Function of Power

  

“All things are subject to interpretation.

Whichever interpretation prevails

at a given time is a function

of power and not truth.”

Friedrich Nietzsche

 

There are two stories I would like to share.  One is about coal miners and the other is about a railroad worker.  Both stories reflect how personal perceptions frame our reality.

Several years ago, there were five coal miners trapped beneath rubble from a mine explosion.  There was no way for the men to get themselves out, but they knew men would be working from the outside to rescue them.  Each of these men had worked the mine for years, and they knew they had very restricted time before there would not be enough oxygen for them to breathe in order to survive.  One man passed early from injuries received during the explosion.  Of the remaining four, only one wore a watch.  He knew the men needed to be encouraged to breathe slowly and to remain calm as they were all aware of time slipping by.  The man with the watch began giving inaccurate time.  He lengthened the time between intervals giving the other men hope of survival.  He assured the men time was passing more slowly as they had nothing to distract themselves.  He continued to expand the time between his reports while they all waited for the rescue team.  When the men were actually rescued three out of five men had survived.  The injured man had died early on and the other man to die was the man with the watch who knew they had run out of time.  The other three had continued to believe in the inaccurate time.  In their perception, survival time had not yet expired and so they lived.

As a young man, he loved to listen to trains fly through his little town.  At night he would listen to the clacking of steel upon steel and the shifting of the old freight cars in rhythm with the speed of the train.  The man left his small town and was relieved to be hired by the railroad.  He was hired to go down the long line of box cars to clean and inspect them.  He worked alone and loved the freedom of setting his own pace.  He was almost finished with the refrigeration car when he realized he had inadvertently locked himself in.  His perception was no one would ever hear him outside of the padded box car and  no one would check on him as he worked alone.  He sank down in the corner of the car wondering how he could keep himself warm while deep inside he knew he would never survive.  Inside a refrigerated car there were three stages ... cool, freeze, frozen and he already began to feel the freezing  cold.  He wondered how long he would be able to tolerate the dropping temperatures.  When the man was later found dead in the box car, he was rolled into a ball as though trying to keep himself warm.  It was also discovered that the box car had not been appropriately connected, so the refrigeration never began the cool, freeze, frozen process.  The only thing cooling the car was the outside night air.

These stories help us to remember that our perceptions are not necessarily truth.  Our perceptions power us to move in the direction we expect to go.  If we get up of a morning and say, "This is going to be a horrible day."  It will be just as we predicted.  We must leave our minds open to entertain various perceptions and gravitate towards the ones that are positive and hopeful.

Join Hands ...

 

I am aware that I am less than some people prefer me to be, but most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.   Douglas Pagels

How different our world might be if we projected our true self  instead of wearing a mask or trying to live up to some one elses expectations.  The vast majority of us are not integrated, meaning we have a private self and a public identity.  If we truly loved our selves just as we are with a loving and compassionate heart, we would be strong enough to be available authentically every moment of our day.

Being true to one self is empowering.  The energy that was once used for smoke screens can now be used to extend our true nature more completely.  Instead of being threatened by others, we would be intrigued by differences.  Our imaginations could soar and our joined creativity would be endless.

I was listening to a gentleman being interviewed on television.  He was a very successful engineer in his early 60's.  The question was asked of him, "What do you do  differently that has made you so uniquely inventive?"  Ever smiling, the man replied very much aware of his special ingredient to making things rise above the norm. He claimed ever since he was a younger man, confident in his own gifts and talents, he would always broaden his circle when working on a project.  He would encourage people from other fields to sit in on brainstorming.  He stated that he knew he could accomplish success on his own, but he dreamed of inventions put together by diverse thinkers creating an outstanding result.

What gifts we each are when we develop our unique sense of self and then join with others sharing their authentic selves as well.  When we join hands with our differences we create a community for all.



