Some people are absolutely certain about most everything. They are certain that they know what is right and what is wrong. They are certain about what is true and what is false. They are certain about what is bad and what is good. They are certain about who is evil and who is saintly.
I alternate between envying these people their certainty, and feeling sorry for their lack of understanding. Envy because, how peaceful it must be to be totally firm in your convictions. And sympathy, because I suspect they have had little opportunity in their lives to experience the diversity of humankind.
I admit that I have held firm opinions about many things as well but I have also softened so many of them throughout my life experiences. This ambivalence to sensitive topics hasn't always made my life easier, but I do believe it has made it more genuine.
I suppose that I have been particularly fortunate to have been part of such a large family. Of course the very best motivator towards one reconsidering his/her thoughts on any topic is direct personal experience, but almost as good is to have had the opportunity to watch those close to you battle with their own demons.
It's so easy to harshly criticize anyone for any behaviour or circumstance if you have never had to face that same situation close to home, but a lot harder to be so certain when your judgement would then fall on someone you may call brother/sister/parent/child/friend.
I give you this personal example for your consideration because I trust that the subjects would be okay with it. In my mind the circumstance I choose to use as my example is not even a hot button one, although it probably is for many others. Two of the smartest, kindest, gentlest people that I know in this world are homosexual, and incidentally they are two of the inspirations in my life. It just so happens that I call them son, and brother. I say it's not really a hot button topic for me because despite my catholic upbringing, I can never recall a time when I was judgemental on this topic. I'm not sure why actually, But while internally I never held any notion that being gay was bad, I have to admit that I contributed regularly, and for many years, to putting negative stuff out there for the world to listen to, most notably in the form of jokes. I never make gay jokes any more, just like I never make crack head jokes, or abortion jokes, for similar reasons. I also admit that I don't know for certain the best way to deal with murderers, or sexual offenders.
And I don't feel like a saint for it, but I do feel more genuine.
I guess my point in all of this is that while being so certain about everything may seem like an idyllic way to live, I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I can not imagine the narrow slice of life that a person of certainty has been exposed to. The only thing that I long to be certain of before I die is that there is no hell, because if there is, that's where I'm gonna go. In all other areas I hope to have an open mind.
Actually one other thing I am reaching certainty on is my color scheme for Ironman. After much deliberation I have finally settled on red, white and black. The only problem I still have is how to tell Roo that the beautiful "blue" aero helmet I bought a few months back just ain't gonna cut it anymore. Maybe she'll read my blog and get enough of a laugh that she will okay a new one??? I'm thinking that after the race I'm gonna open my own e-bay store and try to recoup some of my expenses!
And another great training day, if not a long one. It was run interval day and since I had to drop a vehicle downtown at the garage I thought I would run home, doing the repeats on the way. Once I got started I realized that I would be passing right by the high school track and so decided I would do them there instead. Like I said it was short but good....kinda like sex is anymore. I did a 1,2,3,2,1 pyramid of 400's, and got faster with each segment. The middle 1200 metres I ran in 4:36 which is 3:50/km pace....blazing speed for this old gapher.
And lastly I wish to thank Elly for inspiring me today in a way she is probably not even aware of.
(track intervals, 12 kms total)
...and once again the man finds the absolute perfect quote to top of his post...
"Genuine beginnings begin within us, even when they are brought to our attention by external opportunities."---William Bridges
I alternate between envying these people their certainty, and feeling sorry for their lack of understanding. Envy because, how peaceful it must be to be totally firm in your convictions. And sympathy, because I suspect they have had little opportunity in their lives to experience the diversity of humankind.
I admit that I have held firm opinions about many things as well but I have also softened so many of them throughout my life experiences. This ambivalence to sensitive topics hasn't always made my life easier, but I do believe it has made it more genuine.
I suppose that I have been particularly fortunate to have been part of such a large family. Of course the very best motivator towards one reconsidering his/her thoughts on any topic is direct personal experience, but almost as good is to have had the opportunity to watch those close to you battle with their own demons.
It's so easy to harshly criticize anyone for any behaviour or circumstance if you have never had to face that same situation close to home, but a lot harder to be so certain when your judgement would then fall on someone you may call brother/sister/parent/child/friend.
I give you this personal example for your consideration because I trust that the subjects would be okay with it. In my mind the circumstance I choose to use as my example is not even a hot button one, although it probably is for many others. Two of the smartest, kindest, gentlest people that I know in this world are homosexual, and incidentally they are two of the inspirations in my life. It just so happens that I call them son, and brother. I say it's not really a hot button topic for me because despite my catholic upbringing, I can never recall a time when I was judgemental on this topic. I'm not sure why actually, But while internally I never held any notion that being gay was bad, I have to admit that I contributed regularly, and for many years, to putting negative stuff out there for the world to listen to, most notably in the form of jokes. I never make gay jokes any more, just like I never make crack head jokes, or abortion jokes, for similar reasons. I also admit that I don't know for certain the best way to deal with murderers, or sexual offenders.
And I don't feel like a saint for it, but I do feel more genuine.
I guess my point in all of this is that while being so certain about everything may seem like an idyllic way to live, I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I can not imagine the narrow slice of life that a person of certainty has been exposed to. The only thing that I long to be certain of before I die is that there is no hell, because if there is, that's where I'm gonna go. In all other areas I hope to have an open mind.
Actually one other thing I am reaching certainty on is my color scheme for Ironman. After much deliberation I have finally settled on red, white and black. The only problem I still have is how to tell Roo that the beautiful "blue" aero helmet I bought a few months back just ain't gonna cut it anymore. Maybe she'll read my blog and get enough of a laugh that she will okay a new one??? I'm thinking that after the race I'm gonna open my own e-bay store and try to recoup some of my expenses!
And another great training day, if not a long one. It was run interval day and since I had to drop a vehicle downtown at the garage I thought I would run home, doing the repeats on the way. Once I got started I realized that I would be passing right by the high school track and so decided I would do them there instead. Like I said it was short but good....kinda like sex is anymore. I did a 1,2,3,2,1 pyramid of 400's, and got faster with each segment. The middle 1200 metres I ran in 4:36 which is 3:50/km pace....blazing speed for this old gapher.
And lastly I wish to thank Elly for inspiring me today in a way she is probably not even aware of.
(track intervals, 12 kms total)
...and once again the man finds the absolute perfect quote to top of his post...
"Genuine beginnings begin within us, even when they are brought to our attention by external opportunities."---William Bridges
Love
Peter
Awesome post old gapher!
ReplyDeleteLove old john
agree
ReplyDelete