A few years ago I was talking to a new colleague at work and he said he spent part of his childhood in the same village as me which was 300 miles away from where I now lived. It turned out his dad grew up in the same road as me and went to the same school but he was a couple of years older so although I remembered him he was never a friend as such. Even more weird, it also turned out that his dad was living in the same road as me at the present moment and I didn't know it.
Whoa...that's so cool and I appreciate you sharing, Rich. May I ask where you live? You don't have to be too specific but I got curious when you used words like "village" and "road" where someone like me would use "city" and "block."
some people tell me that loving yourself is selfish. But it is even in the bible. Doesn't jesus say at some point to love others AS yourself ? that means you have to love yourself first ! Of course some people now think I am a blasphemous bug LOL.
And what was radical is that he did not mean neighbor (those in your same social group) in the sense that was usual in first-century Judaism. He mean EVERYONE, even people you didn't like. (Sorry, I'm rereading Jesus Before Christianity and Albert Nolan deals with Jesus' attacks upon group solidarity, power, riches, etc.)
Yes, I think I would. I don't agree with everything he writes, but he's spot on when it comes to why Jesus made those in power so very frightened and angry.
If you read it, I would love to know what you think. We're rereading aloud Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, and I also do not agree with everything Marcus Borg writes, but there's some good stuff in there. For example, I do not think Abraham was a "spirit person." When you transcend your culture as we are called to do, you can no longer subscribe to patriarchy!
Excellent piece. I too often wonder about this issue of coincidence, synchronicity, paths crossing and parting.
There is a saying....”People come into your life for a reason, season or lifetime.” Very thought provoking and helpful to reflect on when one must choose or not choose....a parting.
I have a friend who I first crossed paths with in 2018. We have come to know each other in the past five years. We are routinely floored by the synchronicity in our lives and actions. Yet, we have wildly different backgrounds and experiences. Makes me wonder about those who theorize around soul evolution/lessons. Is our synchronicity a by product of our spirits’ quest on this lifetime? Is it a result of us being in the same place relative to lessons we are supposed to learn? Same lessons but manifesting differently in our lives because we are unique individuals/souls.
To your bigger point, it is important to be mindful of one’s own actions, thoughts, and voice. Our impact on those around us and in this world is often a reflection of the inner work we are willing to do for ourselves. And it is not always (easy, joyful, and selfish---it requires honesty, reflection, empathy, consideration of others and a willingness to take a stand even when it will cause emotional pain or suffering on our part. If like we’re always easy, we would never grow. I’m thankful for my friend whose life seems to resonate with mine in important ways, and our different life paths prior to meeting is perhaps the foundation of a bigger lesson....be open to others experiences, truths, and perspectives....life is a tapestry made beautiful by the many colorful strands woven together.
A lot of what magic is is getting past the inner judge, which is often the most ruthless thing in the world. A lot of that is about looking dispassionately at the narrative of the self, which is often me holding myself back, then changing consciousness to tell a different story. That is some of the hardest work but also the most rewarding. Learning to be better to myself has absolutely made me better to others.
I’ve always noticed, and it’s kind of weird, but I tend to run into new acquaintances repeatedly for a little while, yet even though I stayed with in 5 miles of the place I grew up, I very rarely if at all run into any of the 800+ people I graduated high school with.
I appreciate how you're the type of person who notices such trends. And , as someone who also stayed in the same general geographical area, I can relate!
It’s freaky, almost 40 years, I’ve seen maybe 7 people out of 827. (Doesn’t count the three class reunions I attended, I kind of expected to see a few folks from school there, lol.) And it’s not like I don’t remember faces, I’ll see a customer who came into the store once, six months ago, and comment to my wife that they were a customer. The strings of fate from my high school class just don’t tangle around me. Maybe I’m the opposite of static cling in the great clothes dryer of the class of 1983 :)
I hear you, Zack. We're human and the goal should never be perfection.
It's sounds like you're doing an excellent job!
Thank you for that wisdom droplet this morning. I agree with the sentiment, and a good reminder. Thanks, Mickey.
🙏❤🙏
A few years ago I was talking to a new colleague at work and he said he spent part of his childhood in the same village as me which was 300 miles away from where I now lived. It turned out his dad grew up in the same road as me and went to the same school but he was a couple of years older so although I remembered him he was never a friend as such. Even more weird, it also turned out that his dad was living in the same road as me at the present moment and I didn't know it.
