(No subject)

[Guest guest]

Dear Mike,

I have been sitting here reading your post over and over and I am still dissatisfied in my mind. Not because I don't agree with much of what you say, but because at the end I am left sitting here in my den at the computer still having to face the knowledge of a war still going on with all its violence in the Middle East.

I can wish happiness for others until the day I die, and I often do. Being mistaken is not exactly something new for me.Nor do think I have the answer or any answer except my concept of justice for both sides. My little small sense says all sides stop. lay down your arms and live in peace.

So, I am still here at my house watching the continued carnage. Of course I want the suffering to stop on both sides, but that won't happen because I want it to. I really don't need anyone to tell me I project. Jung already told me that long ago and I am very aware of that and my humanness in being unable to deny that were someone threatening me or those close to me or probably anyone) bodily harm, I would try to defend myself either by running away with them or yes, trying to stop them ( of course I don't have any weapons, wont have them ever, or realizing that I can only accept what comes in reality from violence or try to avoid it in speech or thoughts.But I am not martyr material and never was. Especially if it is not I but whoever is next to me I am not protecting.Who actually knows what they would do in the face of great danger.?

Showing respect and care is how many of us try to lead our ordinary lives, but it is not something one can force others to do.I can try, not with my power but that lent to me by my Source to love those who threaten and kill. by G-d, I do try. Yes, I too do not divide others into "us" and "them "

So, now what? Want me to sign that petition you posted. NO . I believe in equal justice for both sides. So, I am just one of those who won't admit her wrong-headedness. I will not do anything that undermines what I consider in my lowly little mind to be just, the existence of Israel. Of course I have no divine knowledge. Of course I do not have the answers. I never assumed I did. But I do have the human mind to find something I believe in, many things in fact, which I treasure.

I also believe, however backward that seems to some,that fear is the greatest deterrent to happiness. There are some who over the years have managed, in my opinion with grace,not to be afraid. I can manage that myself with grace. But I am old.I do not fear death.Pain is still able to scare me a bit( I am working on that),and I am trying hard to work on un-attachment. Yes, I have peace. Not always because I relapse, but often. I share your wonder and amazement often in gratitude.

I see the world as not yet feeling itself redeemed. I see fear, especially lately everywhere. We have been so blessed, Ray and I feel secure as much as any human being can feel that way. Sickness will come or not, losing each other will come, but we live in peace within ourselves, even if sometimes the world charges in.

I do not see your really great ideas changing the behavior in the Middle East or anywhere else soon. I see reality and it is turmoil...in so many people's lives. My solution is that humanity will become more conscious a little at a time. I try hard not to set it back. But pleading for justice I do even if I admit I really do not know true "justice"

So... the 'solution' (if solution there is) seems to be in sharing, embracing, trusting, educating, ordinary human kindness, all of which - it seems to me - are within easy reach of ordinary human intelligence.Sounds a little condescending to me, but then I do project, and it is probably the furthest thing from your mind. I also think yes, it would be lovely, but it does not yet exist. If it existed there would be no violence for you and me to write about.and yes:

The world, we know and Alice repeats, is as we see it. In fact what we see is not 'the world' but only what we believe the world to be.

I cannot escape that . I see a world, real or not where violence is playing itself out. I just cannot escape being human, but I do believe there is more. But to deny the reality of pain here and now will not lead to peace, I think.

Toni

From: mike dickman