the same. In this way I believe we can truly be the beings of our destiny.
Poem by Kabir ( 1500's Indian mystic/poet)
Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat.
My shoulder is against yours.
You will not find me in the stupas, not in Indian shrine rooms, nor synagogues, nor in cathedrals:
not in masses, nor kirtans, not in legs winding around your own neck, nor in eating nothing but vegetables,
When you really look for me, you will see me instantly —
you will find me in the tiniest house of time.
Student, tell me, what is God?
He is the breath inside the breath.
(day 22)
Holy Obedience: From Worship to Witness
(The following was published onthe front page of
"The New England Friend" Spring 2006 issue
http://www.neym.org/NewEnglandFriend/index.html)
“And the Lord passed by. There was a great and mighty wind, splitting mountains and shattering rocks by the power of God, but the Lord wasn’t in the wind. After the wind – an earthquake. After the earthquake – fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire a still small voice.” (1 Ki 19:12) This was the experience of Elijah hearing and accepting God’s call. Its one thing to hear a voice. Its another to hear what is being asked and trust in the power. What did and does this voice ask? It did not say to Elijah that he should return and sit quietly in his cave or in my case a Friends Meeting simply connecting to the power of love and peace. He was told to make a huge nuisance of himself; charged with bringing the people to God or else they would perish. The prophets had intense struggles, they were ridiculed, attacked, many times having to flee for their lives. Prophetic mystery-ministry involves embracing the struggle. Not only what is seen in the outer world but the internal struggle as well.
Listening to “a still small voice” has been central to my being a spiritual person raised in a Quaker family. While the social concerns of Friends were important, I saw a sharp divide between those Friends who were peace activists and those who were mystics. I clearly and unequivocally identified with the latter. The first message I gave in a Meeting for Worship was in the beginning years of Framingham Monthly Meeting when we were meeting in peoples living rooms. I was twelve and simply said “God is Love”. This was so real to me. My spiritual obedience was and to a large part remains simply to love the Lord my God with all my heart with all my soul and with all my might and do my best to love my neighbor as myself. It hasn’t been easy and I fail much of the time but being obedient, being faithful means to make the attempt even with all our sometimes way too humanness.
Twenty four years later after attending George School and worshiping in Friends Meetings up and down the east coast I returned to the Friends Meeting in Yarmouth where as a child I worshiped with my family during the summer months. I had a opening and gave the second message of my life. It was essentially the same. God is in essence love and its our job to manifest this in the world. What is wanted from us is to do our part to build a world of peace. The ultimate wish for us is that we live in such a world; a world of harmony, faith, beauty and joy.
I heard that alleviating the suffering of the oppressed is vital - that we are joined together; as one suffers so do we all. I needed to take appropriate initiative and provide unconditionally support for others; to learn and model being an ally. The impossibility of achieving a world of peace when any group has to deal with discrimination and violence grew over the next 4 years into a conviction that the necessary healing can not take place until the oppressor and those who let hostility happen learn they have a spiritual disease. It is an unfelt, invisibly but soul obscuring attitude. Thus in 1990 began the Clothesline Project, to bear witness to violence against women.
I devoted myself to this issue for five years but the still small voice was not finished with me. There was a repeated call, an opening waiting for me to unlock my heart. When I did I had a very rude awakening about oppression. The perpetrator was me. I was steeped in a culture of racism and benefited without awareness of white privilege. It was time for me to embrace the struggle in a different and scary way. The witness became two fold, a witness in the world and a self witness.
For me, now at East Sandwich Friends, the journey from worship to witness travels as a circle. Witness leads back to worship, worship to witness, all embraced in a mantle of holy obedience. All I have to do is get out of the way. Too often I am trying to lead the Light into my activities rather then let the Light lead me. Being obedient means surrender to a particular spiritual path united through the heart, sustained through the breath, the voice. If ever there was a time to work together its now. Our time is short. We are joined together in Light; in oneness, to heal in order to fully connect with that which is eternal. Trust God’s power with gratitude and love. Be ready to change.
Rachel Carey-Harper
"The New England Friend" Spring 2006 issue
http://www.neym.org/NewEnglandFriend/index.html)
“And the Lord passed by. There was a great and mighty wind, splitting mountains and shattering rocks by the power of God, but the Lord wasn’t in the wind. After the wind – an earthquake. After the earthquake – fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire a still small voice.” (1 Ki 19:12) This was the experience of Elijah hearing and accepting God’s call. Its one thing to hear a voice. Its another to hear what is being asked and trust in the power. What did and does this voice ask? It did not say to Elijah that he should return and sit quietly in his cave or in my case a Friends Meeting simply connecting to the power of love and peace. He was told to make a huge nuisance of himself; charged with bringing the people to God or else they would perish. The prophets had intense struggles, they were ridiculed, attacked, many times having to flee for their lives. Prophetic mystery-ministry involves embracing the struggle. Not only what is seen in the outer world but the internal struggle as well.
