Jim Palmer's Blog, page 47
December 23, 2013
I wonder about that place at the end of all our striving
“I wonder about that place at the end of all our striving…
that place where the insatiable need to figure it out is silenced,
that place where the need to be “right” is extinguished,
that place where the impulse to attain a magic formula dissolves,
that place where the drive to be somewhere else or be someone else is quieted,
that place where the urge to become dependent upon the latest guru or teacher is eradicated,
that place where you no longer feel the need to perpetuate the persona of being a spiritual, awakened or enlightened person,
that place where there are no advanced spiritual concepts or practices to master or attain,
that place where you realize that what you have been looking for, you have; the person you most hoped to be, you are; and what your heart most desires, you have.
And maybe what you notice some time later is that your seeking has ended, and your suffering has too.”
- Jim Palmer, Notes from (Over) The Edge
December 22, 2013
When turning the other cheek is a bad idea
One of the ways religion was a disservice to me is how it spiritualized life in a manner that prevented me from responding to situations as they required. “Honor your father and mother” doesn’t mean accepting their manipulation and abuse. “Turning the other cheek” doesn’t mean that you allow someone to violate your boundaries. No one ever told me that at times the “godly” thing to do includes standing for yourself, saying “no,” terminating relationships, and refusing to enable the dysfunctional behavior of others no matter how they might try to justify it with God.
Opening up the joy around us
“At the most fundamental level, all is well… undisturbed, peaceful, and free. There’s joy everywhere only we’re closed off to it. We can open up the joyful or blissful nature of reality, and we find it was always there in our lives… this life… just the way it is.”
- Jim Palmer, Notes from (Over) the Edge
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Let there be a silent tacit understanding and no more
Perhaps you have grown weary of so many words, and stuffing your mind with more and more information, ideas, concept, and teachings. Maybe it is best instead to just be quiet, and sit with whatever comes in your own deepest thoughts and feelings. There are times when the truth that sets us free simply touches our spirit when we are quiet-minded and openhearted.
Knoweldge is not wisdom
You many know many things about God and speak of God often, but the wise person spreads goodness, compassion, and loving-kindness as they go.
December 21, 2013
What the Bible Doesn’t Say
“7 beliefs that people FALSELY claim are substantiated from the Bible:
1. Our humanity is bad
2. We are separated from God
3. The world will go up in flames
4. Heaven is the big pay-off
5. Jesus started Christianity
6. Grace has conditions
7. My interpretation of the Bible is the correct one”
- Jim Palmer, Notes from (Over) the Edge
Public Service Announcement
THIS IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT BY JIM PALMER
You are…
beautiful,
loved,
good,
extraordinary,
worthy,
wanted,
necessary,
desirable,
and a gift to the world…
just the way YOU are.
The day the sun stood still (honoring the Winter Solstice)
Today is Winter Solstice. At noon, the Sun will appear at its lowest altitude above the horizon. The name solstice means “Sun stands still.” Today in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun hugs closer to the horizon than at any other day during the year, yielding the least amount of daylight annually. Winter Solstice is the great stillness before the Sun’s strength builds, and days grow longer. Worldwide, interpretation of Winter Solstice varies from culture to culture, but many cultures have held a recognition of rebirth, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around this time.
Winter Solstice is a time to rest and reflect. It’s the fruitful dark out of which new life can eventually emerge. The darkness itself is the spiritual cradle into which the Sun is reborn. Everything lies dormant in the silent night, a sacred time of rest before the awakening, and the slow build toward longer days. The longest night is a fruitful time for setting intentions, to be birthed with the newborn Sun.
The Winter Solstice presses us to consider and reconcile the realities of darkness and light. Albert Camus wrote, “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Perhaps today you will be compelled to set your resolve to confront and address your own darkness – to address the root cause of your own suffering, to take on the personal work necessary to heal a deep wound or repair your relationship with yourself. Consider creating a small ceremony or symbolic act to accompany your new intention and resolve. Share your intention with a friend.
Albert Schweitzer wrote, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Winter Solstice is also a time to remember that each of us is a light one to another. Our actions of compassion, care, solidarity, and loving-kindness helps spark the flame of hope within others.
December 20, 2013
Jesus was not a Christian
“Jesus was not a Christian. He is not the founder of Christianity. Christianity is a religion created in the name of Jesus, and is much different from the actual truth that Jesus taught. Were Jesus alive today, I don’t think Jesus would be a Christian. Jesus is still one of best-kept secrets because his truth has been grossly distorted by those who claim to speak for him. There is a religion-free Jesus who belongs to all of humankind. Christianity does not own or have first rights to Jesus. His truth has universal significance. It’s often the case that you have to disentangle Jesus from institutional Christianity in order to uncover his truth.”
- Jim Palmer, Notes from (Over) the Edge: Unmasking the Truth to End Your Suffering