The Pictures We Paint

Because one believes in oneself, one doesn't try to convince others.  Because one is content with oneself, one doesn't need others' approval.  Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.   ~  Lao Tzu

Isn't it amazing how we can experience the exact same situation twice, responding in two totally different ways depending upon our mood?  A person can tease us about something, and if we are in a really good mood, we can laugh and shrug it off.  On the other hand, if we are not in a good mood, the teasing can hurt our feelings and leave us brooding ... for hours ... for days ... any maybe even longer.

The other day I came across an old picture of myself.  I instantly remembered this place in time, and the exact same feelings I had felt in that moment spread through my present day body.  I felt fat, ugly, and alone facing a professional dinner where I would know no one.  I knew I would be miserable and dreaded going. 

Holding the picture in my hand, I recalled that the evening introduced me to several new friends as well as professional connections.  Looking into the picture I saw a woman dressed very professionally in a business suit, freshly applied makeup, thick shoulder length glossy hair and a terrific smile.  In short, I would have given anything to look this good again!  I had no idea my waist had been so small! 

So why had I painted this terrible picture of myself those twenty years ago?  Then the dawning ... this picture was taken not long after my divorce.  My self-esteem was shot, I was returning to a career that had been dormant for far too many years, and I was a single mom of four.   I was embarrassed about being divorced and was struggling with shame and guilt for what I termed a "failed" marriage.  

My personal assessment did not paint a very good picture.  Sadly, I was focusing on all of the negative things and my internal critic was running wild.  I had been very frightened of all of the responsibilities facing me.

Looking back at this photo, I saw an entirely different image.  I saw a successful business woman, a dedicated mother, loyal friend, and intensely creative human being.  I did not see these things at the time as I looked through the lens of fear. 

We need to paint better pictures of ourselves.  Throw on the paint using brilliant colors and use a small brush to better define details.  Instead of focusing on shadows, highlight all of the good qualities.  We need to see ourselves in a larger picture with all of our strengths and desires aligned.

Navigate with Integrity



Nobody can discover the world

for somebody else.

Only when we discover it for ourselves

does it become common ground

and a common bond

and we cease to be alone.

Wendell Berry

A PLACE ON EARTH

Authenticity is a discovery of our unique gifts and talents.  Too many times, we take for granted our own strengths as though they were common to every one else.  Just as our finger prints or DNA are exclusively our own, so are our life purposes.

We must explore the world, both inner and outer, to know what we hold dear as truths or values.  Our belief systems are tested over time, fine tuning how we perceive the world.  Eventually we emerge through learned behaviors presenting in our truest form.

Embracing both our strengths and weaknesses, we are able to navigate through life with integrity.  We have a polished sense of who we really are and what is our heart's desire.

When we are comfortable with our own selves, we are readily available to embrace the diversity of others without feeling threatened or competitive.  We find that we can join our efforts together creating a world of appreciation and gratitude.





Holes of Imperfection

The art of being yourself at your best is the art of unfolding your personality into the person you want to be ... Be gentle with your-
self, learn to love yourself, to forgive yourself, for only as we have
the right attitude toward ourselves can we have the right attitude towards others. ~  Wilfred A. Peterson (1900-1995)


There is a childhood picture of a little girl dressed in a fancy dress, lace cuffed anklets and dressy shoes.  Her hair has bows holding back the curls and her smile stretches from ear to ear.  While staring at the picture of this radiant child, I try to capture her essence, as the seemingly innocent face looking back at me is my own. 

This snapshot reflects everything that I have forgotten.  There is no evidence of self-consciousness or sense of being ashamed.  There is no fear in the eyes surveying what will happen next.  I sadly realize that the snapshot is simply a form of wallpaper stretched over the holes of my imperfection.

There is another picture of a young bride being escorted down the church aisle by her father.  She pauses right before she takes that walk, that split second when all present in the church turns to look at the amazing bride.  I easily recall all of those eyes staring at me, and I realized this was the only time I had ever had everyone's absolute attention.  The gown I was wearing  was just a thicker layer of wallpaper stretching over more holes of imperfection.

Holes of imperfection left unattended become crevices and in time deep wells or serious pitfalls.  These holes surround us in total darkness so it is impossible to see our true selves let alone the beauty in others.