Whoa...that's so cool and I appreciate you sharing, Rich. May I ask where you live? You don't have to be too specific but I got curious when you used words like "village" and "road" where someone like me would use "city" and "block."
some people tell me that loving yourself is selfish. But it is even in the bible. Doesn't jesus say at some point to love others AS yourself ? that means you have to love yourself first ! Of course some people now think I am a blasphemous bug LOL.
Indeed! "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
❤
And what was radical is that he did not mean neighbor (those in your same social group) in the sense that was usual in first-century Judaism. He mean EVERYONE, even people you didn't like. (Sorry, I'm rereading Jesus Before Christianity and Albert Nolan deals with Jesus' attacks upon group solidarity, power, riches, etc.)
Would you recommend that book you're reading?
Yes, I think I would. I don't agree with everything he writes, but he's spot on when it comes to why Jesus made those in power so very frightened and angry.
Thank you!
If you read it, I would love to know what you think. We're rereading aloud Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, and I also do not agree with everything Marcus Borg writes, but there's some good stuff in there. For example, I do not think Abraham was a "spirit person." When you transcend your culture as we are called to do, you can no longer subscribe to patriarchy!
Beautiful, Mickey.
Thank you 🙂
are you planning on bundling these short pieces in a book ? I am buyer !
Aw, Ingrid...thanks for the kind words of encouragement. No plans for a book right now but ya never know! 🙂
Excellent piece. I too often wonder about this issue of coincidence, synchronicity, paths crossing and parting.
There is a saying....”People come into your life for a reason, season or lifetime.” Very thought provoking and helpful to reflect on when one must choose or not choose....a parting.
I have a friend who I first crossed paths with in 2018. We have come to know each other in the past five years. We are routinely floored by the synchronicity in our lives and actions. Yet, we have wildly different backgrounds and experiences. Makes me wonder about those who theorize around soul evolution/lessons. Is our synchronicity a by product of our spirits’ quest on this lifetime? Is it a result of us being in the same place relative to lessons we are supposed to learn? Same lessons but manifesting differently in our lives because we are unique individuals/souls.
To your bigger point, it is important to be mindful of one’s own actions, thoughts, and voice. Our impact on those around us and in this world is often a reflection of the inner work we are willing to do for ourselves. And it is not always (easy, joyful, and selfish---it requires honesty, reflection, empathy, consideration of others and a willingness to take a stand even when it will cause emotional pain or suffering on our part. If like we’re always easy, we would never grow. I’m thankful for my friend whose life seems to resonate with mine in important ways, and our different life paths prior to meeting is perhaps the foundation of a bigger lesson....be open to others experiences, truths, and perspectives....life is a tapestry made beautiful by the many colorful strands woven together.
Thank you, Laura...and right back at ya: Excellent comment! 🙂
"Our impact on those around us ... is often a reflection of the inner work we are willing to do for ourselves." No truer words were ever spoken.
A lot of what magic is is getting past the inner judge, which is often the most ruthless thing in the world. A lot of that is about looking dispassionately at the narrative of the self, which is often me holding myself back, then changing consciousness to tell a different story. That is some of the hardest work but also the most rewarding. Learning to be better to myself has absolutely made me better to others.
Thank you, William. 🙂
I’ve always noticed, and it’s kind of weird, but I tend to run into new acquaintances repeatedly for a little while, yet even though I stayed with in 5 miles of the place I grew up, I very rarely if at all run into any of the 800+ people I graduated high school with.
I appreciate how you're the type of person who notices such trends. And , as someone who also stayed in the same general geographical area, I can relate!
It’s freaky, almost 40 years, I’ve seen maybe 7 people out of 827. (Doesn’t count the three class reunions I attended, I kind of expected to see a few folks from school there, lol.) And it’s not like I don’t remember faces, I’ll see a customer who came into the store once, six months ago, and comment to my wife that they were a customer. The strings of fate from my high school class just don’t tangle around me. Maybe I’m the opposite of static cling in the great clothes dryer of the class of 1983 :)
😂
Beautiful.
Just Like
Ever YOU !
💕
This is a very compelling video. Begs the question of how much time have you got.
https://youtu.be/jMdn3kwhDG0
The person speaking, Prem Rawat, has been a guide and inspiration my entire adult life.
Thanks, Jeff. Not sure when, but I'll do my best to watch this!
Hope you enjoy it 🌟
Just be "yourself"...cause everyone else is taken !!!!!!!
Lovely!
Thank you! 🙂