Listening to “a still small voice” has been central to my being a spiritual person raised in a Quaker family. While the social concerns of Friends were important, I saw a sharp divide between those Friends who were peace activists and those who were mystics. I clearly and unequivocally identified with the latter. The first message I gave in a Meeting for Worship was in the beginning years of Framingham Monthly Meeting when we were meeting in peoples living rooms. I was twelve and simply said “God is Love”. This was so real to me. My spiritual obedience was and to a large part remains simply to love the Lord my God with all my heart with all my soul and with all my might and do my best to love my neighbor as myself. It hasn’t been easy and I fail much of the time but being obedient, being faithful means to make the attempt even with all our sometimes way too humanness.
Twenty four years later after attending George School and worshiping in Friends Meetings up and down the east coast I returned to the Friends Meeting in Yarmouth where as a child I worshiped with my family during the summer months. I had a opening and gave the second message of my life. It was essentially the same. God is in essence love and its our job to manifest this in the world. What is wanted from us is to do our part to build a world of peace. The ultimate wish for us is that we live in such a world; a world of harmony, faith, beauty and joy.
I heard that alleviating the suffering of the oppressed is vital - that we are joined together; as one suffers so do we all. I needed to take appropriate initiative and provide unconditionally support for others; to learn and model being an ally. The impossibility of achieving a world of peace when any group has to deal with discrimination and violence grew over the next 4 years into a conviction that the necessary healing can not take place until the oppressor and those who let hostility happen learn they have a spiritual disease. It is an unfelt, invisibly but soul obscuring attitude. Thus in 1990 began the Clothesline Project, to bear witness to violence against women.
I devoted myself to this issue for five years but the still small voice was not finished with me. There was a repeated call, an opening waiting for me to unlock my heart. When I did I had a very rude awakening about oppression. The perpetrator was me. I was steeped in a culture of racism and benefited without awareness of white privilege. It was time for me to embrace the struggle in a different and scary way. The witness became two fold, a witness in the world and a self witness.
For me, now at East Sandwich Friends, the journey from worship to witness travels as a circle. Witness leads back to worship, worship to witness, all embraced in a mantle of holy obedience. All I have to do is get out of the way. Too often I am trying to lead the Light into my activities rather then let the Light lead me. Being obedient means surrender to a particular spiritual path united through the heart, sustained through the breath, the voice. If ever there was a time to work together its now. Our time is short. We are joined together in Light; in oneness, to heal in order to fully connect with that which is eternal. Trust God’s power with gratitude and love. Be ready to change.
Rachel Carey-Harper
Monday
with much love
On the physical plane if you walk into a dark room in the middle of the night with just one candle burning your eyes will be drawn to the flame. In fact you can't focus on anything else. On the other hand if you walk into a room full of light, something black is practically invisible. Theatrical people and magicians use this phenomenon all the time. On the spiritual and emotional level it is exactly the opposite. In the places of light in someone else it is so easy to see a spot of shadow material and it is extremely hard not to focus on it. On the other hand in the places that are in the deepest shadow it is almost impossible to see anything of the light.
In one way or another, spiritual people are instructed to answer that of God in each other. We are called to see the spark not only when its readily apparent but in the bad places and also see the light that surrounds the soul even though there is a spot of imperfection. This does not mean that we ignore or collude with each other's wickedness. Rather, keeping mindful of the inner light, we can help each other come to terms with these parts of ourselves and keep ourselves open as others labor with us.
The only way we can be truly illuminated in this is with love and without ego. As soon as we are doing the work out of a belief that we are more righteous or to prove ourselves or to protect ourselves or the status quo against change, we are lost. The motivation, the cause for this work, must be only love and the desired effect must likewise be simply love: a deep caring for one another. Struggle is a wonderful opportunity to realize our highest potential. We reconnect with that universal source of peace, wholeness, love and light.
This is all well and good to say but how can this be accomplished especially in the face of large and often emotional upheavals. As spiritual beings we have several powerful tools at our disposal. We can know that G-d is always with us and we will be accepted if we join with and dedicate ourselves with this force. This source of goodness was with the biblical Jacob and his sons after they did truly despicable, sacrilegious things yet it is explicitly clear that God was still with them. Just so, this Presence is always with us as well. From Genesis (35:1) "God said to Jacob" (God is with us). It then lays out instructions for how to make spiritual amends:
1. go to the place of God and stay there, honor the holiness
2. rid yourself of alien ideas, everything that keeps us from holiness
3. purify and recommit ourselves
4. turn ourselves around (changing clothes).
Once we take those steps the covenant is renewed even stronger than before (35:9).
It is during our most troubled times that faith and our lives as holy people is tested. During these times we can moan and groan about this awful burden, we can focus on the trauma and personalize it, "so and so did such and such.." or we can seize the future and make the most of our lives. Jacob sends his favorite son Joseph to check up on his brothers who sell him into slavery. Joseph could easily have sunk into a "poor me", "evil brothers" emotional state but instead he looks forward and makes the most out of his life and surroundings. In the end he saves all his family and people. He is G-d's solution. This can be our choice as well.
