how we see each other

[Guest guest]

Dear All recent contributors,

As you saw by my previous post, I was very upset, and still am, that either I do

not communicate well or my post was never really read.I was even more upset that

anyone who knew me could actually misinterpret what I was saying, so

completely.So much for understanding each other even a bit.

Be that as it may, most of us have been here for a while....long enough for

others to have some idea of who we are and what we believe. Our strong points

and our weak.

I would have thought that before jumping into a discussion,especially a

rejection of what I said, we might actually remember how we looked at the writer

of the post before we read his/her letter. People don't change all that quickly

that what was said with conviction on one day, is disowned the next.

Obviously first impressions only may count even if they are 6 years old....we

don't change

If something sounds " off " wouldn't it be a good idea to wonder if we were

interpreting for OURSELVES or taking someone else's interpretation of a post and

running with it.

If I behave over time in a certain way here, is it likely that I will make a 180

degree turn very suddenly?

My feelings were hurt by the fact that people who have known me here for a while

accepted a meaning for my post so out of the ordinary thought for me. Have I

meant nothing to anyone for the last 6 years? Nobody interested even in how my

many thoughts fit together? Couldn't anyone have taken the time for a second

look? Does this sound in character with previous posts....for anyone, we should

wonder, no?

The next thing, I know a close knit group when I see one or feel it around me.

No problem, so we like some better than others and we are so protective of some

because they are old friends.

That's fine, no problem there, but maybe every now and then we should take a

fresh look at what someone not in our closest groupie is actually saying.

Do we defend someone because we think they speak the truth or because we are old

buddies?

Now a third thought. I was of the opinion that all faiths, all beliefs all

opinions were open for discussion. Hell, no. We must not disturb the icons

....whatever the subject is.Is that what is going on?

I can malign the Pope, disagree with everything he ever said...its OK , no true

believers here, and if there are, they won't mind. But the Icon of icons, the

Dalai Lama...be very careful.I wouldn't even think of questioning Buddha,

although I question my own knowledge and feelings about what I believe often.

If I had not fought for a ticket to his last appearance here and read his books

and listened to him because I really admire him, I would not have been able to

find anything but praise anyway for H.H.

If I were benighted and actually found something to criticize, would that have

been a mortal sin? No opinions possible except the universal accepted one on

this list? Heavens. Don't let the collective know...or gone one will be??

No, I am for applepie, Mom the US of A, freedom and all the current values

anointed here.I love Jung, dislike Bush and believe in a spiritual life,and help

the environment ,so it is OK if I stay???.I am politically correct to the nth

degree...it just happens I actually feel that way.

Is in not OK to bow to no authority spiritually except what one chooses? Is it

not OK to be a conservative? ( luckily, I am not or I would really hear about

it)or to have no guru, is it Ok not to be totally persuaded by Eastern thought

and practice?( does that make me a monkey with a monkey mind?? (yes, i know what

that really refers to, I get to listen to the jargon all the time.)

I honestly believed that it was OK to have differing opinions...but I never went

far out on a limb before. Now I said something which not having read, people

immediately objected too. My sin? Oh, I mentioned that humility may have

influenced the Dalai Lama when he said what was quoted. I said, I believe it

took more than ordinary qualities as it had with him and all other relatively

enlightened people. I was in my own stupid, narrow-minded way actually thinking

of " grace " ...that is available to everyone including the Dalai Lama, and even,

dare I say it, to me and to you...who are the ordinary people mentioned.

OK, I have had my say. believe me I will mull over every word from now on and

touch nothing in anyway debatable.The Dalai Lama ( whom I actually admire

tremendously) will not be even breathed.I will agree with the collective here or

leave,especially the concept of " love' since we mention it so much here. but I

won't bring this sort of reaction on my head again.Funny thing, guys, I actually

had felt " at home " here...and even considered it a safe place to voice an

opinion....oh well

I will walk my dog now, that always cools me off and quiets me down. Dogs and

cats really do love. Even my " philosopher dog, now getting so old, never judges,

bless him. I still have a lot to learn from him.

Toni

[Guest guest]

Dear S.

Thanks

Toni

Re: how we see each other

In a message dated 2/22/2005 3:27:09 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

Vienna19311@... writes:

OK, I have had my say. believe me I will mull over every word from now on

and touch nothing in anyway debatable.

Hi Toni:

I read those posts and remained silent as I usually do. I did see the

misunderstandings pile up and the efforts to support the 'ICON'. I hope that

you

will be yourself, and keep questioning anything you wish here or elsewhere. I

admire the Buddha, but I have questioned him (and all other holy people) and

keep doing so. I have learned much. But I feel it important question

everyone,

and most of all, put questions to myself. I find that my burning questions

are really not those of the Buddha's (and his questions and findings are

obviously very important to many people), but so are my questions--so I keep

inquiring and sometimes come up with different answers. Jung had few sacred

cows.

I hope you shall question and keep questioning! correctors, defenders, and

miss-understanders...there shall always be.

It does seem to me that email and discussion lists are highly vulnerable to

miss-readings and misunderstandings such as have just occurred.

Just wanted you too know I heard your voice.

Peace,

C. , Ph.D.

S_hamanicAR@..._ (mailto:ShamanicAR@...)