Last June started a new journey, a transformation of growing up. I've spent too many years feeling invisible or trying to be invisible. Not wanting to stand out, trying to blend into my surroundings. It was literally as if I was eternally 13. But last year I made a decision that my life had to change. It didn't start on a road of "growing up"--more of getting healthy. Looking back on this year, it feels like I finally made it through puberty...at the age of 30. All those years of feeling awkward in my own body, feeling like I had to hide who I really was--I've made it to the other side.
The most obvious change I've made is my physical appearance. But beyond the almost 50 pounds I've now lost, I have gained much more. I now find myself loving a good workout, pushing myself mentally and physically to my limits. I am strong and in shape, confident and sure of myself (most of the time). Food tastes different and instead of being an escape, it is now something to enjoy and experience. I know that my life will continue to evolve, go through ups and downs. But I look ahead with excitement of where I am going. Proud of where I am, and reflective of where I've been. I've overcome so many obstacles this year and am encouraged to keep pushing through. I never thought I'd be where I'm at today--couldn't have imagined where I am currently. And for the most part wouldn't trade (much) of my life thus far.
Another change I've noticed this year, mostly internal but I believe others have seen an external change as well--I feel alive! I'm not numb to what is going on around me. All senses are alert. Both pain and pleasure are very real. And in that reality, the pain I've experienced is more welcome--not for the actual acts or emotions but as a reminder that I'm human. My faults and mistakes (even others) are no longer assaults to who I am but opportunities for grace, redemption and reminders of how small we all really are. Even physical pain feels different now. Whether it's sore muscles from a workout, a burn from a hot iron or stove, or stubbing a toe walking through my place in the dark, the pain keeps me aware of who I am, of my surroundings. "For once I want to be the car crash...not always just the traffic jam" are words from a Snow Patrol song that jump out at me. And just as the pain is more tangible, moments of joy are brighter. I have more moments of child like fascination and playfulness that helps life feel more magical.
About two and a half years ago, my college pastor passed away at the age of 33. The morning he died, he was supposed to give a sermon based on the movie 'Garden State'. His wife typed up his notes soon after and the end of the sermon provided a great inspirational message. The words hang up in my living room and also on the visor of my car. I've been trying to figure out how the message really looks in my life. And now I think I've gotten it...so many days now I feel like I can live in the present. "Love God, Embrace Beauty, Live life to the fullest" is how Kyle would end Sundays. Working on all three but now at the age of 30 I think I'm grasping the living life to it's fullest (carpe Diem, take time to smell the flowers, being in the moment...).
"Live. And live well. Breathe. Breathe in and Breathe deeply. Be PRESENT. Do not be past. Do not be future. Be now. On a crystal clear, breezy 70 degree day, roll down the windows and Feel the wind against your skin. Feel the warmth of the sun. If you run, allow those first few breaths on a cool Autumn day to FREEZE your lungs and do not just be alarmed, be ALIVE. Get knee-deep in a novel and LOSE track of time. If you bike, pedal HARD...and if you crash then crash well. Feel the Satisfaction of a job well done, a paper well-written, a project thoroughly completed, a play well-performed. If you must wipe the snot from your 3-year olds' nose, don't be disgusted if the Kleenex didn't catch it all...because soon he'll be wiping his own. If you've recently experienced loss, then GRIEVE. And Grieve well. At the table with friends and family, LAUGH. If you're eating and laughing at the same time, then might as well laugh until you puke. And if you eat, then SMELL. The aromas are not impediments to your day. Steak on the grill, coffee beans freshly ground, cookies in the oven. And TASTE. Taste every ounce of flavor. Taste every ounce of friendship. Taste every ounce of Life. Because-it-is-most-definitely-a-Gift." Kyle Lake Oct 2005
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Half Dome #20
This past weekend I completed #20--hiking HALF DOME--on my 40 before 40 list. I'm still processing how amazing this was but here are some thoughts on this goal...
--it was harder and eaiser than I imagined. Certainly all the personal training particularly in the last two months really helped both physically and mentall prepare me for this.
--20 miles in 9 hours (last time my dad did it, he took 12 hours). I can't believe I kept up with my brother for a good portion of it. I slowed him down a bit but was fit enough that I wasn't too far behind for most of the hike.