For my part I can try to keep what I put out into the world and interpersonal interactions positive, loving and spiritual centered. All I (and maybe any of us) can do is be and behave in a good, faithful way, moving forward to the best of our ability with beauty, love and peace ("walking cheerfully over the earth answering that of God in everyone") and leave the final outcome to God.
In one way or another, spiritual people are instructed to answer that of God in each other. We are called to see the spark not only when its readily apparent but in the bad places and also see the light that surrounds the soul even though there is a spot of imperfection. This does not mean that we ignore or collude with each other's wickedness. Rather, keeping mindful of the inner light, we can help each other come to terms with these parts of ourselves and keep ourselves open as others labor with us.
The only way we can be truly illuminated in this is with love and without ego. As soon as we are doing the work out of a belief that we are more righteous or to prove ourselves or to protect ourselves or the status quo against change, we are lost. The motivation, the cause for this work, must be only love and the desired effect must likewise be simply love: a deep caring for one another. Struggle is a wonderful opportunity to realize our highest potential. We reconnect with that universal source of peace, wholeness, love and light.
This is all well and good to say but how can this be accomplished especially in the face of large and often emotional upheavals. As spiritual beings we have several powerful tools at our disposal. We can know that G-d is always with us and we will be accepted if we join with and dedicate ourselves with this force. This source of goodness was with the biblical Jacob and his sons after they did truly despicable, sacrilegious things yet it is explicitly clear that God was still with them. Just so, this Presence is always with us as well. From Genesis (35:1) "God said to Jacob" (God is with us). It then lays out instructions for how to make spiritual amends:
1. go to the place of God and stay there, honor the holiness
2. rid yourself of alien ideas, everything that keeps us from holiness
3. purify and recommit ourselves
4. turn ourselves around (changing clothes).
Once we take those steps the covenant is renewed even stronger than before (35:9).
It is during our most troubled times that faith and our lives as holy people is tested. During these times we can moan and groan about this awful burden, we can focus on the trauma and personalize it, "so and so did such and such.." or we can seize the future and make the most of our lives. Jacob sends his favorite son Joseph to check up on his brothers who sell him into slavery. Joseph could easily have sunk into a "poor me", "evil brothers" emotional state but instead he looks forward and makes the most out of his life and surroundings. In the end he saves all his family and people. He is G-d's solution. This can be our choice as well.
For my part I can try to keep what I put out into the world and interpersonal interactions positive, loving and spiritual centered. All I (and maybe any of us) can do is be and behave in a good, faithful way, moving forward to the best of our ability with beauty, love and peace ("walking cheerfully over the earth answering that of God in everyone") and leave the final outcome to God.
Thursday
Purpose
What is the purpose to our lives? Sometimes its easier to see a purpose when looking backwards. Is there a pattern? Are we retreading the paths we have walked before with little improvement? Maybe ultimately there is a purpose to everything in that there are always opportunities to learn lessons if we just open our eyes; opportunities to make decisions that allow us to gain wisdom and positively impact the world.
When or if we reach the threshold to whatever our concept of that perfect place beyond the material world, we can look back and maybe it seems as a prelude to something; for me a jumping off into the sea of goodness, rational thinking, sparkilyness of light and love. Then all the past can have a higher spiritual purpose even family discord, hard though that is to imagine. If it wasn't for intense sibling rivalry both between sisters ( Leah and Rachel) as well as brothers (Jacob and Esau), there would be no 12 tribes of Israel, no Jewish people (at least not as today).
Whoever we are, at times we can even find purpose and a blessing in the most challenging parts of life. In those times of isolation, shame, of feeling unworthy or longing for softness rather then a pillow of stone maybe our only choice is to look up. There, after the struggle we can see ourselves with all our flaws but with the readiness to change. Our lives reveal and revel in a higher purpose, a life of service to something far greater than ourselves. Do we have anything better to do?
When or if we reach the threshold to whatever our concept of that perfect place beyond the material world, we can look back and maybe it seems as a prelude to something; for me a jumping off into the sea of goodness, rational thinking, sparkilyness of light and love. Then all the past can have a higher spiritual purpose even family discord, hard though that is to imagine. If it wasn't for intense sibling rivalry both between sisters ( Leah and Rachel) as well as brothers (Jacob and Esau), there would be no 12 tribes of Israel, no Jewish people (at least not as today).
Whoever we are, at times we can even find purpose and a blessing in the most challenging parts of life. In those times of isolation, shame, of feeling unworthy or longing for softness rather then a pillow of stone maybe our only choice is to look up. There, after the struggle we can see ourselves with all our flaws but with the readiness to change. Our lives reveal and revel in a higher purpose, a life of service to something far greater than ourselves. Do we have anything better to do?
Monday
From worship and study
The idea of catalyst has been with me for a while. It came to mind when I heard a story from the Zohar about a person who was deeply grieving the death of his much adored teacher. He comes to believe that his teacher’s light would not perish in death and starts to fast in order to connect with this source of wisdom. He fasts and he fasts until he sees a vision and is told what a person has to do in order to ascend to the highest sphere of spiritual awareness. The grief was a catalyst or channel for the realization. The realization was a catalyst for the fast which was a catalyst for the vision. Every choice we make has potential to be a channel. The question is whether we make choices to encourage the catalysts that fosters love. The Kabbalah text states that in order to reach the higher spheres we must work “to turn darkness to light, bitterness to sweetness”. We are told that every day we need to be expectantly waiting for a world of wholeness and peace.
