posted April 09, 2009 09:49 AM            

332There is no excuse for those
who could be scholars and are not.

posted April 09, 2009 11:07 AM            

I think I hear you.

And I continue to make efforts
to refine my methods of communication
(Saturn in Virgo; my Ascendant Ruler).

But some things are bound to sting,
no matter how we try to "sugar-coat" them.

"There is no coming to consciousness without pain."
~ C.G. Jung

Thank you for speaking to me with more respect.

I am reassured of your objectivity whenever you do so.

posted April 09, 2009 04:56 PM            

I have to check myself at times, when I feel the frustration creeping up, and remember that we are all different. Raised differently with different morals, ethics, aspirations and expectations. I have to remember to love those around me, even if I have a hard time communicating with them or talking with them about anything besides the weather or a movie. These things make some people more than happy, and that has it's own beauty. Sometimes I wish I could have such simple aims because my mind often drives me mad and thinking as much as I do can get me into trouble...

Just a personal story to explain my imperfections and my attempts to be more tactful in my own life.

HSC,

You're welcome. I have no desire to draw a line between our points of view, merely ouline how interesting both sides can be.

posted April 09, 2009 07:26 PM            

And I'm glad you didnt quit, but adjusted your expectations, and continued to teach people what you could. I don't think I would have the patience for that, and I'm glad it is not my job to teach people who are not ready, or not suited, for my teaching. I hope that here, at a spiritually-themed website, there may be listeners for me. But, even if no one is interested in what I am offering, I can't really do anything essentially different. I have to be myself, don't I? I speak what I see, and I leave it to my listeners to decide what level I am speaking to, what level they are hearing from, and whether or not they want to hear more from me. I know I cannot please everybody, but there are signs of hope that I am reaching some people. If nobody takes anything from it, that is fine. I try not to get discouraged, or surprised by the resistance I am met with, though it is difficult. I do try to listen, and question my ideas and my motives, and try to learn from others, as well. I often think that none of us are ready for certain truths, but, I also believe that, when we die, we will be forced to deal with certain things (in the Bardo, or Purgatory, or whatever you choose to call it), regardless of our level of preparedness. I think that, if we knew what was going to be demanded of us, we would indeed give more thought to getting ourselves ready.

I don't know if you heard me talk about this dream I had... I was in a bookstore and I saw a copy of "Passion Of The Christ" (it was a book, in the dream), and this guide type of dude came up and said, "That is a wonderful book, but, if you choose that one, you will not be able to read any others." This had profound significance for me. At the time, I was not ready, and I am still not entirely ready to choose "the passion". There is so much in the world, from the most perfectly distilled spirituality to the most chaotic explorations of sensual recklessness, that I find value in, and there is nothing harder than giving everything up for the sake of One thing. I cannot ask myself or anyone to do that, though I am beginning to believe in the benefits of trading everything for that "pearl of great price", and I am gradually readjusting my values, in the hope of making that choice a real possibility for me. Thank you for trying to understand where I am coming from, and for helping me to understand your side, as well. I feel that there is a mutual respect being shown now that says good things about us both. Love to you, and best wishes.

posted April 09, 2009 07:29 PM            

Have you read Sri Aurobindo?

posted April 10, 2009 11:28 AM            

I am taking the time to understand my own motivaitons and recognize when they are not really for anyones greater purpose, and that I should admit my mistakes and faults in order to keep honesty and truth in the forefront. This is not always easy, but it is necessary.

We all have our own motivations, hopefully they are pure and good, but we cannot always fulfill this hope. I truly believe as long as we are able to recognize our faults, admit them in earnest, and try to achieve better, we cannot let ourselves down. We can hope that others will understand us, respect our purposes, and be able to move on and grow with us, even if there is difficulty in getting there.

posted April 12, 2009 05:49 PM            

Sounds like Venus in Retrograde insights.
I'm hearing them all over the place lately,
but you articulated it exceptionally well.

The issue is really about values, isnt it?
We are learning how to put ourselves first,
in a way that puts our best interest first.

Not just withdrawing from society into our private habits,
but, withdrawing so as to contemplate higher meaning,
which vitalizes us, and brings us into the
fullest possession of ourselves.

posted April 12, 2009 05:50 PM            

I still believe that all spiritual life
consists of practicing God's presence, and
that anyone who practices it correctly
will soon attain spiritual fulfillment.

There is no sweeter manner of living
in the world than continuous communion with God.
Only those who have experienced it can understand.

If I were a preacher, I would preach
nothing but practicing the presence of God.
If I were to be responsible for guiding souls
in the right direction, I would urge everyone
to be aware of God's constant presence, if for no other reason,
than because His precense is a delight to our souls and spirits.

I honestly cannot understand how people
who claim to love the Lord can be content
without practicing His presence.

In fact, God won't allow a soul
that is searching for Him to be comforted
anywhere other than with Him.

Abandon any other concerns,
including any special devotions
you've undertaken simply as a means
to an end. God is our "end".
If we are diligently practicing His presence,
we shouldnt need our former "means".
We can continue our exchange of love
with Him by just remaining in His holy presence.

God does not ask much of you.
But remembering Him, praising Him,
asking for His grace, offering Him
your troubles, or thanking Him for what He
has given you will console you all the time.
During your meals or during your daily duty,
lift your heart up to Him, because even the
least little remembrance will please Him...
Gradually train yourself to show your love
for Him by asking for His grace.
Offer your heart to Him at every moment.
Don't restrict your love for Him
with rules or special devotions.
Go out in faith, with love and humility.

posted April 12, 2009 08:36 PM            

A couple Zora Neale Hurston biographies

The Hottest State by Ethan Hawke

Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk

Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar: Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes, by Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein

posted April 13, 2009 03:46 PM            

Thank you! That's exactly what it is... that's not the first time I've heard that Venus Retrograde concept today, how interesting!

You know it's impossible to not hear the other voices, to shut ones self off completely, but there are certainly times when you can retreat just enough to find the truth in yourself that you need for that time, with the purpose being to emerge stronger for the world.

You know what I mean?

Darn all this Aquarian 11th house business sometimes, but I know I am only given what I can handle...

posted August 13, 2009 10:01 PM            

HEXWOOD

written by Diana Wayne Jones.

i find that its taking me a while im kinda going threw a retarded thing where i cant read as much as i used too. i used to read a book in 3 days and move on to the next one.