Light and Set
Rambling Book Log
Monday 9 October 2023
Passion without Passion; Dr. Zhivago
Thursday 25 May 2023
1st half, 2nd half
I'm on a Rohr kick. Pilgrimage to Center of Action and Contemplation? - of course in New Mexico which is already my Shangri-la. Perfect.
This is a reflection about what necessary forms and functions serve us in first half of life - which may need to be bent broken shed in order to migrate to a true Second Half of life maturity which some may never arrive at because of unconsciousness or unwillingness or inability to navigate beyond, embrace newness
Rohr's writing is full of symbolism and poetic imagery. Not everyone would resonate with this kind of heartspeak as I think of it. He engages the mind and references heroes journeys, myth, and story - but if you're used to a more bullet point approach to life and want some kind of "10 strategies for" - steer clear of all things Rohr.
This is a library book but I'm contemplating a purchase because I just finished it and I feel like I need to read it again. Every page has so many points to ponder - a quick skim read that I do from force of habit is not enough.
Embrace duality and complexity. Entertain your shadow self in order to learn and move to greater intimacy with God and others. Be full of curiosity. Embrace suffering as one of the greatest teachers. These are just a few of the broad strokes takeaways for me.
Thursday 4 May 2023
Gracious Loving Reflection from a Friar
My friend Em got me onto this author. I had heard of him and then later I realized I had confused him with another writer named Don Richard Riso. Both have associations with Catholicism - Rohr is a Franciscan Friar and Riso was I believe a Jesuit for some years. Both have written about the Enneagram - hence my confusion.
I have also subscribed to Rohr's daily meditation - an email newsletter which I love so far. Longing for a contemplative, scholarly, and approach to faith that embraces mystery, the limitation of human ability to grasp the divine, and simple but profound wisdom for growing deeper in maturity and faith - this guy is your man - only he's not - he's a friar.... sorry couldn't resist. He's worked with many people over the years from a variety of different backgrounds and this richness gives him a fabulous perspective.
The book reflects on the broader meaning of "Christ" - as opposed to it merely being Jesus' last name. How does Jesus embody the concept of Christ and how Christ is not limited to Jesus. He thankfully doesn't engage in boggy scripture references and cross referencing - something I've grown to loathe in evangelical writing. He does refer to the Bible, other sacred traditions and texts some, personal insight, and his vast encounters with "pilgrims."
In my usual broad strokes impressionistic way I soaked this up and felt it confirms my current posture of spiritual beliefs in many ways. Unlike Brian MaClaren, he doesn't veer too much into social/political types of arenas (for which I'm thankful.) He does appeal to the idea of focusing on living like Jesus did - and putting less focus on what I call "transactional" Christianity which apparently is a more recent phenomenon - in the focus on escape from hell through personal acceptance of the cross sacrifice etc. This is refreshing. Can't say I have a handle on the concept of sacrifice - is it a reflection of the evolution of mankind from tribal society to more advanced notions? Or is it a reflection of a requirement of our Creator? Realm of mystery still.....
I definitely feel relieved to let go of the idea that all other people groups and time periods outside of the Great Commission focal movement are bereft of knowledge or deep meaningful connections to the divine. I've long embraced that idea - but these types of writings definitely confirm and resonate.
His tone is very gracious and loving as well. You feel like you're chatting with someone who cares about you. Again - focus is not on being right, proving others wrong, but exploring what it means to be human, how we can grow and develop maturely in loving communion with Higher Power and others.
Thursday 6 April 2023
Dolphins, sweet teenage romance, ESP, spiritual insights, and soporific scenery
This was a recommendation and gift from my friend. I honestly can't remember if I've read her most famous book A Wrinkle in Time but this book has been a charming read.
I am finding it difficult to describe for some reason. It's intensely personal - written in the first person - and definitely gives off an INFJ or INFP vibe. The protagonist and speaker seems like a HSP and so that deeply resonates as for some reason it seems to be a rarer perspective.
Interspersed with nature imagery and close personal relationships - complex emotions, and a beautiful descriptive encounter with dolphins.