In my experience, prayer is one of the most powerful catalysts for this although not often as I intend. Sometimes things seem hopeless, it seems that it would take a marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of God to bring a good outcome. Faith can be so hard to keep when things seem to go wrong but miracles do happen all the time. As I thought about what a miracle if it would be if I was able to fulfill what I think is G-d’s purpose for my existence, I realized that up to now my life has actually been full of miracles; three near death experiences, severe poverty, homelessness, gross naiveté (or stupidity). Then I realized that most people (soldiers and civilians) in a war zone have near death experiences. Many people live lives that are miraculous, mine is far from unique.
Even knowing this there are realities to being alive in this material sphere. There is pain and grief, longing and loneness that can be overwhelming even (or especially) at those times when culturally we are supposed to be happy like birthdays and holidays and Thanksgiving. My Ed recently heard a man who was autistic talking about how he runs programs in his life; when he needs a meal he runs his “cooking program” and if he notices he is kind of glum he runs his “happy program”. What a good idea. This season has been sad for me being the first without my mother for important occasions but while I might not be able to make happy I can run my “its all okay” program.
As I thought about my mother my mind turned to other ancestors. I realized I have a great deal for which to be grateful. They were all such special people. I read stories or look at pictures of them and I feel connected. But they are just stories of ordinary human beings living extraordinary (and sometimes contradictory) lives. The are just images. I miss those I knew on this level of existence but know that there is a different sphere where my mother still sparkles. Here I find a peace beyond words and light and sweetness. I touch love and feel completely at home at last.
In my experience, prayer is one of the most powerful catalysts for this although not often as I intend. Sometimes things seem hopeless, it seems that it would take a marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of God to bring a good outcome. Faith can be so hard to keep when things seem to go wrong but miracles do happen all the time. As I thought about what a miracle if it would be if I was able to fulfill what I think is G-d’s purpose for my existence, I realized that up to now my life has actually been full of miracles; three near death experiences, severe poverty, homelessness, gross naiveté (or stupidity). Then I realized that most people (soldiers and civilians) in a war zone have near death experiences. Many people live lives that are miraculous, mine is far from unique.
Even knowing this there are realities to being alive in this material sphere. There is pain and grief, longing and loneness that can be overwhelming even (or especially) at those times when culturally we are supposed to be happy like birthdays and holidays and Thanksgiving. My Ed recently heard a man who was autistic talking about how he runs programs in his life; when he needs a meal he runs his “cooking program” and if he notices he is kind of glum he runs his “happy program”. What a good idea. This season has been sad for me being the first without my mother for important occasions but while I might not be able to make happy I can run my “its all okay” program.
As I thought about my mother my mind turned to other ancestors. I realized I have a great deal for which to be grateful. They were all such special people. I read stories or look at pictures of them and I feel connected. But they are just stories of ordinary human beings living extraordinary (and sometimes contradictory) lives. The are just images. I miss those I knew on this level of existence but know that there is a different sphere where my mother still sparkles. Here I find a peace beyond words and light and sweetness. I touch love and feel completely at home at last.
Thursday
Afterthought from Torah Study 1:20:1
This week the section of Torah that we studied was at least on the surface, particularly difficult to find a spiritual lesson. Abraham and Sarah are traveling in hostile territory and he has her represent their relationship as brother and sister because he feels he will be safer. She is taken by a king named Abimelech. God speaks to Abimelech in a dream telling him not to touch Sarah because she’s another man’s wife and if he disobeys he will die.
One thing a lot of these kind of stories tell us is how the prophets were so very human. Another thing this narrative seemed to be about is how fear can inhibit us from leading spiritually faithful lives and the various test that await us along the way. While this is true, as I thought a little longer; a little deeper something else came to me. I started at the last part we read. Sarah becomes pregnant with Abraham’s and her first (and only) child. She gives birth to the baby God has told her she will bear (even though she is in her 90’s). Why did this happen then? Why not months before or months later?
What occurred to me was that maybe promises that are made on the spiritual plane need some sort of catalyst to be executed in the material world. Just before Sarah conceives, Abraham prays for the health of Abimelech and his court and the women become pregnant. So maybe this is the catalyst, praying for someone else what you are wishing for yourself.
However if it was simply that then it too could have happened earlier. The difference was that Abraham was praying for the health of someone who he had offended and wronged (in assuming Abimelech would behave unethically and letting him go down that path unimpeded). And as Abimelech did take Sarah he wronged Abraham as well. It would have been so easy for Abraham to get defensive, angry and resentful, perhaps even guilty and anger with himself as it was God who stood up for Sarah not him. Instead he opened his heart and his connection with God on Abimelech’s behalf. Maybe this was the catalyst. It’s about being a part of, a channel for divine love not simply when its easy but in the harder relationships as well.
