A "Personal" Universe of Peace (Updated from 1/18/2015)

 

"When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to discover they are not it."

-- Bernard Bailey

One must develop a happy place, a “personal" universe of peace and tranquility, an escape from the horrors outside your influence, the stressful pinball machine so many others would define as life. Include all those who are at peace in your universe, and then include those in need of peace. Be the sun in your universe, the gravity around which all other bodies revolve. As each body reaches harmony within your universe, your gravitational pull will increase on them, and they will move closer until their own equilibrium is reached and a stationary orbit is attained. The "sun" does not do this out of some misplaced ego. This will occur of its own accord, as though a part of some natural law of passive influence, the influence which occurs and ends at their desire, not yours.

"Everything in the universe wants to be loved and accepted.  Our personal work is to find the love and acceptance within ourselves."

-- Shakti Gawain

When these orbiting bodies are ready, they will break their orbit and leave your gravitational sphere of "passive" influence.  They will strike out on their own, or, maybe, with those bodies that have been affected by their pull, and they will create their own "personal universe."

How can we do this?  Many of us can't fathom the "infinite majesty of the universe" much less see themselves as some universe unto themselves.  Yet, we practice this very thing throughout our lives.  We have families that revolve around a central figure, and we reach out to create extended families.  We have beliefs that revolve around central concepts, governments that revolve around central bodies, and financial systems that revolve around central banks.  But these are concepts we have put within our sphere of influence.  

How is it possible for us to even consider defining ourselves as a universe when science is still defining what a universe is?

The most basic problem with mankind is that we let our "ego" get in our line of vision; we cannot see the forest for the trees; we try too damned hard to accomplish that which is already done, to find that which is already found, and to be that which we already are.  We find ourselves drowning in a shallow pool when all that is required for us to do is stand up and do our "happy dance." 

"All the powers of the universe all already ours.  It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark."

-- Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902)

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. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, 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 while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a 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 United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained in 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He 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 personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

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