Spiritual "Me Time" (Updated from 5/13/2014)

 

“To sit alone in the lamplight with a book spread out before you and hold intimate converse with men of unseen generations - such is pleasure beyond compare.”

-- Yoshida Kenko (1283-1350)

Relaxation means different things to different people, but how many of us consider contemplation, meditation, or the spiritual as a means of relaxation?  How many of us come back from a well-deserved vacation wishing we had another week to recover from it?  The only way I can truly relax is to go off by myself and enjoy some introspective analysis and thought.  This may sound like much more mental cramping than the average person might want to endure, but for me, it works.  Solo camping, hiking, fishing, biking, and the like, can be mentally therapeutic for me.  If the weather will not cooperate, I find a glass of wine while listening to Brazilian jazz while I bake or cook.  It seems to accomplish the same thing but, I risk phone and visitor interruptions, which will defeat the entire purpose. 

And this is my point:  Spiritual "Me Time," not spiritual "me and several other people" time; not me and my significant other spiritual time; it is spiritual "me time."  If you want to have a romantic evening with the love of your life you don't invite George and Emily to come along, unless that is your kinky definition of a romantic evening.  But, if you truly want to relax, work out some issues, or contemplate the meaning of life (or your belly button), then solitude is the only way to go.

I will undertake another of my own spiritual journeys, in short order, as I set off across the country in the car.  I love driving, especially when I'm in no rush to reach a destination.  I find driving to be soothing to my soul, when I'm not cussing out some moron for cutting me off because he was too stupid to look, that is.  And even then, I take a cleansing breath after the impatient rant and end by saying, "...and may God bless his little heart." Even idiots are in need of God's blessing.

I will take my camera and my laptop, a writing pad and some pens.  I might even take my sketch pad as I haven't exercised my drawing talents for some time now.  I will bring a blanket and a cooler, sandwich fixings, and some beer.  I will contemplate God, the world, and my humble place in the grander universe.  Most of all, I want to write about my favorite subject, the path I am on. As always, will post my thoughts all on my blog.  

Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935) was a significant poet, writer, and philosopher of his day in Portugal, and he explains the human journey in his work, The Book of Disquiet:

“Life is an experimental journey undertaken involuntarily. It is a journey of the spirit through the material world and, since it is the spirit that travels, it is the spirit that is experienced. That is why there exist contemplative souls who have lived more intensely, more widely, more tumultuously than others who have lived their lives purely externally.”

He suggests that contemplation can be meaningful as wide-ranging physical travel and experience.  Saint Teresa of Calcutta, on the other hand, lived her life in contemplation, based, in part, on ministering, by "going out physically, or in spirit, in search of souls all over the universe," and contemplating "by gathering the whole universe at the very center of our hearts where the Lord of the universe abides, and allowing the pure water of divine grace to flow plentifully and unceasingly from the source itself, on the whole of his creation."  

I think Fernando and Saint Teresa are both right.  As for Yoshida Kenko, I too shall probably find myself with my laptop opened in front of me while holding intimate conversations with many folks of unseen generations.  Such is my way, as well.

It beats the old way by a great deal.  In times past I, like many other people, would find time for contemplation and introspection in the one place a person was guaranteed to find a short-lived bit of privacy with his own thoughts.  Hopefully one would find something other than the back label of a Lysol can, or a year-old copy of Ladies Home Journal, to relax with.  Although, I must say, if there was a copy of Cooking Light, I would find myself taking a few moments longer in "meditation."  I joke that everything important I learned in life came from periodicals found atop the toilet tank.  I'm probably not the only one.  Kids, nowadays, won't be able to say the same thing, down the road.  The toilets are tankless, and their little hands never let go of their electronic personality prosthetic.

In today's busy world, where we are inundated with electronic gadgets that give us rare moments to ourselves, it is important to make room for "me time."   Do it often, and try doing it outside to get some fresh air.  Make enough time so you can relax, empty your mind, and allow your spirit to find your path.  Oh, and don't forget to turn off the damned phone.  I'm more than certain the world will continue to spin without you.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony: tolerantpastor@gmail.com