In my prayer life one of the primary things I desire is the miracle of, as lowly as I am, having the ability, courage and opportunity to fulfill an important purpose for God. So in stumbling in Abraham’s footsteps my prayer is for everyone, those I am close to and especially those with whom there is trouble, for the miracle of them being able to live a life that is actively following and fulfilling God’s important purpose for their unique selves, living lives that are rich in all creative goodness, happiness and God’s power.
How can I/we become catalysts? When in full measure without regard to distress we walk a purposeful path of love and beauty and pray this for others as well. In this way we all become part of the One Whole Holy Self. 1+1=1
One thing a lot of these kind of stories tell us is how the prophets were so very human. Another thing this narrative seemed to be about is how fear can inhibit us from leading spiritually faithful lives and the various test that await us along the way. While this is true, as I thought a little longer; a little deeper something else came to me. I started at the last part we read. Sarah becomes pregnant with Abraham’s and her first (and only) child. She gives birth to the baby God has told her she will bear (even though she is in her 90’s). Why did this happen then? Why not months before or months later?
What occurred to me was that maybe promises that are made on the spiritual plane need some sort of catalyst to be executed in the material world. Just before Sarah conceives, Abraham prays for the health of Abimelech and his court and the women become pregnant. So maybe this is the catalyst, praying for someone else what you are wishing for yourself.
However if it was simply that then it too could have happened earlier. The difference was that Abraham was praying for the health of someone who he had offended and wronged (in assuming Abimelech would behave unethically and letting him go down that path unimpeded). And as Abimelech did take Sarah he wronged Abraham as well. It would have been so easy for Abraham to get defensive, angry and resentful, perhaps even guilty and anger with himself as it was God who stood up for Sarah not him. Instead he opened his heart and his connection with God on Abimelech’s behalf. Maybe this was the catalyst. It’s about being a part of, a channel for divine love not simply when its easy but in the harder relationships as well.
In my prayer life one of the primary things I desire is the miracle of, as lowly as I am, having the ability, courage and opportunity to fulfill an important purpose for God. So in stumbling in Abraham’s footsteps my prayer is for everyone, those I am close to and especially those with whom there is trouble, for the miracle of them being able to live a life that is actively following and fulfilling God’s important purpose for their unique selves, living lives that are rich in all creative goodness, happiness and God’s power.
How can I/we become catalysts? When in full measure without regard to distress we walk a purposeful path of love and beauty and pray this for others as well. In this way we all become part of the One Whole Holy Self. 1+1=1
Tuesday
~From WORSHIP~
What was important to early Friends was the personal experience of the inner light. George Fox said to clergy or others using literal biblical text to substantiate a religious argument ”I know what it sayeth but what does thou sayeth”. For Quakers it is all about the experiential dimension of spiritual awareness; that experience of epiphany. We cultivate this not just at rare moments but hold the real possibility of a continuous opening to this source of revelation, this most intimate part of ourselves.
One aspect of the human condition is that often in order to experience something we have to first learn or develop skills. You can’t experience the Internet unless you first learned how to run a computer. It is the work we do throughout each day of meditation or study that leads to the ability to fully open. This activity also has the benefit of moving us to being in harmony with the world and our destiny. So, as we grow more and more, the seemingly random moments in our lives can become transcendent and significant in making the world a better place, miracles happen.
Eyes that are closed cannot see the material world. Hearts that are close can not seen the spiritual light. No one else can open them for us. Its up to each human being whether or not to be a holy people. Whether of not to be ready to hear as God said to Abraham “fear not I am a shield to you“ and rest in the place of oneness, love and peace. It is waiting for us.
(the above image was found shortly after this was written in a secluded spot in the middle of the woods)
Wednesday
AFTERTHOUGHTS FROM TORAH STUDY 1:1:1
Over and over again I'm getting the same message. This ongoing repetition is very unusual for me and it makes the concept of 1+1=1 more and more immediate.
The most recent lesson is about Adam and Eve. "And the serpent said to the woman (the Hebrew says Adam was there with her), "as soon as you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God who knows good and bad." What is it that they are going to lose by eating this fruit? Some say a state of innocence, the belief that everything is good. An additional idea is that they lost the sense of unity and entered the world of duality. Suddenly there is good and bad, wrong and right, birth and death. Their egos materialize and they feel self-consciousness and shame. This begins our journey.
In thinking about this I was reminded of the Ouroborus. Many, many diverse cultures have this image of a snake in a circle biting its tail. It is a symbol of the eternal unity of all things, the cycle of birth and death. The Ouroborus can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, circa 1600 BC and the Ouroborus called the Chrysopoeia of Cleopatra encloses the words hen to pan "one, the all", i.e. "All is One". Its black-and-white halves represent the duality of existence.
God can see the duality but understands it within unity being the larger, total truth. It should be noted that being like something is not stating that one is something. While God might know and understand duality it is within a context, a framework whose sole existence is wholeness. As humans we can at best have only the most rudimentary understanding of this concept hence we enter the world of duality and ego and it is all we understand as reality.