This has piqued my interest in dolphins, the force of ESP with which the protagonist communicates with others and her new dolphin friends is especially interesting.
All in all a charming read. Enjoyed reading about the life of the author as well and she is certainly a prolific one.
Saturday 25 March 2023
Legitimate reasons to stay or go
Do I stay Christian? -Brian McLaren
Mclaren is a fluid writer - the English lit professor style.
The first part of the book lays out a series of reasons why a person would legitimately have cause to leave the Christian religion.
The second half lays out some reasons and recourse to stay.
I resonated with many of his points. Religious history is rife with travesty - Christianity is no exception. That it has oft veered from the life of the founder - is uncontested. I have been long astray from the more fundamentalist leaning transactional Christianity I was raised with, even though in the midst of that influence, I was instilled by my parents and mentors with a very personal relationship with God and Jesus that has been the defining aspect of my faith through all the different life paths...
McLaren seems to be much more philosophically and politically collective than I am. He spends a lot more time thinking about whether there is hope for institutional religion and probably puts a lot more stock in large scale political movements than I would tend to. For example this quote: "That means we will strengthen our shared desire for healthy and just communities and societies from global civilizations to nations to states to cities to neighborhoods to families and circles of friends."
I don't tend to put much stock in "global civilizations" - I tend to have a more libertarian and tribal perspective. I think, at best we can attempt to transform ourselves (difficult) and then perhaps exert influence on family and friends... and so forth. I participate in a church community because I do believe that community service and progress in faith are aided by such institutions - or at this moment in time, more apt - the particular community I participate in - has presented itself to me through a mystical invitation that feels part of the stream of my life. Formal institutions have not always been a part of my faith journey but more often than not they have - both church and parachurch organizations.
That being said, I definitely agree with the fact that a move towards and acceptance of a much more complex, mysterious, and nuanced version of faith is a welcome conversation to have.
Friday 17 March 2023
Dear Liz
Dear Liz,
In 2009, my dear friend Karin loaned me Eat, Pray,
Love and like so many other people, I fell in love with your unique blend
of candor, intellect, and humor. I found myself relating, giggling, and
relishing the tale. I’ve read it several times since
then.
I happened upon Big Magic some years back. As a
dabbling wanna-be writer -a rather unproductive artist (with the temperament minus
the output) I was impressed and inspired by the thoughts and stories you
shared. Despite my lack of official artistic output, I am committed to the path
of self-exploration and I think that’s
what I value most about your writing. In fact, in Big Magic one of my
takeaways was something you expressed about art first and foremost being about
our own personal exploration – writing for yourself – producing your art purely for your own enjoyment, need
to understand, pleasure etc. I also appreciate that you touched on the idea of
not expecting your art to provide for you financially. I have mentioned this
concept to several people over the years – including my own daughter for whom I
just purchased Big Magic. I feel
like I’m having a conversation with a fellow pilgrim and even
though we’ve never met, I feel like a fellow
traveler.
Over the past month, I picked up The Last American
and Committed. I had stumbled upon some quotes of yours online and it
re-ignited my interest in reading more of your works. I was not disappointed.
There are so many odd ways in which I connect to your narratives: perhaps the
tendency to sarcasm, self-deprecation, sort of tomboyish air, personalized way
of communicating and connecting, curiosity, and analytical way of thinking about
things.
I appreciate your insights that span from your own thoughts
and experiences shared so personally to the overarching themes that you share
gleaned from observations, interviews, and research. I relate to both of these
approaches because it combines an eagle-eye-view of culture with your own
deeply personal connections with self, God, and others. It also so courageous
to be willing to share these thoughts and experiences with others in such an
open way and I want to thank you for that very daring gesture.
This all sounds like a painful book report that someone
told a high schooler to write. It’s
also dreadfully old fashioned. I could’ve
thrown a comment on your Instagram feed for example.
I keep a book log online and my intent was to write a
response to Committed – but it morphed into the idea of
this letter. I’m sure you receive a lot of fan
mail, and I don’t blame you if this never gets
read.
I wish
you all the best in your life journey.
Fellow
Traveler,
Arizona
Friday 10 March 2023
Clad in a homemade loin cloth of bandannas