--it was great to spend that time with my brother. My dad went as well but wasn't in as good of shape so we took off in about mile 3 or 4. During the trip, I was still amazed to see how much my little brother has grown up. And there were moments that sometimes I felt like the younger sibling--between his fast pace and more daring attitude, I pushed myself harder than I would have.
--Mentally I had to stop thinking sometimes of what I was about to do, or stop thinking so hard when I was doing something and just do it. So when i really think about the hike, I am pretty excited about what I did...and learning to just admit how proud I am that I was able to accomplish this!
So the list revisited...hopefully a few more down this year and some that I still think maybe more challenging to complete in 10 years due to finances and time...we'll see.
40 before 40 list...with a few comments
I posted this on facebook earlier but this is a good place to repots this. so this is my list of things to do in the next 10 years...some may not happen, hopefully i'll i'm surpass. some of them are dependednt on other goals...we'll see what happens.
1 Lose weight to goal weight and maintain--20 lbs to go (lost 45 so far!!) and this has been an amazing journey! it helps me do a lot of things on my list and I feel amazing!
2 Go hang gliding (I want to fly)
3 read crime and punishment--I think i'll start reading this book next!!
4 swim with sharks
5 go to alaska
6 read paradise lost
7 pay off school debt
8 run a 10k and/or 1/2 marathon--up to 4 miles on the treadmill 2-3 days per week. HOpefully by the end of the year I'll do at least a 5 k and possibly a 10 k. I have really learned to LOVE running!
9 go on a cruise
11 visit all 30 nhl arenas
12 learn to swim laps
13 ride in a helicopter (again...flying)
14 go snowshoeing (did in Feb in Colorado...amazing and hopefully can do this every year)
15 learn to play hockey...I bought my first pair of skates last week, will learn to skate this summer and hopefully can take a begining class this fall!!!
16 start a roth IRA
17 see the grand canyon
18 go on a weekend trip to catalina
19 sit on the glass at a sharks game
20 hike half dome. Completed on 6/7/08!!!
21 go white water rafting...hopefully this summer
22 take a photography class/seminar (another creative outlet...i'm not good but it would good to continue improving...something fun)
23 buy the "perfect" reading chair--did with tax return. I love this chair!
24 go on a backpacking trip
25 plant a tree (take care of creation)
26 go a a wine tour (train) in Napa
27 take a cooking class
28 go to hawaii
29 try scuba diving (would conquer a fear of water i have...if my ears can take the pressure)
30 go on a road trip with no particular destination
31 go on a silent weekend retreat
32 go see the bears in alaska and/or canada
33 see the aurora borealis (northern lights)
34 learn how to shoot a gun
35 go to savannah georgia
36 learn how to do chin ups
37 go kayaking...this summer. anyone else want to join me on this??
38 start an small aquarium
39 visit the new england in the fall
40 read war and peace
--it was harder and eaiser than I imagined. Certainly all the personal training particularly in the last two months really helped both physically and mentall prepare me for this.
--20 miles in 9 hours (last time my dad did it, he took 12 hours). I can't believe I kept up with my brother for a good portion of it. I slowed him down a bit but was fit enough that I wasn't too far behind for most of the hike.
--it was great to spend that time with my brother. My dad went as well but wasn't in as good of shape so we took off in about mile 3 or 4. During the trip, I was still amazed to see how much my little brother has grown up. And there were moments that sometimes I felt like the younger sibling--between his fast pace and more daring attitude, I pushed myself harder than I would have.
--Mentally I had to stop thinking sometimes of what I was about to do, or stop thinking so hard when I was doing something and just do it. So when i really think about the hike, I am pretty excited about what I did...and learning to just admit how proud I am that I was able to accomplish this!
So the list revisited...hopefully a few more down this year and some that I still think maybe more challenging to complete in 10 years due to finances and time...we'll see.
40 before 40 list...with a few comments
I posted this on facebook earlier but this is a good place to repots this. so this is my list of things to do in the next 10 years...some may not happen, hopefully i'll i'm surpass. some of them are dependednt on other goals...we'll see what happens.
