CHANGE
YOUR HEART! CHANGE YOUR MIND!
ad·ver·sar·y/NO MORE
So,
the other day I was invited to be part of a panel being taped
at the Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting station (AIB). The name
of the show is called “In Focus.” The subject being
discussed was the capitalization of Religion and Spirituality
and why so many books and  movies
are out on this subject. The panel consisted of a Rabbi, a Christian
pastor and me. I didn't think much of it; I have an opinion
and I'm willing to share it so, I go there (on time) and wait
for the producer to come in and give instructions as to the format,
etc...
I'm usually up-beat and friendly, so as the gentlemen (the
other panel participants) come into the lobby I shake hands, introduce
myself as the publisher of Aquarius, give them a copy of the paper
and expect a welcome reception.
Well, naïve me! The Rabbi was fine with me, after all I wear
a star of David ring that was given to me by a Jewish girlfriend
who died from cancer back in the 1960's. My best friend, Debbie,
lives in Israel and my daughter's father is Jewish, too. I've
always had a strong connection and felt very close to the Jewish
religion. I know I was Jewish in many life-times. I especially
admire that generosity and tolerance is taught from birth as a
way of life. So, you can see why the Rabbi wouldn't have a
problem with me, “I love him.”
The Christian pastor was another story. First off, he said he
was from a “dominion” church and I heard “non-denominational”.
BIG MISTAKE! And it seemed to infuriate him that I suggested he
was non-denominational, too. He gave me the Aquarius copy back
and I felt for a moment like I'd been slapped. I just never
thought that “non-denominational” was bad. The word,
to me, means tolerance of others and their views. It means that
we aren't dogmatic in our beliefs or mind-set and follow the
word of God as individuals and not just one of the pack.
It's so dumb, and almost impossible, to try to change someone's
beliefs anyway!! I was raised Catholic with little devotion because
of my dysfunctional childhood. I went to Catholic school for a
show of doing the right thing, not as a true belief, so going
to church was not a family outing. I learned some very good things
from that experience and some things that I'm glad weren't
branded on my subconscious as the only truth.
I sometimes kid around and say I'm a surviving Catholic, but
in truth, I'm just a survivor. I survived it all and now I'm
proud to say, I'm back in therapy finding my way out of survivor
thinking as well.
In my early teens, I was already on my own and remember meeting
a man that was a Hebrew scholar. We spoke a long time about Jewish
traditions and I remember thinking how much of his information
made sense and I was glad he enlightened me. Ever since then,
I was always sure that if a scholar from any tradition could explain
why that particular point of view was valid and good, we could
all honor each other. So, you can see this thinking was soon to
be challenged.
When the pastor gave me back my paper, I thought, What the hell
am I doing here, anyway? It's not my job or place to change
or inflict my beliefs on another. I didn't just wake up one
morning and say, I think I'll be Metaphysical! Or, I'll
be New Age, that sounds good. No, it took life-changing events,
weird experiences and dreams to bring me where I am today. I'll
just tell them that!
After I decided that I wasn't leaving, I took a few deep breaths
and realized he could act like a donkey if he wanted, but I was
committed to teaching what I thought was right, and proudly so.
We went upstairs with the producer who interviewed us. She asked
who we were while deciding what she would say on air about us.
She's a loyal reader of Aquarius and understood this mind-set
has a broader sense of religion.
Metaphysics is not a religion, but a mindset/belief system that
says you are a spiritual being having a human experience and it's
important to take care of it all; the Body, Mind, and Spirit are
all-inclusive and not separate parts of the whole.
I was asked a question, and if I thought I would write about this
experience today, I would have remembered what the question was.
But I didn't and it doesn't really matter. I seized the
moment and used the example of what happened to me downstairs
with the good pastor and called him on his behavior.
My demeanor was calm, and from a loving place I told what had
happened downstairs. And then said that when I chose to stay,
I went to the love in my heart that I had for the pastor. That
I wasn't going to judge him, but wondered how the differences
in our beliefs could be so important and worth what we lose when
we don't honor each other. Of course there was more dialog,
but almost instantly the energy in the room changed and I was
glad to be there.
I think my point was made and we had a great debate that had more
agreements than not. It's all in the language and the willingness
to allow people their God-given right to choose. Check your own
tolerance level, give your opinion and allow others theirs. It's
the  only
way for peace in your heart and in the World. You can reach me
at : gloria@aquarius-atlanta.com
Bye Honeys,
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Publisher's
