But for Einstein the constant itself held a question.
What was the force that held that fragile needle so? What was the explanation?
In the act of asking that question, in that urge to look behind the
mysterious, a thing was born, a symbol. For me the compass is both a
symbol of our need for a constant and a symbol that it is our nature
to question even the constants in our life. Nothing in the end
is completely constant, the poles of the earth will shift, the rotation
of the planet will change, the sun itself will eventually die and grow
cold, along with everything on the planet. The constants are simple
places to stand, to count on while we have them, allowing us to navigate
as we question the deeper meaning and purpose of life.
Geoffrey Hubbard, a Quaker, said, "The further
one goes, the more unanswered questions arise." To
ask and to find meaning in asking, regardless of the answer, regardless
of whether an answer can actually be found, takes a certain sort of
soul. One of those questions is this: What are we here for?
Our purpose in life is to be mature Individuals
in meaningful relationships.
This is possible when we do three things:
- Survive
- Understand
- Love
This fluid trinity defines where we are
on the journey of life, regardless of our age. Our inner compass must
steer us by these three forces. We must travel in all three directions
if we are to arrive at the centre.
SURVIVE(the self in
selfish)
Survival is painful and a struggle and in
the end we die.
Along the way life can be pretty good.
We want to keep experiencing the good things in
life, despite the struggle and pain.
When life is good, we want to live forever.
We are emergent beings dependent on substance for
existence.
There isn't much evidence for existence beyond
death.
Most people hope to live in heaven after they die.
Our hope is in divine intervention.
UNDERSTAND (build your
self)
Understanding is map making, the
accurate recognition of patterns around us and within us and the process
of making meaningful maps to guide our behavior and decisions.
We know our understanding is accurate
when we survive and grow and feel secure.
The more we know and recognize, the
more complex and interconnected our maps.
The simpler the map the easier it
is to decide how to behave.
The more complex the map the longer
it takes to be sure of the right decision but the better the chance
that the decision will be right.
Real understanding involves the correct amount
of detail in each map we use.
Maxims on Understanding:
Let meaningful suffering
instruct.
Meaningless suffering has no benefit,
learn mercy.
A receptive and accepting attitude
allows for the emergence of character.
Ask the right questions.
You may not find all the answers but
you may gain insight.
Make the best use of the scientific
method, logic, intuition, reason, dialogue, and great books.
Compare everything.
Nothing associated with us is infallible.
Many of the most important truths
are paradoxes and mysteries, and so can only be partially understood.
God is bigger than we think. No map is sufficient.
It is important to explore the human equation.
Many maps, much undiscovered territory.
Understanding is useless without love.
LOVE (self is balanced
by an awareness and appreciation of everything else)
Love is the best motivation for any
action but duty will do in a pinch.
Longing to be loved is natural but love can not
be acquired. It is a gift.
Love sustains real relationship.
Some one who loves does whatever they can to relieve
meaningless suffering.
Loving nothing is hell.
Mature people delight in others and things without
seeking security in them, without seeking to secure them for further
delight, and without seeking exclusive access to them.
Power without love, corrupts.
Healthy relationships have a balance of power.
The Kingdom of God is made up of individuals who
make the conscious choice to relinquish control to God.
Debt has no place in the Kingdom of God. In matters
of service and charity the best way to live is to give and expect nothing
in return.
Wisdom is the ability to put yourself in other's
shoes and then do the right thing.
Decide to practice honesty, humility, tolerance,
self-control, patience, generosity, and kindness.
Forgiveness is the only way to make a new start. |
