Am I For It?

Choices at Bootstrap Brewing

Today’s observation is of people making life choices because they’re “against” something. One of my acquaintances won’t vote for candidates who support reproductive rights because she is very much against abortion. Someone else I know won’t vote for a gay man because they think God says it’s wrong. I came home and was talking to Kevin about these things and he said his litmus test is to ask himself if he is for something or against something. If he is against it, he examines what he IS for to see where that takes him. We, as a people, are too busy casting stones to listen to ourselves. I remember hearing that Mother Teresa was asked to march in a Vietnam war protest. She stated she would not march against war, but would march for peace. Before I jump on my high horse next time, I shall notice from which perspective I am coming!

“A wise teacher teaches through approach, not avoidance. He does not emphasize what you must avoid to escape from harm, but what you need to learn to have joy.” A Course in Miracles

Fine Lines

A couple of interesting situations have been brought to my attention recently. They both have to do with saying something about a fact which is true, but might hurt someone’s feelings. In one case, it’s something that I would put in the category of better to be kind than right. We have some new bridge players at our club and one or two of the “oldsters” have told them they need more experience before they play at the duplicate level. Hogwash, I say! But the second situation concerns one of our political candidates who is making some unfortunate clothing choices. This could be easily fixed, but how to approach it? I’ve spoken with someone who is a friend of his and she is taking it under consideration. Every day we have decisions to make which can affect others. I’m trying to ask myself the question, Will this improve the situation or complicate it? It’s a fine line sometimes!   

“Honesty does not apply only to what you say. The term actually means consistency. There is nothing you say that contradicts what you think or do; no thought opposes any other thought; no act belies your word; and no word lacks agreement with another. Such are the truly honest.” A Course in Miracles Manual for Teachers

At The Bridge Table

Most of you know I play duplicate bridge; few of you know how super competitive it is. It’s one of the many things I love about this game! It’s fascinating to watch how we all react to the varied results in this interesting form of comparative bridge. I have one partner who can’t look me in the eye after one of us makes a major mistake in play or bidding. My favorite regular partner scares the dickens out of most other players, and many of them act defensively toward her. I, personally, have learned more about the play of the hand from this woman than I would from taking expensive lessons in a big city! Today I partnered with a new girl in town. Her personality is effervescent! When the opponents play exceptionally well, she lights up and congratulates them, truly from the heart. I love people like this, who glory in another’s fine showing. I’ve mentioned many times before the words, What blesses one, blesses all! Thanks for the life lessons, fellow bridge players!

"Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud."

Global Interpretations

Aaron in Mongolia

My favorite weekly news magazine has a regular segment on linguistics. This week the discussion was around “cultural pragmatics”. In Iceland, some of our favorite polite phrases are thought of as just the opposite. Please, thank you, you’re welcome: these are all thought of demeaning in various ways. For instance, if you say, Could I please borrow your car? This question, with the inclusion of “please”, implies that this is a big favor that not everyone would agree to; secondly, it is thought of as humbling yourself before a person who has the power to grant your request or not. And so Scandinavian countries have come up with the word “tack”, which reflects their ideals of equality, self-sufficiency, consensus seeking, and conflict avoidance — along with a desire to not be indebted to other people. So, in essence, requests are made with the expectation that they will be done, not that you’re asking a favor, hence no need for thanks when it is granted! I love seeing the interpretations and different ways of perceiving words and actions!

“Gratitude is a lesson hard to learn for those who look upon the world amiss. The most that they can do is see themselves as better off than others. And they try to be content because another seems to suffer more than they. “ ACIM Workbook Lesson 295

Civility in Discourse

I read an article titled, “Encircling the Interrupters With Civility”. It started out telling us there were 57 interruptions in the June Democratic debate. We are told that cable news shows experience higher ratings when pundits talk over each other. What’s happened to civility in dialogues? It seems as though we have decided that respecting someone’s viewpoint means we support that viewpoint. We apparently think we must refute them immediately or else we will be agreeing with them. There are many groups attempting to redirect this distressing road we’ve taken. John McCain’s widow, Cindy, has launched a social media campaign urging acts of civility by citizens. Another nationwide group of volunteers offer workshops to help liberals and conservatives discuss each side’s criticisms of the other. The First Amendment Center holds events which help the public and media understand each other. The National Institute for Civil Discourse has trained thousands on how to hold civil conversations. A poll shows that 92% of people think that civility among elected officials is important. As the above-referenced article from the Christian Science Monitor states: “The candidates’ interruptions in debates could someday go the way of dueling with pistols.” I sure hope so! 

"Self-denial is practical, and is not only polite to all but is pleasant to those who practice it. If one would follow the advice that one gratuitously bestows on others, this would create for one's self and for the world a destiny more grand than can issue from the brain of a dreamer." Mary Baker Eddy 

The Secret of Life

Today I saw this quote by Alan Watts: “This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged in what you’re doing — and instead of calling it work, realize it is play.” Years ago I was extremely busy, as we all are when we’re working and have children. Someone once asked me what I did for fun, and I remember telling them everything I did was fun. And I meant it! Today life is much more relaxed and I love it even more! Today I spent the day playing — playing duplicate bridge all afternoon and playing the organ for a wedding rehearsal this evening. The above quote reminds me to remember to enjoy everything, whether it may seem difficult or easy, boring or exciting, comfortable or stressful. Life is ever-changing, and I am most grateful!

"The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual." Mary Baker Eddy

Vote, Vote, Vote!!

I watched the Democratic debate Thursday night — or at least some of it. One thing rang true: all the candidates want what’s best for the people of our country and the people of every country. They care about people, they care about the earth and what needs to be done to save it; they care about helping us help ourselves. They care. Our current government situation is dire. I see no reason to go into specifics in this short writing. We all know the problems. I truly believe many of the candidates running for the Democratic nomination would be a great president, and I know that any of them can win the election if one thing happens: We all get out there and VOTE! How many of your friends don’t vote? I have been shocked to find out about two dear friends who believe their vote makes no difference and it isn’t worth the effort for them to vote. I ask you to join with me to help the non-voters see why it is so incredibly important. Explain to them that a special election was held this week in North Carolina and the decision was made by around 35% of the registered voters. There were less than 4,000 votes between the winner and the loser. Tell your friends: Vote in your school board elections, vote for city council candidates, vote for your representatives and senators, vote in the primaries, vote in the presidential elections — just vote! It’s fun!! 

"I am asked, 'What are your politics?' I have none, in reality, other than to help support a righteous government; to love God supremely, and my neighbor as myself." Mary Baker Eddy.