At birth we start the journey in unity and cross into duality. We are born in innocence and wholeness, our egos separate and we go through life in the state of duality; me - you, until we come back again to the source. This is true on an individual basis and also as a species: circular journeys. At some point this road will near completion and it will be like a circle coming back to that place of oneness. In the world to come we are told that it will be a time of perfect peace and oneness, of Shalom. It is just around the bend.
The most recent lesson is about Adam and Eve. "And the serpent said to the woman (the Hebrew says Adam was there with her), "as soon as you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God who knows good and bad." What is it that they are going to lose by eating this fruit? Some say a state of innocence, the belief that everything is good. An additional idea is that they lost the sense of unity and entered the world of duality. Suddenly there is good and bad, wrong and right, birth and death. Their egos materialize and they feel self-consciousness and shame. This begins our journey.
In thinking about this I was reminded of the Ouroborus. Many, many diverse cultures have this image of a snake in a circle biting its tail. It is a symbol of the eternal unity of all things, the cycle of birth and death. The Ouroborus can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, circa 1600 BC and the Ouroborus called the Chrysopoeia of Cleopatra encloses the words hen to pan "one, the all", i.e. "All is One". Its black-and-white halves represent the duality of existence.
God can see the duality but understands it within unity being the larger, total truth. It should be noted that being like something is not stating that one is something. While God might know and understand duality it is within a context, a framework whose sole existence is wholeness. As humans we can at best have only the most rudimentary understanding of this concept hence we enter the world of duality and ego and it is all we understand as reality.
At birth we start the journey in unity and cross into duality. We are born in innocence and wholeness, our egos separate and we go through life in the state of duality; me - you, until we come back again to the source. This is true on an individual basis and also as a species: circular journeys. At some point this road will near completion and it will be like a circle coming back to that place of oneness. In the world to come we are told that it will be a time of perfect peace and oneness, of Shalom. It is just around the bend.
Monday
AFTERTHOUGHTS FROM TORAH STUDY
This week we finished the book of Deuteronomy ready to start the cycle over again. Moses is about to die and in a final farewell gives words of praise, assessment and destiny to each of the tribes of Israel before they cross the river Jordon. As the crossroads of three continents it is natural that this is a place of tension. Perhaps just so with a spiritual life there are tests about whether or not we can hold our hearts in the right place amid the turmoil of life.
In my life this seems like just where I’ve been standing this last week, on the cusp of entering a promised land. There has been so much beauty all around me, so much joy, bliss, so much gratitude, forgiveness, so much wisdom and understanding, so much peace and love and light. Feeling that unending love makes it so very real. The lesson from my time on the mountain of simply 1+1=1 with 1 being pure love stays with me. The experience that most of us go through our life with of separation of "us" "them" that 1+1=2 is an illusion, like a game. The recent adventure held me in this space for a 36 hour stretch and for the first time I was flying solo. It was quite a experience, one I am intending to repeat. It feels like I am developing the skill to enter and leave the game at will rather then being caught up in it as if it was reality. It feels extraordinarily empowering.
The Israelites journeyed forty year in a circle to come back pretty much to where they started yet they were radically changed. Just so for me. I felt myself like a souring bird. so much in love, so much embraced in light. On my walk after class I saw ahead of me a large house like a palace rather then a landscape. Why? What is there for me? What is there for us? I’ve felt like I am standing on a threshold. Perhaps it isn’t only me. The nature of our world at the moment would seem that this could be true on a global scale. Disease, war, natural disasters and unrecoverable degradation, energy supply and demand, global food supply grown with genetically modified seeds so they can’t naturally reproduce but have to be bought every year. Whether we are or we are entering an unprecedented world wide struggle to survive or not it doesn’t hurt to listen and be spiritually prepared.
In this Torah portion Moses tells each their blessing and their failing. Here today it is useful to consider; what are our blessings and where are our stumbling blocks so that when we cross over we as Benjamin will be “beloved of God” and as Joseph “blessed of God be his land… with the best from the ancient mountains” as from Mt Monadnock I remain in a the best state I’ve ever felt; a state of grace. It’s there for everyone.
In my life this seems like just where I’ve been standing this last week, on the cusp of entering a promised land. There has been so much beauty all around me, so much joy, bliss, so much gratitude, forgiveness, so much wisdom and understanding, so much peace and love and light. Feeling that unending love makes it so very real. The lesson from my time on the mountain of simply 1+1=1 with 1 being pure love stays with me. The experience that most of us go through our life with of separation of "us" "them" that 1+1=2 is an illusion, like a game. The recent adventure held me in this space for a 36 hour stretch and for the first time I was flying solo. It was quite a experience, one I am intending to repeat. It feels like I am developing the skill to enter and leave the game at will rather then being caught up in it as if it was reality. It feels extraordinarily empowering.