1 Lose weight to goal weight and maintain--20 lbs to go (lost 45 so far!!) and this has been an amazing journey! it helps me do a lot of things on my list and I feel amazing!
2 Go hang gliding (I want to fly)
3 read crime and punishment--I think i'll start reading this book next!!
4 swim with sharks
5 go to alaska
6 read paradise lost
7 pay off school debt
8 run a 10k and/or 1/2 marathon--up to 4 miles on the treadmill 2-3 days per week. HOpefully by the end of the year I'll do at least a 5 k and possibly a 10 k. I have really learned to LOVE running!
9 go on a cruise
11 visit all 30 nhl arenas
12 learn to swim laps
13 ride in a helicopter (again...flying)
14 go snowshoeing (did in Feb in Colorado...amazing and hopefully can do this every year)
15 learn to play hockey...I bought my first pair of skates last week, will learn to skate this summer and hopefully can take a begining class this fall!!!
16 start a roth IRA
17 see the grand canyon
18 go on a weekend trip to catalina
19 sit on the glass at a sharks game
20 hike half dome. Completed on 6/7/08!!!
21 go white water rafting...hopefully this summer
22 take a photography class/seminar (another creative outlet...i'm not good but it would good to continue improving...something fun)
23 buy the "perfect" reading chair--did with tax return. I love this chair!
24 go on a backpacking trip
25 plant a tree (take care of creation)
26 go a a wine tour (train) in Napa
27 take a cooking class
28 go to hawaii
29 try scuba diving (would conquer a fear of water i have...if my ears can take the pressure)
30 go on a road trip with no particular destination
31 go on a silent weekend retreat
32 go see the bears in alaska and/or canada
33 see the aurora borealis (northern lights)
34 learn how to shoot a gun
35 go to savannah georgia
36 learn how to do chin ups
37 go kayaking...this summer. anyone else want to join me on this??
38 start an small aquarium
39 visit the new england in the fall
40 read war and peace
Monday, June 9, 2008
repairs
There's a large chunk of the sound wall on highway 87 that's just hanging from the top. I am not sure how long it has been there but it always seems longer than it should. A tree had fallen down cracking a section off the top of the wall, hanging on, threatening to break off into the dirt below. The offending tree was removed some time ago but no repairs have been made thus far. Often my eyes don't recognize the gap. But now more than ever,this hole catches my attention and leaves me thinking about it for the rest of my short commute to work. Still functional, the wall remains standing and likely does the job it was designed to. It's just an ordinary sound barrier between the freeway and surrounding neighborhoods. But for some reason it frustrates me that it could be ignored for so long.
My thought turns to an old friendship that left a similar hole in my heart. It's been there far longer than I would like to admit. I still function in life. I have great relationships with my family and amazing friends. In so many ways the hurt, rejection, anger and sadness can be ignored day to day. But more and more I am seeing this part of me that threatens further intamcy with others. The distrust it caused. Just below the surface. I am starting to see the effects of how it jeapordizes deeper relationships with those already in my life and those yet to come.
Why has that hole remained on the sound barrier for so long?
Why do I hold on to this disappointment for so many years?
Recent conversations brought more attention to the effects this gap has left. It is now evident that my feelings must be addressed. Healing has to come. There will always be scars. Lessons that can be learned and taken with me in other relationships. But I can't allow this failed friendship to threaten my emotional health any longer. Repair must come.
Last week, a man stood on a ladder assessing the damage on the sound wall. Debris from the tree still is piled up below. But this is an encouragement. That in the future there will be a fix to this gap. It is not being ignored. There will likely be marks. And the repair won't happen overnight. But it is a small tangible reminder as I drive to work that like the wall, a repair will happen. The marks will remind me of words said--or not said--and forgivness can occur. Forgetting is not easily done. And sometimes forgetting is not what will work. I think this time it has to remain a part of me, just not controlling me.
My thought turns to an old friendship that left a similar hole in my heart. It's been there far longer than I would like to admit. I still function in life. I have great relationships with my family and amazing friends. In so many ways the hurt, rejection, anger and sadness can be ignored day to day. But more and more I am seeing this part of me that threatens further intamcy with others. The distrust it caused. Just below the surface. I am starting to see the effects of how it jeapordizes deeper relationships with those already in my life and those yet to come.
