Welcome to Micki & Lydia Posted by Jeff on November 04, 1999 at 09:34:05:
In Reply to: Welcome to old-timers and newcomers to THE NEW SEMESTER STARTING HERE NOW. posted by John on November 01, 1999 at 13:01:12:
Hello All:
I just wanted to say hello to Micki & Lydia.
I have been reading "From the Holy Mountain" by W. Dalrymple. It is
about his travels to retrace the journey of John Moschos who traveled
the area in the 6th century visiting Christian Monasteries etc.. A good
portion of the book talks about the tolerance or lack thereof of one
religious/political group/person for another. It also highlights the
devlopment of early Christian groups and the direct (and occasionally
living) links to the Muslim religion. As I was reading last night Mr.
Dalrymple was in Lebanon and visited with a hermit who told him:
"Those who are content to live in sin do not suffer from the
temptations of the Devil so badly as those who try to live with God".
This struck me as a parallel for how I have sometimes felt, when
undertaking the pursuit of mindfulness. To paraphrase "those content to
live in sleep do not suffer from the temptations of ego so badly as
those who try to live with love" or simply ignorance is bliss - sort
of. At least until you know of something different.
For me, to become consciously aware of one's actions has caused some
turmoil within when my thoughts/actions are less than loving. It has
made it even more important not to judge(myself or others), but simply
be aware. To show love and tolerance(to myself and others), rather than
react in fear. All easier to say than do, but it is a work in progress.
As the hermit says in the book,"In the beginning there is a strugggle
and a lot of work for those who wish to come near God and to light the
divine fire within themselves. At first they feel lonely and depressed.
But after that there is the indescribable joy of feeling the presence
of the Lord".
As the coach has mentioned, this class is about learning techniques of
mindfulness. For me it is about learning to love without fear.
take care all, Jeff
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