The divine communicates to us primarily through the language of the natural world. Not to hear the natural world is not to hear the divine.
Thomas Berry
Learning to Listen
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Morning clouds at Prospect Ponds -
Gathering Wisdom
The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.
Isaac AsimovThere are many who are wise and do not have degrees or a data bank full of information. My experience has taught me that the only source for wisdom is not to be found in a book, wikipedia, social media, the college campus, Dr. Google or listening to my ego. It’s rather easy to gain information, or misinformation, but gaining wisdom primarily requires the lessons learned from life experiences, plus knowledge. The failures, mistakes, pain, suffering, self-examination and a dose of humiliation have been my greatest teachers. I’ve heard it said the wise know they don’t know the answers. They do not tell us what they know, they will only share their experiences of life with us. Then for us to be wise we will need to listen to those who are wise and learn from them. Sure rings true for me. I’ve come to see how those who have a practice of prayer and meditation, spending time in solitude, silence, and nature, have learned to listen to the voice of their innermost self. Makes me wonder if that is the source of our deepest wisdom? Have a wonderful weekend!
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Discouragement
Crested Wheat grass at Arapaho Bend Natural Area Too many times discouragement has been the bonus for unrealistic expectations, not to mention self-pity or fatigue from my wanting to change the world by the weekend.
Daily Reflections, March 2Last Monday was not a good emotional and mental day for me. I felt like running away from the chaotic state of this world and those creating it. Knowing there is no place called “away”, I drove to one of my natural areas to find some solace, some comforting and healing. They are my sanctuaries. The sun felt good as my body soaked it up. A cool breeze blew lightly in my face. After a few much needed deep breaths I knew I had my feet back on the ground and to move on with the day. Sometime later after talking with friends I realized my difficult feelings were the disappointments I have with the world. I desire all things to be in perfect harmony and without discord but that is not life. My unrealistic expectations brought on those discouragements. Setting realistic expectations and living in acceptance of what I cannot change and what I can change is something I’m slowly learning. Learning patience and acceptance.
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A Few Books
This is some of the books I’ve read or going to read for this retreat starting on Saturday. There are going to be 17 books used in these five weeks where we will cover a chapter or two of the book and no written essays. There will be a lot of practicum in this retreat, actual participation, rather than just gathering more knowledge and information.
Today is my 69th birthday. The coffee shop, Mugs, gave me a free mocha and a chocolate éclair, which made my morning. I also receive the sweetest phone message from Julie and Tom as they sang happy birthday. Brought me to tears and not because their singing was bad.