When lost completely to darkness, one eventually notices a small dot of light stirring small strands of hope.  With effort, these strands grow thicker and desire begins braiding a rope.
It is never an easy climb, but along the way we gather tools to carefully scrape off the dirt from our body, mind and soul, and to begin filling the holes of imperfection with healing light.

Standing in the light, perceptions become more accurate and insightful.   Living in the light offers transformation allowing appreciation for our own unique presence which ultimately leads to loving our very self.  The world then with all of its inhabitants looks like a much more friendly place.  It is then, and only then that love abounds!



  

Calling for Help

Emmanuel

If you were to climb the highest mountain

and look at your world,

you would see

much more Light than Darkness,

much more love than hate,

much more kindness than violence.

It is only that these negative areas

are more vocal.

They are calling for help.

They are like small children, lost and fearful.

Knowing not what else to do,

they shout and scream and strike out.

Pray for them.

Pray for all of them.

and do not fear.

Emmanuel's Book

Compiled by Pat Rodegast and Judith Stanton

I would like to believe 'there is nothing to fear, but fear itself'. Yes, there is darkness in our world, but it is a teacher just like the light.  It can be an opportunity to learn for ourselves or to reach out to another. 

I must admit, I very rarely watch the news or read newspapers unless I am searching for something in particular.  I do not like the way I feel after I have been exposed to overwhelming negativity, rarely balanced by the positive.  All of the crime, violence, death and sad stories make me feel anxious, vulnerable, and disconnected from the source of love.  I don't like to feel this way.

At the risk of sounding like a Pollyanna, I much rather focus on all that is good.  I do not believe I hide my head in the sand as I am well aware of all sides of human nature, but I would rather place my attention on the goodness of my fellow human beings.

There are many authors who encourage readers to place their attention on what they want to 'grow' in their lives.  If our thoughts create our experiences or perceptions, it makes perfect sense to me that we are better off focusing on the light while being aware of the dark.

To be aware of the dark we are much more prepared to help, to bring our light out to shine.  Our light can be a beacon to someone who is stuck in the darkness. 

In many instances life is like the book and movie, Pay It Forward.  There are so many instrumental people who have helped us along our career path that we may never be able to go back and thank them.   There may have been unknown people during an emergency situation who assisted us or our family, but will always go unrecognized.  Of course there have been friends along the way who have helped us countless times.  So we can extend the same generosity to some one else or Pay It Forward!

There is extreme power in prayer, so we don't even have to leave our homes or spend money to reach out.  We don't even have to know the people personally.  We can pray for the children who go to sleep hungry at night.  There are families who have members being murdered in broad day light.  There are soldiers who are protecting our country.  There are those who are fighting an illness fearing death will leave family devastated.  The list is endless. 

Like attracts like, so be positive thinking and generate kindness.  Let fear fall away.  Just for today, see only goodness in the eyes of others and let them see the same in yours.   

  

Perceptions and Alignment

Equally, we require a collective past ~

hence the endless reinterpretations of history,

frequently to suit the perceptions of the present.

Penelope Lively

Perceptions govern our lives.  What we see, feel or do are based on how we perceive truth.  It may not be someone else's truth, but it will be our personal perception of the occurrence of things.  At times, our perceptions may be perfectly aligned with some one else's or even from the collective consciousness accumulating over time and space.  When such alignment occurs, we can find ourselves experiencing overwhelming emotion.

Dr. Wayne Dyer has been a world wide presenter and author for many years.  He isn't just 'seasoned.'  In my perception, he is a willing instrument of Spirit, and is used frequently to touch the hearts of those who hear or read his work. 

Dr. Dyer was on tour and presented one of his lectures at the San Pietro Abbey in Assisi, Italy.  His words were based on the life of St. Francis of Assisi.  The audience was filled with eager listeners and found themselves experiencing Wayne Dyer aligned with the perceptions of the man, Francis.

