My experiences, thoughts and their expression: mi vida

Fr. Keating starts the 'boat rocking' with: " Many paths lead to the source" . Some call this source the Absolute, the One God, the Holy Trinity, Brahman, Great Spirit, Allah, Ultimate Reality or other names, depending upon the cultural or religious frame of reference. For the purpose of this discussion, I use the term “ Ultimate Mystery ” to designate the meaning that these words are trying to signify. All who seek to participate in the experience of Ultimate Mystery — that is, the meaning of the Reality underlying the cosmos through the practice of religion, love of nature, science, art, dedicated service of others, deep friendship — are united in the same fundamental search. They can remain in their own chosen path or religious tradition and still contribute to the unprecedented awakening of trans-cultural values that has begun to take place throughout the world. The most significant contribution they can make is to cultivate the experience of oneness with Ul...

The  week brought a gift: the latest newsletter from Contemplative Outreach, and with it Fr. Keating's writing, which I attempt not to miss with every copy. The subject on this one was God. But he did not use 'that' word. He used..."Ultimate Mystery". HHHHmmm. Take a look by clicking above or here: Newsletter and Ultimate Mystery. He really rocks the boat hard on this issue, and I will let you enjoy his 'voice'. Caution: just read, listen, and watch moments of resistance, 'wow's, "no sh..t"!, "is he out of his mind?", etc. I think this one deserves a conversation. Keep posted. Enjoy.

How many times have we been told to work on our weaknesses...they are 'faults'..."you can do better". And go back to those times when you heard 'that' and track the way you felt after being told 'that'.  I will ass-ume that the feelings and sensations weren't all that great, right? Well, my wonder when I read this paragraph yesterday. It stuck to me so well, that it came back today...or, did I go back to it? Here it goes: " You have been told that, even like a chain, you are as weak as your weakest link. This is but half the truth. You are also as strong as your strongest link. To measure you by your smallest deed is to reckon the power of ocean by the frailty of its foam. To judge you by your failures is to cast blame upon the seasons for their inconstancy ." Take a minute. Munch it a while... What would happen if the ocean suddenly decided to get rid of "its foam"? Would it stop at the peak of the powerful wave? Woul...