Why has that hole remained on the sound barrier for so long?
Why do I hold on to this disappointment for so many years?
Recent conversations brought more attention to the effects this gap has left. It is now evident that my feelings must be addressed. Healing has to come. There will always be scars. Lessons that can be learned and taken with me in other relationships. But I can't allow this failed friendship to threaten my emotional health any longer. Repair must come.
Last week, a man stood on a ladder assessing the damage on the sound wall. Debris from the tree still is piled up below. But this is an encouragement. That in the future there will be a fix to this gap. It is not being ignored. There will likely be marks. And the repair won't happen overnight. But it is a small tangible reminder as I drive to work that like the wall, a repair will happen. The marks will remind me of words said--or not said--and forgivness can occur. Forgetting is not easily done. And sometimes forgetting is not what will work. I think this time it has to remain a part of me, just not controlling me.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
tension
Just something I came across in one of my journals today. It seemed to tie into something that was said in church today and decided to share. not so much poetry as just thoughts I wrote down while sitting in a conference. Always intresting to look back at past journal entries--see where i've been, where i'm at...maybe insight into where i'm going.
two worlds
i belong to one, live in another
I dream of one transforming the other
but live with the other corupting the dream
i cry at the difference i see
looking at what the dream is
is the sacrifice worth it? will there be a difference?
so many voices about those two worlds
voices that bleed together
the background noise can be overwhelming
where is the truth in the midst of all this grey
is there black and white
how far am i
how close
how do i reconcile this tension in my head, in my heart, my life, my soul
two worlds
i belong to one, live in another
I dream of one transforming the other
but live with the other corupting the dream
i cry at the difference i see
looking at what the dream is
is the sacrifice worth it? will there be a difference?
so many voices about those two worlds
voices that bleed together
the background noise can be overwhelming
where is the truth in the midst of all this grey
is there black and white
how far am i
how close
how do i reconcile this tension in my head, in my heart, my life, my soul
Monday, April 7, 2008
Jesus, Joe and Brian Campbell (or how I want my faith to look more like my love for HOCKEY)
It was inevitable that I'd blog about hockey. I think about it constantly. I'm sure those around me tune me out, or are annoyed, or uninterested (or all). But that is part of my life now. And since the season ended yesterday and post-season playoff hockey is about to begin (on Wednesday for the Sharks--I'm going with my brother!), I figured it was a good time for this post.
At the beginning of this past season I was having a discussion about hockey with some friends (who actually like/care about hockey too). I was talking about how much I loved to watch Joe Thornton on the ice. He was my hero. And from a girl who really didn't care much about sports in the past, having a sports hero was a big thing. It so happened that this conversation was at a church lunch so I was joking that it was Jesus and Joe as my heroes. Two people who I held in very high esteem. I even named my cat after one. It's my brother's fault that I have learned to admire Joe so much. He talks about him endlessly during games (and before and after) about how well he skates, how he controls the puck, knows the game, ect.I now even watch more for what Joe does, if he has an assist then who actually scored--and Thornton has has plenty of goals himself this season! I have learned to appreciate his talent. He's not bad on the eyes but having people assume that I only like Thornton because of his looks is getting little old. Can't a girl have a sports hero without it being because of how he looks?
A little bit ago, the Sharks acquired a new defenseman, Brian Campbell at the trade deadline. His skating is unbelievable and definitely a new and much needed dimension to the team. My new addition to my hero line. I had heard only a little from blogs and news about the value he would be to my beloved team but when I saw him that first week he was in San Jose I was floored. To be honest...I do have a little crush on him. I think its not just the talent he possess but it's evident the passion he has for the game (and in this case his career). He also fits right in to the team so I hope he'll sign a contract come July.