The Israelites journeyed forty year in a circle to come back pretty much to where they started yet they were radically changed. Just so for me. I felt myself like a souring bird. so much in love, so much embraced in light. On my walk after class I saw ahead of me a large house like a palace rather then a landscape. Why? What is there for me? What is there for us? I’ve felt like I am standing on a threshold. Perhaps it isn’t only me. The nature of our world at the moment would seem that this could be true on a global scale. Disease, war, natural disasters and unrecoverable degradation, energy supply and demand, global food supply grown with genetically modified seeds so they can’t naturally reproduce but have to be bought every year. Whether we are or we are entering an unprecedented world wide struggle to survive or not it doesn’t hurt to listen and be spiritually prepared.
In this Torah portion Moses tells each their blessing and their failing. Here today it is useful to consider; what are our blessings and where are our stumbling blocks so that when we cross over we as Benjamin will be “beloved of God” and as Joseph “blessed of God be his land… with the best from the ancient mountains” as from Mt Monadnock I remain in a the best state I’ve ever felt; a state of grace. It’s there for everyone.
Reflections from the mountain
As I left on the adventure of camping for 3-4 days by myself on Mount Monadnock the biblical passage "you shall be holy because I am holy" surfaced again and again. The following is what came to me during this time of prayerful contemplation.
Reflections from the mountain:
"You shall be holy because I am holy". It says "shall" - future tense, not past or present and it is a command, a requirement. Although that essence of holiness is really who we are each and every moment, how do we manifest this in everyday reality? What can we do to make this truly and exclusively present in our lives - in who we are and in what we see? How do we do this not just for the moments we find to pray but hold holiness, an inner sense of total bliss, within and around us and have all our actions conform to this state of grace; to be truly holy people? Biblically it was through sacrifice; in Hebrew, korban. Korban means to draw close. As we go through our everyday lives we make choices. Most choices are sacrifices, one path is sacrificed for the other. Are these choices for our personal benefit? Are they to make our lives easier? Are they for societal norms? Or are they in order for us to draw close to God? It is your choice whether to stay in the place of centered, calm peace; to feel simply a part of the God's oneness and love and happiness to stay in holiness or let the currents of trouble and distress carry you away.
All wisdom has already been given - over and over and over again. There is nothing new to be imparted. The highest form of wisdom is all around. Stop, look and listen. Open the mind to it and it will flood in. Open the heart to it and be embraced by God.
Why make it so complicated? It is as simple as one plus one equals one.
Each of us has a purpose a destiny. We have a myth that is our job to make right and whole; to mend. In this way we meld ourself to God and God's plan. There are no coincidences. It's right in front of us, plain as day the task for each of us, the other people with whom we are connected in the story of our soul. Time is fleeting, our beloved awaits. How can you turn away and think holiness infinite happiness is not for you? Do not deny the love in your heart, the love of your life, the love of your soul.
Do not be over concerned about people who can't hear or see. Bring them along as best as you can but do not blame yourself if they don't get it. Life is what you choose to make it. Everyone has free choice. This camping trip could be described accurately as cold and wet or awesomely beautiful and beyond words inspiring. Just as it is your right to make your choices so it is with others. It is not your concern what others decided to make of their lives. That's between themselves and Creator. If people with whom you think you are connected turn away, do not worry. When one door is shut another opens. The myths span human history and can play out in a wide variety or ways and with a wide variety of individuals. You are but dust in the wind, nothing more except that of God.
Stop denying me - everything, everything is possible where love is concerned.
"Nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they study war no more". When shall this occur? It will happen when leaders or everyone else understand that 1+1=1. This is why war, racism, homelessness, all oppression, all man make trouble makes no sense. 1+1=1. There is none else.
You don't believe me? Test it. You go up; travel higher and higher and then you will know. Study the sacred texts, learn from those who have gone before, do good deeds it will bring you to the place of understanding. 1+1=1
Enjoy the world and all of its diverse splendor. Its there for you. You are loved by an unending love.
1+1=1, 1+1+1+1+1+1+1...=1 - God is love, that's all it is about. All earth bound love is just a tiny, tiny spark of this infinite source. It is our job to bring this, to manifest it in the world. - Love - Some people get confused. They think that if they love someone other then their spouse they are being unfaithful. But, adultery is about lust not love. Its about dishonoring a pledge. Lust (which includes hunger for many things in the material world, things other then of the spirit) and love are as different as the light is from the darkness. Since all real love is a spark of the eternal love, all expressions of this love strengthens the essential bonds between married people. There is a theological question, "if a man's wife dies and he marries another to which is he bonded in the world to come"? That pure spark of love that he has for both, that both have for him is the only pure reflection. (1+1)+(1+1) still equals 1. These sparks unite with all the others carried by the soul into infinite oneness. When souls unite in this place, whether in this world or the world to come, they are all fulfilled. All expressions of divine love is acceptable. Denial is not. Do not be fooled by lust or obligation, distrust or disillusionment or the times you have been hurt. Rather look to where the light is shinning. There you will find that for which your soul is really yearning. There you will find yourself centered and joined with pure love and peace.
We move through our lives like a body through the woods on a sunny day. Sometimes we pass through shadow of the trees sometime into the light of the sun. Even when we stand in one place the wind can cast upon us shadows from the leaves or blow them to the side to admit the light. It is all for the good. We move in and out until we find our place of rest. There I come into a grove of light that is so beyond the brightness of the sun that when I close my eyes it is too strong and I have to open them again lest I go blind.