Towards the end of his presentation, Dr. Dyer told a story that had been passed down in time about St. Francis meeting a leper.  St. Francis was very afraid of lepers, but he forced him self to interact with this particular leper.  He extended kindness in spite of his overwhelming fear.  In this story, the leper turns out to be Jesus thanking St. Francis for his faithful attention to others in spite of his personal safety and fears.  Reportedly, St. Francis was overwhelmed by emotion and broke down in tears. 

At the ending of this story, the audience noticed Wayne Dyer with tears streaming down his face.  He did not try to wipe them away nor did he try to explain the alignment he felt at that moment with the feelings of St. Francis.  In support of the unusual moment, the audience lifted their hands in silence while Wayne Dyer wept.

This experience with perceptions and alignment can happen to any one at any time or any place.  It most generally will catch the person off guard, totally unsuspecting of the possibility and experiencing overwhelming emotion.  Often times, the person will respond by saying, "I don't know what came over me."

I have had such an experience, and perhaps one day I will share it.  It happened when I aligned myself with the stars ...

Live Each Day

It's only when we truly know and understand

that we have a limited time on earth ~ 

and that we have no way of knowing

when our time is up ~

that we will begin to live each day

to the fullest,

as if it was the only one we had.

***Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

  

I unexpectedly viewed Kevin Costner (actor) delivering an eulogy to Whitney Houston (singer and actress) at her funeral.  I listened to his words about this talented and beautiful woman who led a life riddled with insecurities.  His words haunted me as they were words that I have heard so many disclose ... doubts about our own personal worth.

It is so sad to me that there is such a strong disconnect between our authentic beauty and our presence in daily living.  We can all bring to mind someone we admire who repeatedly criticizes and underestimates himself or herself.  We are amazed that someone so gifted could have so many doubts.

Life itself is filled with challenges we have come to master, but did we bring such desecration of our inner self from the start?  What washed away our communion with the Divine?  Who separated our body, mind, and spirit leaving us so fragmented?

My belief system allows me to feel a personal loss when someone dies, but it also creates a curiosity about the transition death and dying triggers.  I confidently believe that in death we simply cross over into another realm or another dimension of living.  It is my conception that while the physical body dies, our spiritual self lives on eternally.

So the sadness I felt today was not about Whitney Houston's death, but rather about her inability to embrace her self while on this earth.  What impacts me even more deeply is the fact that many of us experience the same desperation seeking release in a variety of obsessions.  The emotional isolation that goes undetected in those we love so dearly, concerns me greatly.  To be left helplessly watching someone spiral out of control is even worse.  

The best thing we can do, perhaps, is to live each day as meaningful as we can, embracing others with sincere compassion while maintaining a balance between spiritual and material existence.  Try to begin each day with gratitude for all of our blessings and keep seeking for the Divine connection within.

***Elisabeth Kubler-Ross wrote a wonderful book about death and dying that opened my youthful eyes and broadened my earlier adult concepts about life.  Later, she wrote a book on death and dying of children which was one of the most difficult, yet inspiring books I have yet to read.

What The Eye Sees ...

The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.


ROBERTSON DAVIES 

The Wordsworth Dictionary of Quotes

A few years ago, I heard a story worthy of repeating.  This story is about perception and I loved the ending!

A woman was in between flights at an international airport.  She decided to purchase a bag of cookies to munch on while she waited for the departure of her next flight.  Finally finding a chair in the midst of strangers, she settled in with her book and cookies.  

Deeply engrossed in her book, she mindlessly reached for a cookie; but much to her surprise, she found another hand in her cookie bag!  She quickly jerked her head to see just who this greedy hand belonged to.  A well dressed man sat next to her greeting her with a smile, as he proceeded to eat a cookie.  "Of all the gall," she thought.  Oh well, what was one less cookie.  She continued to read, but once again when she placed her hand in the cookie bag, his hand was exiting with still another cookie.  She was furious!  She gave him a look that would fry bacon, but he just smiled back.  

As her last flight was finally called for boarding, she decided to finish the last cookie and throw away the bag.  As she turned, however,  she discovered the man breaking the remaining cookie in half and gesturing to her to take the last half.  She grabbed her half of the cookie from this rude gentleman and boarded her flight.

