Words are symbols, letters strung together in a particular language with some sort of agreement about their meaning. They are never the thing itself but act as means to point to some thing, idea or concept. The word “blue” is not the color blue itself. Not only is “blue” not the color itself but there are also over 7,000 living languages in the world today, so you can imagine how many different ways there are to point to what is understood as the color blue.
Why am I even writing about this? I find it interesting when I write something and others feel the need to translate it into religious terminology. That is fine but what’s interesting is when people feel the need to do this with an angry tone complete with all caps and several exclamation points. I am dumbfounded every time I see it and wanted to write a little about how I’ve found it helpful NOT to limit myself to particular terms or words for things.
I am going to share a particular experience that I’m sure will make some of you want to go all caps and exclamation points on me but I’m going to ask you to reserve them as they will be wasted on me. I know what I experience and have experienced and I trust this more than anyone’s opinion.
Many years ago during a time of quiet and meditation I began to think about the word God. The word or idea of God had come to mean so much to me resulting from many profound and inexplicable experiences but I also knew in my heart that my view of this idea of God was still colored by my human understanding of things as well as many religious ideas that have been expressed since time immemorial. I’ve always approached things from a more scientific perspective and from that perspective, I challenge things, turn them over and upside down, questioning assumptions and premises.
When I get quiet and go within I try to approach it as a child would. A child knows it doesn’t already know and so she will ask and listen. A child is open and humble and doesn’t ask a question thinking she already knows the answer. She is not just looking for something or someone to assure her that what she already thinks she knows is correct; she is willing to be mistaken and corrected. As I sat this day asking about the idea of “God” I simply asked what this really means. I also asked if there was another word or words that might help me to more fully experience what this is rather than what I might think it means. The gentle Voice within me that I’ve heard for many years replied with two words…”The Everything.”
There’s something that I’ve always found puzzling. I have studied many religions and beliefs ranging from small villages in Africa and elsewhere (both historically and contemporaneously), to the major religions of the world. One thing that many of them share is how vehemently people defend their religion and their beliefs. Even here when I post something I often get angry, exclamation point comments such as “That’s the Holy Spirit!” “That’s Jesus!” or “God is love!” “Jesus is the way!” I will never understand how someone can believe that yelling that “God is love” in an angry tone might be helpful to anyone. It’s so unbelievably incongruent with what Love is that if it weren’t so sad, it would be funny.
If I look up at the sky right now, I am pretty sure that the agreed upon color of the sky is blue. It is a fact. It is true. If someone started to tell me that the sky color right now is pink with yellow polka dots, I can’t imagine that I would start screaming that it’s blue no matter how many times they might suggest it’s not. I KNOW. I am confident and trust my own experience. I don’t need for them to agree with me and I know that however much they might even believe it’s not blue, it doesn’t change that it’s blue for instant.
Rather than argue about the validity of a particular word or idea, I find it more helpful is to have the inner Spirit (by whatever name) translate for me and teach me. What happens when I do this, is that I’m able to see beyond the words used to what someone is trying to point to with the words, and often see that the other is really trying to say the same thing as I am. With this we are joined and no longer separate, we are no longer at odds. And what is Love but that which joins us?
I might use words like fairy dust, hearts, rainbows, and twinkle, but what is behind these words is something far more profound than one might see at first glance. But don’t take my “word” for it. The only way is let our own inner Spirit lead each of us in the direction of Love…In the direction of unity and let our own experience show us that this is what we truly want rather than clenching to differences. In this place of oneness and unity we find treasures that no words can ever describe.
I did not realize using quotation and exclamation marks could be the same as yelling. Forgive us who do not use social media often.
LikeLike
Thank you. 👒🦋💕
LikeLike
May God continue to bless you beloved. Thank you for sharing your personal story. You truly inspire me!
LikeLike
This is an amazing post and such a personal thing for you to share with us all. Thank you! I am very grateful that you were able to find the man inside your father that gave you wonderful memories to carry with you and validated your belief in your inner voice and path. Your art and words are always things that resonate with me and I am very appreciative of your talent and wisdom.
LikeLike
Thank you. I look forward to your posts everyday!
LikeLike
I love you, Princess. Over the course of my life I have heard the inner voice many times. The voice has told me the future and what to do in times of crisis. There were times I ignored it and the outcome was not good. The voice has comforted me and helped me in times of grief. I have studied religions and understand the hypocritical view of them. I have studied death and dying. I work in healthcare. It is my opinion that the voice coming from within is God. This is because although it comes from within, it feels like it is from outside of myself. This is in contrast to what my conscience tells me. I can tell the difference. Your writings and art are very inspirational and healing! Keep up the great work!
LikeLike
Wonderfully written! Thank you for saying that. I am so glad you are you. I know your artwork helps many of us and your lightwork shines so brightly, I send you love and light for the times you need it. And lots of blessings! Have a Happy Day. And I know that you have worked to get to where you are and the knowing of who you are and what you believe. 💖😊🌷
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing! You are such a blessing. 💗
LikeLike
Beautifully said. I appreciate your words and artwork beyond measure. There are have been many days when your words were perfect for my moment and became the mantra that helped me through my day. I agree with today’s post and could not have said it any where near as well. Thank you.
LikeLike
❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLike
Thank you so much, This is exactly how I feel and believe. I have never been able to say it in such words. Thank you so much♥
LikeLike
❤ I AM NOT YELLING —VISUALLY AND PHYSICALLY NECESSARY AND BEST FOR ME – AND I AM SURE OTHERS — OTHERWISE — I LOVE PRINCESS SASSY PANTS – AND HAVE ALSO SAID MUCH OF WHAT YOU DID IN THIS POST ((( ❤ ❤ ❤ )))
LikeLike
Thank you
LikeLike
I love you, your heart & your spirit ❤️
LikeLike
Your fun posts are shared by many and enjoyed by many so if someone responds in anger that is their baggage talking. Keep posting positive reinforcement. We all need to share the love. No matter who or what you feel is a higher being, it is your belief and it is good. It is good to believe!
LikeLike
Thank you-I needed this today! My quiet inner voice that steers me in the right direction and often gives me nudges through other individual’s writings. Your writing resonates with me daily! Thank you again for what you do-we appreciate you and your precious companions!
LikeLike
Let me add my “well said” to the above. I appreciate especially the idea that anything, really, said in a angry tone is more than unlikely to convince anyone of anything! Thank you so much for your lovely art work and wise words–every day!
LikeLike
Well said Princess Sassy! Have no idea why this post would upset any person! Have a blessed day!
LikeLike
Perfectly stated!
LikeLike
Very well written princess. Maintain your resolve. It’s a great thing that we don’t rely on what others think or do. It is a personal experience between both “the everything” and our own experiences. I appreciate you emensly and have done so for many years.
Many thanks to your support and love
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfectly stated! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
LikeLike
Thank you for wonderful words and the thoughts they provoke.
LikeLike
Beautifully stated.
LikeLike
I just love your posts!!! They inspire me!!
LikeLike
Perfectly spoken! Have wonderful day💖
LikeLike
wisdom –sorry–did not catch the misspelling
LikeLike
well said. thank you for your words and wisom
LikeLike