So back to Jesus in this line of three. He is someone that is definitely part of my life. Yet I probably talk about him less outside of church or my closest friends. At the very least I probably don't discuss him like I would Thornton or Campbell. Maybe that's good in a way.He is certainly bigger than a couple of hockey players. But in other ways I am wishing that my faith in God resembled my obsession with hockey a little more. I'm am constantly searching for news and articles/blogs on my team, other teams, players games, and video. I soak in all the information, commentary and other's opinions (particularly my brothers) like I can't get enough. I'm even starting training at the gym to work on skills I can use when I start to take hockey lessons next year. I can admit that there is a lot I don't know, and it pushes me to learn more. So maybe there is a part of me who realizes that I should spend part of my time reading more in the Bible or soaking up more information in my faith. I won't be completely down on myself. It's not like I don't think about God, my faith, how it impacts my world. It's so ingrained in me that I can't get away from thinking about it even when I try. I think the passion isn't there sometimes. The cynical thinking gets in the way of my desire some days. I can only continue to be aware of this difference between these two loves in my life, remember my priorities, be humble in what i don't know, and seek to grow in my knowledge and experience of both. Hopefully at some point, I can learn again to talk about my faith and live it out as passionately as I do about hockey.
So here's to hopefully will be another two months of Sharks hockey...And to Jesus, Joe, and Brian Campbell...
(and the rest of the guys but it would take too long to name them
all and wouldn't sound fun!)
At the beginning of this past season I was having a discussion about hockey with some friends (who actually like/care about hockey too). I was talking about how much I loved to watch Joe Thornton on the ice. He was my hero. And from a girl who really didn't care much about sports in the past, having a sports hero was a big thing. It so happened that this conversation was at a church lunch so I was joking that it was Jesus and Joe as my heroes. Two people who I held in very high esteem. I even named my cat after one. It's my brother's fault that I have learned to admire Joe so much. He talks about him endlessly during games (and before and after) about how well he skates, how he controls the puck, knows the game, ect.I now even watch more for what Joe does, if he has an assist then who actually scored--and Thornton has has plenty of goals himself this season! I have learned to appreciate his talent. He's not bad on the eyes but having people assume that I only like Thornton because of his looks is getting little old. Can't a girl have a sports hero without it being because of how he looks?
A little bit ago, the Sharks acquired a new defenseman, Brian Campbell at the trade deadline. His skating is unbelievable and definitely a new and much needed dimension to the team. My new addition to my hero line. I had heard only a little from blogs and news about the value he would be to my beloved team but when I saw him that first week he was in San Jose I was floored. To be honest...I do have a little crush on him. I think its not just the talent he possess but it's evident the passion he has for the game (and in this case his career). He also fits right in to the team so I hope he'll sign a contract come July.
So back to Jesus in this line of three. He is someone that is definitely part of my life. Yet I probably talk about him less outside of church or my closest friends. At the very least I probably don't discuss him like I would Thornton or Campbell. Maybe that's good in a way.He is certainly bigger than a couple of hockey players. But in other ways I am wishing that my faith in God resembled my obsession with hockey a little more. I'm am constantly searching for news and articles/blogs on my team, other teams, players games, and video. I soak in all the information, commentary and other's opinions (particularly my brothers) like I can't get enough. I'm even starting training at the gym to work on skills I can use when I start to take hockey lessons next year. I can admit that there is a lot I don't know, and it pushes me to learn more. So maybe there is a part of me who realizes that I should spend part of my time reading more in the Bible or soaking up more information in my faith. I won't be completely down on myself. It's not like I don't think about God, my faith, how it impacts my world. It's so ingrained in me that I can't get away from thinking about it even when I try. I think the passion isn't there sometimes. The cynical thinking gets in the way of my desire some days. I can only continue to be aware of this difference between these two loves in my life, remember my priorities, be humble in what i don't know, and seek to grow in my knowledge and experience of both. Hopefully at some point, I can learn again to talk about my faith and live it out as passionately as I do about hockey.
So here's to hopefully will be another two months of Sharks hockey...And to Jesus, Joe, and Brian Campbell...
(and the rest of the guys but it would take too long to name them
all and wouldn't sound fun!)
Friday, April 4, 2008
The Power of Myth
In sixth grade I thought I was doing a great moralistic action by coming home to tell my mother that I would not do a homework assignment from my language arts teacher--because it was about Greek mythology. I thought (at that time) that as a Christian I should not learn about such things. Maybe this is not directly what my leaders and church meant, but this is the message I was taking home. Thankfully my mother didn't let me off the hook on my assignment. I was to do the assignment not only because it was homework but because there was value to learning about the past, about other cultures, and about myths. What a great lesson my mother taught me that day. This is what came to mind in opening up "The Power of Myth" from Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers.
