Showing posts with label Truth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Truth. Show all posts

Saturday, April 16, 2022

A Heart That Listens

Have you heard the phrase "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"?  Recently, I read  that this saying first appeared in Greek in the 3rd century BC.  The saying did not surface in English in its current form until the 19th century.  There were similar versions as people over the centuries attempted to explain the subjective nature of what we like or don't like.

I wonder:  does Beauty Exist... whether we see it or not... and we have the personal choice to experience it or not?

Are we able to see beauty?
(Photo credit:  Michael Tompkins)


In other words, our seeing and accepting Beauty does not negate its existence.  Rather, our personal and individual choices filter the world:  we accept only a portion of the beauty that exists; there is so much more than what we hold in our limited and time-focused minds.

If this is true about Beauty, is it the same for Truth and Kindness and Goodness?  They exist, but our minds pass over what we do not understand.  Our finite lives experience what we are able to in that Moment of Choice.

Does beauty exist if we don't see it?
(Photo: Sunset at Sea, Larry Gardepie)


Dialogue is one tool that allows us to ask questions, to seek understanding, and to touch briefly another person's world... a world of Truth and Beauty that already existed even before our questions and understanding.  The passing over and resurrecting The Choice to see beauty invites us into opportunities to reconnect with family and friends.  The ability to Be Kind and Listen is the salve that heals our blindness to the Beauty, Truth, and Goodness that already existed in those around us.

When can your kindness heal the hearts of others?
(Quote attributed to:  F. Scott Fitzgerald)


May these Holy Days of Passover, Ramadan and Easter open our minds and eyes to the Holy One that exists in you and your families.

Blessings as faith stories are remembered and dialogue enkindles what is important. 
 

Larry Gardepie

(click on link for website)

Sunday, August 30, 2020

What Bothers Me

I admit... I am tired!  Not because of COVID-19 and the guidelines that I am following.  Not because of the extended heat and humidity in the Southwest.  Not because of the natural disasters that are striking many areas of our country.

No, my tiredness comes from the division and disarray in our society.  There are so many reasons to come together and work toward a "more perfect union."  Instead, so many of us -- and myself included! -- are willing to label and accuse others of what is wrong with our world.

It feels so hopeless.  I don't know what to do?

Is your world in disarray?

I have been reviewing dialogue material studied a few years ago... with the hope of unlocking wisdom that has been forgotten.  A number of dialogue program graduates met via Zoom over several days this past week... with a desire to share our experiences and renew our energy.  I have mentored and been mentored... with the hope of understanding.

But, what happens when:

  • Facts are in dispute?
  • People don't want to dialogue (listen, share, and understand)?
  • Truth seems to be in question?

I admit... I am tired!

What do you see?
What do you hear?
What do you believe?


 
What would it be like if we:
  • Set aside our assumptions and judgments?
  • Asked questions to explore another person's views?
  • Sought out aspirations in common (rather than differences that divide)?
 
I wonder what would happen if we stopped accusing others of lies and untruths and changed our language:
  • What are you experiencing?
  • Help me to understand.
  • How can I help?

Are you willing to add your piece of the Truth?

What vision of America do you have?  Are we there yet?  How do we move forward?

What piece of the puzzle do you have -- that must be shared -- to make this vision complete?  What happens when we exclude others who think differently?  The American Picture will never be complete without you... and without them.

I would pose that every puzzle piece is important and should not be thrown away!
 
I admit... I am tired!  I guess I am asking for your help to understand what is happening to our country... and how do we come together?  I will miss you if you are not part of the solution.  I hope you miss me if I am excluded.

 
Larry Gardepie

(click on link for website)