Being Open

During this afternoon we had a meeting of several Friends (Quakers), my wife and myself talking about being open to God’s input and gifts.  I realized how important it was that I went through my period of pain, disability and terror in order to give up any preconceived notions or attachments.  Those notions and attachments prevented me from being and, though I did not think so at the time, giving up those attachments was a gift, albeit in strange packaging.

Listening

Maria, my wife, has been constructing and planning for a sweat lodge on some nearby forest service land.  She was going to do one sweat alone, for her own cleansing and spiritual growth and one with several other people.  There have been several “road blocks” or problems, particularly regarding the individual lodge, the last problem being today with leaking, newly purchased water jugs.  Paying attention to the series of problems regarding the individual lodge, we finally realized today that the lodge is meant to be of service to the community, not purely for individual use.  That realization feels right to each of us.

Acting Accordingly

Christians would probably say that my way of life was acting according to the Holy Spirit or Trinity.  Taoist’s might say that I was following “The Way”, while Buddhist’s might say that I was acting according to my “Buddha Nature” and the Lakota people may refer to my approach as the “Red Road”.  Personally, as far as I can tell, all of the various belief systems are talking about the same thing.  I behave lovingly, humbly, with respect for all things and with integrity.  I do that because it feels right.

A Love-based Approach

Tonight I was reading in National Geographic about efforts that are being made all over the globe to reduce carbon emissions, increase sustainability and to be more responsible in the use of resources, even at the expense of a short-term increase in cost, very refreshing.  It is clear that short term material gain or other selfish motives frequently do not increase the integrity of the universe and result in the long-term destruction of the planet.  When I meditate the approach I read about feels more love-based.

Acting Out of Love

In terms of the promotion of my book I really just need to pay attention to the three questions that I outlined yesterday and act accordingly, particularly the third question; Will this increase the integrity of the universe.  It is clear to me that any action motivated by the prospect of material gain or other selfish motive does not increase the integrity of the universe.  On the other hand, motivations such as being of service or serving the greater good fit the criteria.  If I take that approach, I just assume that my material needs will be taken care of, which has always worked in the past.

Acting In a Sacred Manner

I attempt to do everything I do in what a Lakota would say was a sacred manner, which, for me, means that I act according to the three questions (1. Would I do this in front of God?; 2. Is my name really on it?; 3. Will this increase the integrity of the universe?).  These questions lead me to act in a loving manner with respect for everything and everybody.  Acting in this manner initially required a great deal of focus but has now become a habit or natural for me.  I find living in this manner to be very fulfilling.  I also will admit quite freely that I often have selfish or self-centered thoughts, which I usually do not act on and, when I do, I apologize.

The Spirit World

In my book I speak of “being in the world but not of it” and I also frequently comment that “I walk in two worlds”, meaning I am conscious of existing within what is commonly called the spirit world and also the material/physical or mundane world.  I am comfortable with my orientation and I am very much aware that each world nourishes and supports the other.  I understand that most people get what I call “glimpses” of the spirit world or eternal and that I get a great deal more than that.  Recently, due to the necessity of promoting my book, my focus has been more on the material world than I am used to, requiring an adjustment.  I am attempting to make that shift while maintaining the unconditional love I found in the eternal.