In the last few years I have heard more and more about the relationship of Christianity to other stories both ancient and modern. In the past I wasn't able to grasp that these comparisons were a healthy thing. I was taught (or at least understood) these stories were a threat--to the church, to God, to my faith. By learning about these stories, I was opening up doors to "fall away from God" or so I thought. There is a wall that the church built to protect it's own story. But the wall often keeps our understanding from the richness of the Christian story. The Christian story is very similar to so many stories, but God is showing us how he is different within his story. It's a message the author and pastor Rob Bell spoke of on his "the gods aren't angry tour". That yes, there are so many similarities between the Christian/Hebrew story and the many cultures around the world. And if we ignore the truth in the stories or the stories themselves we fail to understand the world we live in, our humanity and more about the God who claims to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
So today at lunch I started reading "the Power of Myth". Based on a series of interviews with Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell that aired on PBS in the 1980's, it shares the conversation the two had regarding myths and their impact in our lives. I had first heard of the series on Gilmore Girls when two of the characters were talking about watching it on spring break (the two were having a hard time "living it up" with typical spring break traditions and decided to watch "the power of myth" with pizza in their hotel room instead). I picked up a copy a few months ago during one of my wanderings through Barnes and Noble. And then I picked up the book last night since I was all caught up on watching Battlestar Galactica--in perfect timing. (This series is a great story that touches on this same conversation throughout the episodes.)
**Bill Moyers is great. He can engage in a discussion with people and express his own Christian beliefs without belittling or demeaning his conversation partner. It is just that--a discussion. He seeks to understand the other person and yet relate the topic in to his own understanding. I haven't seen many of his interviews but have always been mesmerized by how he communicates with others in those I have watched. In reading this book (so far), I think he has a gift for bringing out the best in people. Even when he doesn't fully agree.
"One thing that comes out in myths is that at the bottom of the abyss come the voice of salvation. The black moment is the moment when the real message of transformation is going to come. At the darkest moment comes the light."
This is the story that continues to appear throughout history, in myths, the Bible, the Koran, in popular culture, books, movies...And it is the story that holds humanity together. It is why Star Wars is so popular. Why I think Battlestar Galactica is written so well. And why I think as Christians, it is so imperative that we understand the other stories. So that we too can communicate with others. I don't think the knowledge of what the Native American stories, the Greek and Roman gods, the past stories of creation negate the Christian story. I think the differences enhance the power of Jesus, what he taught and who is was/is. In the few chapters I've read, I understand that at least to some degree the Christian story is just another myth to Campbell. But not in the sense that is disregarded as untrue. In more of the sense that all of these stories hold truth for humanity.
There is a danger in being too pluralistic. In saying all the stories lead to the same truth. I think that there are important differences. And these differences are why I hold on to Christianity rather than other religions. But to disregard the all other stories to the other extreme is dangerous as well, quite possibly more dangerous. It's the attitude that breeds hate, wars and exclusivity when Jesus lived and died to teach us love, peace and the idea that his salvation was available to all who will simply believe.
In the last few years I have heard more and more about the relationship of Christianity to other stories both ancient and modern. In the past I wasn't able to grasp that these comparisons were a healthy thing. I was taught (or at least understood) these stories were a threat--to the church, to God, to my faith. By learning about these stories, I was opening up doors to "fall away from God" or so I thought. There is a wall that the church built to protect it's own story. But the wall often keeps our understanding from the richness of the Christian story. The Christian story is very similar to so many stories, but God is showing us how he is different within his story. It's a message the author and pastor Rob Bell spoke of on his "the gods aren't angry tour". That yes, there are so many similarities between the Christian/Hebrew story and the many cultures around the world. And if we ignore the truth in the stories or the stories themselves we fail to understand the world we live in, our humanity and more about the God who claims to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
So today at lunch I started reading "the Power of Myth". Based on a series of interviews with Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell that aired on PBS in the 1980's, it shares the conversation the two had regarding myths and their impact in our lives. I had first heard of the series on Gilmore Girls when two of the characters were talking about watching it on spring break (the two were having a hard time "living it up" with typical spring break traditions and decided to watch "the power of myth" with pizza in their hotel room instead). I picked up a copy a few months ago during one of my wanderings through Barnes and Noble. And then I picked up the book last night since I was all caught up on watching Battlestar Galactica--in perfect timing. (This series is a great story that touches on this same conversation throughout the episodes.)
