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Pastimes : Let's Talk About Our Feelings!!! -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Rambi who wrote (84781)	8/3/2000 9:08:55 PM
From: Rick Julian	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 108807

(um, like I didn't say) It takes all kinds Rambi. We need the conservative types and the dream warriors (and everyone in between.) We need the Rosa Parks of this world to risk scorn, personal safety, and other harm in order to move the world forward. She "damned the torpedoes". We need the whistleblowers like Karen Silkwood who put their jobs, and often their lives, on the line in order to do the right thing. She "put the pedal to the metal" We need the people who live life by their own rules, who dare to question convention, and make it their mission to live boldy. (The world might even need quixotic loud mouths like me . ) I didn't see the film Neo referred to. But I can imagine it. What if the guy hadn't taken the affront to his dignity? What if he had lost his job? What if things got a little scary around his house and his kid's private school tuition couldn't be paid, or the SUV payments, or the Friday night meals at da Pulcinella became extinct? What? He and his family die? Loses some of his material trappings for the sake of maintaining his dignity? Loses some face in the superficial realm of the Joneses? That's the fear he (and most) would have. But the fear is usually much scarier than the reality. People become paralyzed by their fears of loss of material goods, but are willing to surrender their dignity and/or aspirations to the point where they're virtual prisoners in gilded cages. No thanks. I'm being intentionally dramatic, but also realistic. I've seen these corporate prisoners riding the subway, chain ganged in their golden handcuffs. I've talked to them about the dreams unlived for "the sake of the family" and wondered what might have happened if they'd reached for their dreams once in their lives--be it social work, or teaching, or painting . . . What might their life satisfaction quotient have been if they'd lived in a 1500 sq foot ranch instead of a McMansion, drove a 5 year old Beetle instead of a new Lexus, sent their kids to public shool instead of private . . . but did work they loved--that brought them meaning. Would their kids and spouses love them any less? Would their value to the world be diminished? Many people FEAR the answer would be yes. Not me.

To: Rambi who wrote (84781)	8/3/2000 11:15:57 PM
From: Frederick Smart	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 108807

Rambi..... >>Why exactly does Neo's description of putting bread on the table, raising their families, volunteering at their schools and churches, and paying their taxes exclude the possibility of living a life "pedal to the medal", or imply somehow a life lived in fear? I am finding this whole exchange perplexing and aggravating. As if a man who foregoes playing in a rock band because he believes it more important to sit in the bleachers and watch his son play Little League were choosing LESS? A man who remains in a job that pays well but leaves him creatively unfulfilled, because he has a tuition check to write each semester, or a nursing home to pay for, is a coward, for not pursuing his own self-interests?>> The main point I'm trying to highlight is that life really is too short. And, damn, I know that "drawing away at the gut blah feeling" that comes from NOT "letting go" and bearing more direct witness to this light/energy and love inside me. Those stilted, limited/restricted/suffocating feelings are very real. I've learned that they represent our inner voice crying out for air, light or a chance to dance, play, smile and laugh again. >>Pedal to the medal is an unfortunate choice of phrases, I think. It implies a certain disregard for the vehicles around one.>> Nope. I wouldn't be caught driving the old car I was trapped in either. For there was little to no oil - trust -in the engine or gas - energy - in the tank. Impossible to put "pedal to the metal" and it would sure be a disregard for the vehicle itself. And the stories of hollywood actors who push the envelop to press the pedal to the medal are fraught with drug use from all the related "I", "I", "I" you mention. Sheer lunacy and craziness. But it's not "wrong." They made a decision. Period. >>It seems to me that living fully in a moment regardless of the circumstances- small or large- and avoiding the trappings of self-indulgent, emotional introspection is a far more mature and ultimately meaningful way of living.>> Avoid your voice? This is like turning off the current to your soul. When that voice is angry and depressed it's power is all consuming for the focus is inward. But when that voice is happy and joyful it's power is light, free, inclusive, outwardly focused on others. I simply seek "me" in others. There's this urge to meet and love the enemy. For the limits and restrictions which used to be there drop away. And don't take this like I "know it all" from some self-righteous point of view. I know this may come across this way, but it's the hardest thing to explain to people. And for many, the only way to prove intentions, honesty, etc. is by meeting in person, etc. Fine so beit. Where do you want to meet?? >>Too often, "Damn the torpedoes!" is interpreted as "The hell with others' needs. It is I-I-I who matters.">> I totally, completely 10,000 agree with you!!! You are right on!! This is a lot like that catch-22 "faith pickle" which brees and I ended up in over our mutual power of judgement. High noon? Do I or you have a gun? It's a complete matter of faith and belief. You can judge me or anyone else anyway you want. You have this ultimate power: trust, believe or NOT to trust and believe. But this begins with you, personally. Nothing outside of you should matter when it comes to valuing your worth. Your worth, your real timeless "bank account" is inside your soul where all the answers, light and love emanate from. Take time to listen and pray and be sure to ask positive questions and keep your focus on helping others and watch what happens. You, or I or anyone can't even begin to go in this direction unless we have a small grain of innocent faith to work with. Yup, the anger you and others feel over what I share is common. I'm sorry, but there's nothing I'm going to do to change beyond just continuing this outward process of giving, sharing, helping serving, reaching, connecting, collaborating, cooperating with others. Peace. ...............