Laughed out loud when I read the lines about ambiguity--the same is true in the arts. I actually feel like a pretty good ambiguity embracer, but I think it's the thing we humans hate the most. That, and potential disappointment. Both of which sort of astonishes me, as really, we're all living with intense ambiguity all the time, we're just in denial about it. And we all live with disappointment, but most of us certainly seem to take pains to avoid it all costs.
I also really appreciated this share about your spiritual-religious journey. Question: I wonder if its the human community aspect of organized religion that is the crucible, rather than the organized religion itself?
thanks for your great comments. I too love ambiguity, except when I don't. Interesting about disappointment, - sounds true. This is simplistic, but I suppose it's all about wanting to control our environment and everyone around us! Oh, and definitely the human community aspect of organized religion is the crucible. I mean, could there be a religion without humans, so I guess when I say organized, I mean people! Thanks again for weighing in!
So perhaps the challenge is less the particular spiritual ideas or pathway than it is having the courage to hang in there in human groups where everyone is fallible and we all shun conflict...
I was especially taken by your description of Christian community/ organized religion as a crucible for spirituality. Having been in some particularly fiery situations and containers these past few years, I have pretty much avoided the cauldron lately, likely slacking off a little spiritually as well. It may be getting to be time to wander back—maybe.
“Any human project is dangerous, and annoying, and often just plain wrong.” Absolutely!
Your photo of your dad reminded me of how I saw him 50 years ago in El Paso. I remember the pipe also.
Looking forward to hearing about the class which was vital in your spiritual growth!
Laughed out loud when I read the lines about ambiguity--the same is true in the arts. I actually feel like a pretty good ambiguity embracer, but I think it's the thing we humans hate the most. That, and potential disappointment. Both of which sort of astonishes me, as really, we're all living with intense ambiguity all the time, we're just in denial about it. And we all live with disappointment, but most of us certainly seem to take pains to avoid it all costs.
I also really appreciated this share about your spiritual-religious journey. Question: I wonder if its the human community aspect of organized religion that is the crucible, rather than the organized religion itself?
thanks for your great comments. I too love ambiguity, except when I don't. Interesting about disappointment, - sounds true. This is simplistic, but I suppose it's all about wanting to control our environment and everyone around us! Oh, and definitely the human community aspect of organized religion is the crucible. I mean, could there be a religion without humans, so I guess when I say organized, I mean people! Thanks again for weighing in!
So perhaps the challenge is less the particular spiritual ideas or pathway than it is having the courage to hang in there in human groups where everyone is fallible and we all shun conflict...
Maj-Britt,
Great post!
I was especially taken by your description of Christian community/ organized religion as a crucible for spirituality. Having been in some particularly fiery situations and containers these past few years, I have pretty much avoided the cauldron lately, likely slacking off a little spiritually as well. It may be getting to be time to wander back—maybe.
“Any human project is dangerous, and annoying, and often just plain wrong.” Absolutely!
Your photo of your dad reminded me of how I saw him 50 years ago in El Paso. I remember the pipe also.
Looking forward to hearing about the class which was vital in your spiritual growth!
I get it, Susan. Maybe just didn’t find the right Community? It can take quite a while - like finding the right therapist!
Amen to that!