While I have a “philosophical issue” with language, I dislike how people use the word “unique”. And especially how sometimes people say “very unique”, “extremely unique”, or some other superlative qualifying “unique”.
A word I feel people use too much is “surreal”.
What brings you peace?
Solitude and silence. Not the absence of people or noise. But openness to presence and a willingness to listen.
I have created (with the help of faithful friends) a context in which I can live this peace. So the context – the place – is the real source of my peace. I feel called to a place. I feel the absence of this place.
Anyway …
I would open a bookshop which also serves various types of tea.
The books would be a range but, maybe, more existentialist. Maybe some Kierkegaard, Kafka, and Camus? The tea would be Russian! Or some Earl Gray. Leafs only. There would be afternoons for people to discuss ideas – any idea! Tea, books, and real conversation.
My day is largely in silence. Yes, I listen to music and the radio (for the news). But there are long periods of silence. (I also read books etc but in silence.)
One thing that has made me curious about this context is how we see language. Or, how metaphor and language interact. Augustine wrote about language before he wrote about Christianity. But we seem to think that we can simply march past the problem and declare absolutely what is (and what is not) a relationship with God.
I have no answers and maybe there isn’t one. But I am curious!
This may sound a little strange – and, well, it is. I like to get up early. I mean really early. Currently, my alarm is set for 4:30 am. Often I am awake before it.
Why so early? I have found that it offers me time for mental prayer. And it provides me silence. I have a cup of tea in darkness without the possibility of interruption. I say Morning Prayer at 5:30 am and listen to the 6:00 am ABC News. And then my day starts!
It is something to which I look forward. It is a habit that brings me much joy.
Let me preface this by saying I am no philosopher, theologian, or sociologist.
I think “modern society” lives with the belief that “if I can measure it, I can create it”. The problem is that it is somewhat true. Yes, physical things can certainly be measured and then created. But what about things like beauty, community, fellowship, or love? Can I measure these and then create them?
The church is not immune. Sometimes people preach a gospel of “let’s do it”. All of that is fine without any thought to sin. God creates community and fellowship by His presence, as He does beauty, not by our agreeing with each other or being “nice”.
So what would I change: the certainty that it is within human reach to create everything.
Anyway …
I have not answered one of these for some time.
I normally wake at 5ish. Yes, I am a morning person. I have not used an alarm clock in a long time, and I do not use my phone. I simply wake naturally at about the same time. At the moment it is still dark and very cold. Heater on and make a cup of tea.
I either listen to the news or just pray. Sometimes I try to plan my day but it never works out. I try to be ready for my day by 6. I stay in my “bedroom”, which is also my main room, to pray and enjoy a cup of tea. I love watching the sun rise over the water. There is a “no rush” attitude for my mornings.
When do I go to bed? When the sun goes down it is time for bed, as my grandmother used to say. I try to stay in a natural rhythm with the sun. I try to pray a little and then sleep.
ALL OF THEM!
Yes, there is much physical clutter in my life. (I am reordering The Anchorage and so I have everything out on the floor in the parlor, ie the front room.)
But I think emotional clutter is what makes my life more difficult. Don’t get me wrong: I like my emotions! I like feeling things and it is what makes me “me”. Yet I have emotional rubbish that really should be surrendered to the bin.
Like? Attachment to ways of doing things that simply do not work anymore. Or to ways of being that are no longer me, or were never me. And, of course, emotional attachment to people who are no longer part of my life.
I do not want to become a robot. However, I want to focus my emotional energy on people and situations that are relevant to my current life. And I need to let go of people who have decided to no longer be a part of my life.
If only some emotions were like an ice cream wrapper that goes in the bin after use.
Do you believe in fate/destiny?
I thought I would answer this prompt. Not because I have any profound ideas or anything. Just because!?
So, do I believe in fate? First I think the question is using “believe” differently than I would. “Believe” is about living with paradox rather than making it something I know. It is a resolution to move ahead even if the end is uncertain. Maybe a little, “Just live as if”!?
Second is the issue of “fate”. The short answer is “no”. Why? Where is freedom if all is set in stone? The long answer? Where is my accountability for my actions if they are from outside? Freedom is radical and scary if it is real. Fate, to me, is an escape from “me”.
So, anyway ….
a fool and his prayer book 