What does it profit you to live a life according to what other people say is the law of God if in doing so you turn away from the Truth God is speaking to your own heart. In the end you will see that there is no contradiction. We have all the knowledge we need. 1+1+1=1. Understand this and "you shall be holy because I am holy".
I left home saying the camping trip was going to be an adventure and so it was. Just so I left the trip thinking that is true of life as well. It is all one big adventure.
Reflections from the mountain:
"You shall be holy because I am holy". It says "shall" - future tense, not past or present and it is a command, a requirement. Although that essence of holiness is really who we are each and every moment, how do we manifest this in everyday reality? What can we do to make this truly and exclusively present in our lives - in who we are and in what we see? How do we do this not just for the moments we find to pray but hold holiness, an inner sense of total bliss, within and around us and have all our actions conform to this state of grace; to be truly holy people? Biblically it was through sacrifice; in Hebrew, korban. Korban means to draw close. As we go through our everyday lives we make choices. Most choices are sacrifices, one path is sacrificed for the other. Are these choices for our personal benefit? Are they to make our lives easier? Are they for societal norms? Or are they in order for us to draw close to God? It is your choice whether to stay in the place of centered, calm peace; to feel simply a part of the God's oneness and love and happiness to stay in holiness or let the currents of trouble and distress carry you away.
All wisdom has already been given - over and over and over again. There is nothing new to be imparted. The highest form of wisdom is all around. Stop, look and listen. Open the mind to it and it will flood in. Open the heart to it and be embraced by God.
Why make it so complicated? It is as simple as one plus one equals one.
Each of us has a purpose a destiny. We have a myth that is our job to make right and whole; to mend. In this way we meld ourself to God and God's plan. There are no coincidences. It's right in front of us, plain as day the task for each of us, the other people with whom we are connected in the story of our soul. Time is fleeting, our beloved awaits. How can you turn away and think holiness infinite happiness is not for you? Do not deny the love in your heart, the love of your life, the love of your soul.
Do not be over concerned about people who can't hear or see. Bring them along as best as you can but do not blame yourself if they don't get it. Life is what you choose to make it. Everyone has free choice. This camping trip could be described accurately as cold and wet or awesomely beautiful and beyond words inspiring. Just as it is your right to make your choices so it is with others. It is not your concern what others decided to make of their lives. That's between themselves and Creator. If people with whom you think you are connected turn away, do not worry. When one door is shut another opens. The myths span human history and can play out in a wide variety or ways and with a wide variety of individuals. You are but dust in the wind, nothing more except that of God.
Stop denying me - everything, everything is possible where love is concerned.
"Nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they study war no more". When shall this occur? It will happen when leaders or everyone else understand that 1+1=1. This is why war, racism, homelessness, all oppression, all man make trouble makes no sense. 1+1=1. There is none else.
You don't believe me? Test it. You go up; travel higher and higher and then you will know. Study the sacred texts, learn from those who have gone before, do good deeds it will bring you to the place of understanding. 1+1=1
Enjoy the world and all of its diverse splendor. Its there for you. You are loved by an unending love.
1+1=1, 1+1+1+1+1+1+1...=1 - God is love, that's all it is about. All earth bound love is just a tiny, tiny spark of this infinite source. It is our job to bring this, to manifest it in the world. - Love - Some people get confused. They think that if they love someone other then their spouse they are being unfaithful. But, adultery is about lust not love. Its about dishonoring a pledge. Lust (which includes hunger for many things in the material world, things other then of the spirit) and love are as different as the light is from the darkness. Since all real love is a spark of the eternal love, all expressions of this love strengthens the essential bonds between married people. There is a theological question, "if a man's wife dies and he marries another to which is he bonded in the world to come"? That pure spark of love that he has for both, that both have for him is the only pure reflection. (1+1)+(1+1) still equals 1. These sparks unite with all the others carried by the soul into infinite oneness. When souls unite in this place, whether in this world or the world to come, they are all fulfilled. All expressions of divine love is acceptable. Denial is not. Do not be fooled by lust or obligation, distrust or disillusionment or the times you have been hurt. Rather look to where the light is shinning. There you will find that for which your soul is really yearning. There you will find yourself centered and joined with pure love and peace.
We move through our lives like a body through the woods on a sunny day. Sometimes we pass through shadow of the trees sometime into the light of the sun. Even when we stand in one place the wind can cast upon us shadows from the leaves or blow them to the side to admit the light. It is all for the good. We move in and out until we find our place of rest. There I come into a grove of light that is so beyond the brightness of the sun that when I close my eyes it is too strong and I have to open them again lest I go blind.
What does it profit you to live a life according to what other people say is the law of God if in doing so you turn away from the Truth God is speaking to your own heart. In the end you will see that there is no contradiction. We have all the knowledge we need. 1+1+1=1. Understand this and "you shall be holy because I am holy".
I left home saying the camping trip was going to be an adventure and so it was. Just so I left the trip thinking that is true of life as well. It is all one big adventure.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