She was still steaming when she took her seat on the plane next to the window.  She replayed the entire cookie scene in her head, still appalled  at the inappropriate behavior or this rude man.  Placing her book upon her lap, she reached down into her purse to retrieve her glasses when her hand touched upon a crinkling bag.  She pulled the bag out of her purse and to her amazement she was looking at her bag of cookies! 

Can you feel it ... the dawning of truth, the embarrassment, the recall of all judgment placed upon the innocent man, and the humiliation of not being able to explain your side of the story?  

Perceptions are frequently obtained through too small a lens.  We need to use a panoramic view finder to see the big picture!  

Are You Sure ... Thich Nhat Hanh

YOUR TRUE HOME by Thich Nhat Hanh


Are You Sure:

All of us are only human, and we have wrong perceptions every day.  Our spouse or partner is also subject to wrong perceptions, so we must help each other to see more clearly and more deeply.  We should not trust our perceptions too much -  that is something the Buddha taught.  "Are you sure of your perceptions?" he asked us.  I urge you to write this phrase down on a card and put it up on the wall of your room:  "Are you sure of your perceptions?"

There is a river of perceptions in you.  You should sit down on the bank of this river and contemplate your perceptions.  Most of our perceptions, the Buddha said, are false.  Are you sure of your perceptions?  This question is addressed to you.  It is a bell of mindfulness.

...................

Daily, we make assumptions about people, places and things.  We interpret  our thoughts as though they were 100% truth.  What we think impacts our behaviors and interactions with others.  


Quite honestly, there are times when we would be better off just saying, "I don't know."  Although it may sound rigidly religious, we can be more mindful about letting judgment remain in the realm of divinity.  I don't want to judge others primarily because I don't want others to judge me.  I would rather face judgment of the heavenly who can see the entire picture or know the entire story.


We never really know the entire truth, so rather than stressing over who to believe, let it go and devote your time to praying in what ever form that takes for the people involved.  This helps everyone from a higher level instead of passing personal judgment.


Years ago, a college friend called from out of town to tell me he had just purchased a rather large business where I was then living.  He was very excited.  When he arrived in town, we met for a drink bringing our college year books and catching up on activities of our friends over the past years.  This man was very handsome and personable.  He had an infectious laugh and a very kind heart.  I knew him to be fair and trustworthy.  He was still single and I was already contemplating the available women he might find interesting. 


During the following month, news articles, billboards and advertisements reflected his purchase of this local business.  As word began to circulate in the small community, I was happy to tell others about him.  As the weeks passed, I began to hear some very negative remarks about my friend.  I heard that he was dishonest, untrustworthy and he would not be welcome in our town.


I was able to track down where the rumor had started.  His largest competitor admitted he took it upon himself to be quite creative about my friend's work history.  By twisting the facts with a negative spin the competition was dead before it even had time to take root.  The accuracy of the town talk didn't matter and everyone easily believed what was not true.  My friend was doomed prior to arrival.


Perceptions.  We all have perceptions, but we do not always have all of the facts.  In certain situations, no matter what we think or who we research, it will be impossible to know the absolute truth.  Before our perceptions slide into judgment, slip into prayer for all peoples involved as they all will be suffering.  If we truly are operating with an open heart, we offer forgiveness, compassion, and a willingness to reserve all judgment.


The end of the story:  My friend indeed did come to town aware of the vicious rumors being spread by his competitor.  He conducted business with his high standards and soon his business grew.  People got to know him and like him, but they never 'let him in'.  He was always just on the edge as the old perceptions were still lodged   in the minds of others.  The community never really embraced him completely.  His competitor of course continued the slander.  Eventually, my friend married for the first time and decided to begin his family in a new location where they could truly call it home.  


Perceptions.  We really need to ask ourselves, "Is this true, absolutely proof positive true?"  And even if it is true, we have no need to judge, or enter into an arena where we have no business being.  Even if we have a personal interest, we need not be self appointed juries.  I am not encouraging any one  to accept or embrace negative behaviors, but rather to use your emotions in a positive way hoping to bring healing
to all involved.