**Bill Moyers is great. He can engage in a discussion with people and express his own Christian beliefs without belittling or demeaning his conversation partner. It is just that--a discussion. He seeks to understand the other person and yet relate the topic in to his own understanding. I haven't seen many of his interviews but have always been mesmerized by how he communicates with others in those I have watched. In reading this book (so far), I think he has a gift for bringing out the best in people. Even when he doesn't fully agree.
"One thing that comes out in myths is that at the bottom of the abyss come the voice of salvation. The black moment is the moment when the real message of transformation is going to come. At the darkest moment comes the light."
This is the story that continues to appear throughout history, in myths, the Bible, the Koran, in popular culture, books, movies...And it is the story that holds humanity together. It is why Star Wars is so popular. Why I think Battlestar Galactica is written so well. And why I think as Christians, it is so imperative that we understand the other stories. So that we too can communicate with others. I don't think the knowledge of what the Native American stories, the Greek and Roman gods, the past stories of creation negate the Christian story. I think the differences enhance the power of Jesus, what he taught and who is was/is. In the few chapters I've read, I understand that at least to some degree the Christian story is just another myth to Campbell. But not in the sense that is disregarded as untrue. In more of the sense that all of these stories hold truth for humanity.
There is a danger in being too pluralistic. In saying all the stories lead to the same truth. I think that there are important differences. And these differences are why I hold on to Christianity rather than other religions. But to disregard the all other stories to the other extreme is dangerous as well, quite possibly more dangerous. It's the attitude that breeds hate, wars and exclusivity when Jesus lived and died to teach us love, peace and the idea that his salvation was available to all who will simply believe.
Monday, March 24, 2008
It was a spiritual moment. Not a religious activity but just a quiet moment on Easter. A moment to just enjoy. I bought a new reading chair with my tax refund. Last night Iwas able to spend a little time swallowed up by the chair with a book. One lamp on behind me. Some new soft yellow roses sitting on the stand beside. My cat, who had now forgiven me for trimming his monstrous claws earlier, stretched out on my lap. And in the quiet of the evening I could just enjoy the moment. I could turn my mind off to what has happened and the yet to come. I could just be. And that is sometimes the hardest thing for me to do.
I've experienced more of these moments lately. It seems in my pursuit to be healthier and shred some of the unnecessary weight, I've gained an ability to focus on the small moments of life. My time at the the gym focusing on what my body is doing has helped me focus in other areas mentally. I've learned the importance of mind over matter. Saturday it was a 2 hour bike ride where I could just think without disctractions of TV or music. But I didn't feel like my thoughts had to overwhelm the experience. For times, I just rode. I didn't need to think. More moments of just being. Something I've been striving to do for a long time. And since my college pastor's last sermon more than two years ago--his words of enjoying those small moments of life...before his sudden death--I've sought more ways of doing this. In not thinking about doing it and just taking the moments as they've come, I'm finally grasping the value of living in the here and now. I can't turn of who I am in thinking about my future or my past--there is value to both. But i don't want to miss the present anymore.
I've experienced more of these moments lately. It seems in my pursuit to be healthier and shred some of the unnecessary weight, I've gained an ability to focus on the small moments of life. My time at the the gym focusing on what my body is doing has helped me focus in other areas mentally. I've learned the importance of mind over matter. Saturday it was a 2 hour bike ride where I could just think without disctractions of TV or music. But I didn't feel like my thoughts had to overwhelm the experience. For times, I just rode. I didn't need to think. More moments of just being. Something I've been striving to do for a long time. And since my college pastor's last sermon more than two years ago--his words of enjoying those small moments of life...before his sudden death--I've sought more ways of doing this. In not thinking about doing it and just taking the moments as they've come, I'm finally grasping the value of living in the here and now. I can't turn of who I am in thinking about my future or my past--there is value to both. But i don't want to miss the present anymore.
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