Inspired from Chris’s post
Impressive. Quite eloquent yet still same old Chris underneath.
I think that you are quite right that the religious “seed” of many comes from such spiritually inspiring situations. It is unfortunate that as our memory of the experience fades in time we tend (we as in the world) to latch on to the dogmas we’ve learned/been taught/guilt-ed into rather than maintaining the captivating sense of wonder we originally experienced.
I believe this happens since seeking the truth is difficult, in fact I would even call it scary. When searching for truth you are teetering on a razor-thin cliff which is constantly crumbling underfoot as you ascend. At some point you realize that you have no choice but to switch to another equally precarious ledge in order to continue. The new path will become safer over time, but inevitably it will start to crumble and you will repeat the process again, and again, and …
Isn’t is easier, safer, and more practical to stop and set up camp when the path broadens? Yes in fact it is. But don’t you remember why you started the climb in the first place? Was it to reach safe ground? Or was it to get a better look at the stars in the sky?
Its true that some of you have been carried up some distance unknowingly. Some of you have accepted this and learned to live where you were placed. Yet a few others have either stormed ahead or ran back down as fast as possible, arms failing.
No matter how you have gotten to where you are remember why you have set off on this climb. If you don’t know that answer there is no shame climbing back down. As soon as you reach the bottom you will realize that there is only one way to go — up. You may decide to climb right back up the path you went down or start up another one entirely, but at least this time you will know why.
And equally there is no shame to continue climbing up, even without reason or assurance. You may come to place where you can no longer continue up and have to come back down. But that is not a bad thing since you have learned that the path you were on was not for you.
In fact there there is no shame however fast you are moving up or down, as long as you are moving. Sure every once and a while you may stop and take in the view, but hopefully another glance at the stars will set you in motion again.
I’d have to say that I’m currently taking a slow stroll down mine. Where are you on your mountain?
4 Comments
I love what you wrote! :) I love what Chris wrote!
I think I’ve been tripping/falling down the mountain ‘cos I’m trying to get down from the one I’m on, but still trying to look up to see the stars instead of my way down. I think I’m trying to find a better way to see stars; maybe gizmos, maybe even a better mountain, maybe a rocket ship to take me out of the atmosphere to better see the stars, maybe even light travel to go to the stars.
Maybe…better gizmos to get me up a better mountain to build me a rocket that will get me off earthside so I can accidentally fall into a worm whole and exit next to a star!
In reference to Chris & Tim’s post:
Instead of reacting to this posting spiritually, it seemed to have touched me emotionally.
I’m climbing up the mountain. Instead of looking at the stars in the sky when I get to the top, I close my eyes. I close my eyes so tightly and turn away. I’m scared. Scared to look and see what’s really there. Scared to see what might be. Scared that when I look things will change and I won’t know how to handle it. So what do I do? I turn around and climb back down. I’ve been doing this climbing game for years, up and down. And everytime I get to the top, I get scared. Now I’m there again. At the top, eyes closed, scared to look at the stars…
Will you help me see the stars?
Of course it’s the same old Chris… you know I am totally open about my opinions and positions, so it would seems a bit strange if all of the sudden I seemed different, wouldn’t it?
In any case, I’m glad that some people have seen our posts and that the reaction has been generally positive. I appreciate you reacting to my posts; always nice to see what you have to say.
Karen, I hope all is well for you. Just take your time and things will work out alright. They generally to tend to come out better than expected even. You will find what you’re looking for.
Chris: No I’m not talking about you expressing you opinions, but I’m not used to you explaining them by metaphor. Its nice to see that such a logical mind can express itself artistically just as well. Now, whether you’ve always been this way, or if it has been rubbed off from Terumi I can’t say :). (just kidding)
Karen: It is ok to be scared, but don’t let it dominate you. Change is scary, but change is a necessary part of the human condition. I don’t think you have to delve to deep into history, economics, or science to find evidence to support that.
As Chris said, most of the time things turn out better than expected. Now that’s far form saying that every thing will be better, but don’t let the worst case scenario rule your decision-making. Even if things may change to temporarily be worse, most of the time you are better for the long run, since you learn and get to move onto a new path instead of rehashing the old one.
Also, don’t forget that in these situations there often are foundations built up (instincts, people, beliefs, organizations, etc) which help anchor one from too drastic of a change. Those foundations are there for you to trust while you attempt to open your eyes.