And the meek shall...

Doug.in.PA · Joined: 22 Jul 2009 Posts: 61

To Pat (truth) and anyone interested -

Now I'd like to turn to a book I'm currently zipping through by Daniel Quinn. It's entitled, Ishmael. Some of you may know of it. It's a story of a man who goes to meet a mysterious teacher, and finds himself in the presence of a gorilla who can communicate telepathically. The story isn't actually much of a story. It is mostly a lengthy discourse on the nature of man and man's perception of the world and the universe. Well, I'm only at page 72 so far (in the 1995 paperback edition). But I had to pause and open this up to anyone around here who could comment on this. I find it all fascinating so far, though not entirely new (to me). I wonder if James Redfield was inspired in part by this book when he wrote The Celestine Prophecy. It also reads very much like Conversations with God, but predates both of these.

Picking up from Pat's post from my "Ways to raise my energy?" topic, I'd like to post a quote from this book and see what the reaction is. Here's Pat's quote again:

SL · Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Posts: 191

Hi Doug,

just real quick here...

I am the kind of guy that doesn't think too much about how a movie ends, and for the same reason I do not enjoy it when someone tells me the end of a story before I have seen it. That is the long answer to your question, 'no' would be the short version.

What connection are you making?

Peace,
Steve

truth · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 6:50 pm Post subject: Now, don't be coy...

Hi Doug,

Go on, let us know your thoughts.

Pat

ceinvests · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 10:52 pm Post subject:

Hi All, Doug,

Isn't it amazing how when we are so passionately searching for OUR answers, we think our wisdoms are so obvious.

Not sure if I see how this relates to 'the meek shall inherit the earth' yet, but I too am interested!

Are we seeing that man is supposed to work by the sweat of his/her brow in order to evolve? Is that it?

Funny, when I got to the question of what man should do next when the earth/world did not cooperate with his aggressions/assertions/goals/missions/works, my answer was "He must win it over" rather than the "He must conquer it". This could lead to a conversation back to male/female, patriarchy/matriarchy energy, win/lose or win/win beliefs, eh?! == Yes, I am a lead by support style/female! Empowerment leads to strength of wisdom rather than 'I'll get mine' beliefs, selfishness.

Per the meek questions, I have some other thoughts:

Introverts are a style based on thinking to speak -- extroverts speak to think.

Myers Briggs is effective toward self actualization as long as we are not having better/worse results of the truths of diverse human beings based on diverse human processing of mind, body, and soul energies.

Are we classifying the meek as introverts? shy? reserved? frightened? worried? aloof?

Lastly, I have always been drawn to wise, strong people who are gentle; they have little to prove, so they waste no energy on ego or chaos. I think of those people as what was meant by "The meek shall inherit the earth". I see the understanding of CP in line with this. I see Jesus as setting that example. It creates serenity and calm wisdom of clarity of what needs our attentions for the betterment of all in the moment.

Oh, I don't mean to be so controversial (yes, meek) but I just had to get this out on paper. Sorry it is a response to your other thread as well.

P.S. I bet you are having some successes now on keeping your energy cleaner while traveling to/in the city. Just a glimmer~~

Looking forward to much more on this,
Grins N Glimmers,
Ce
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Doug.in.PA · Joined: 22 Jul 2009 Posts: 61

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the posts. I wanted to let it just be there for a couple days to see what thoughts came out about it. Truly, I don't really know exactly what the implication of what I posted might be. There's a sense of something kind of amazing there... just wanted to see if some other points of view can open it up.

Having said that, what occurred to me when I read Pat's post about the meek (inheriting the Earth), and then very soon after, read the passage from Ishmael, was that what man has done in conquering or taming the elements on this planet has not been done meekly. The message of Ishmael is that our civilization is headed for a crash, because we are not living by the sort of natural laws that every other species on the planet is living by. So, if it's the meek who will inherit the Earth, this all seems to be telling me, on the surface at least, that all of our conquering and civilization building has only moved us away from any true health and harmony here on this world, and that to return to it could require the undoing of what we think of as civilization.

That really kind of blows my mind.

So, it's not really that I was thinking "my wisdom was obvious" as you put it, Ce. I first wanted to see if someone else could see something really different in this, before putting my own shade on it. I am intrigued by your idea of "winning over" the world rather than conquering it. Is there sufficient wisdom to be able to effectively use "strength of wisdom" as you put it?

It's also quite interesting to read what you said about introverts thinking to speak and extroverts speaking to think. This is a key way of understanding that situation that I don't think I've really clearly seen before. I am very much on the side of the former. For instance, I totally prefer a forum like this over a chat room, because here, I can think about what I'd really like to say, and I can hopefully express it much better, having some time to ponder it a bit more.

And the idea that these are not a better/worse situation, but really can be understood as diversity is a great way to go.

(To your question- ) At first glance, the meek would seem to be introverts and possibly aloof, but perhaps they really aren't - perhaps they are neither introverts nor extroverts. Seems a rare breed to me...

"...Wise, strong people who are gentle; they have little to prove, so they waste no energy on ego or chaos," as you said... yes. These are wonderful people. Such a great description.

Thanks for your eloquent post!

And yes, I'd say my energy has been "cleaner" during my commutes and work time in the city. A lot has been tying into each other during the past week - some amazing energy interacting, due in large part to a coaching course I have been participating in, and also, I'd say, to "feeling the synchronicities" as I get going in the morning, as James Redfield has suggested in his 12th Insight radio interviews.

Thanks, and let's hear some more on all of this -
Doug

ceinvests · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:20 pm Post subject:

Hi Doug--

I will reply more later.

Meanwhile, I realized that my sentence did not convey my intent.

SL · Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Posts: 191

Hi Everyone,

Doug, I get ya now. This stuff is always interesting. I've been thinking about some things closely related to the connections you are making in this thread. I don't have much time right now, but perhaps in a couple of days I can give this some deeper thought.

The reason I am responding now is to inject something into the conversation at this early stage. I looked up 'meek' at www.etymonline.com to see the history and original meaning of the word, as it may have been applied in the King James Bible originally (which was first printed in 1611). Here is the definition:

c.1200, "gentle, courteous, kind," from O.N. mjukr "soft, pliant, gentle," from P.Gmc. *meukaz (cf. Goth. muka-modei "humility," Du. muik "soft"), of uncertain origin. Use to translate L. mansuetus from Vulgate (see mansuetude). Sense of "submissive" is from 1340.

By contrast, here is the definition my 'widget' on my desktop gave me:

quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive

It's not too hard to see why people misunderstand one another is it? Or how our understanding of our own languages is somehow diluted to whatever popular sentiment is prevailing. Americans are proud of John Wayne and being tough and strong. If you want to dare someone, call them out, challenge their political orientation towards peacefulness, calling them 'meek' may be an effective tactic.

Based on the etymological definition I pasted above, 'meek' is something I am increasingly striving for in my interaction with others. Therefore, I personally would be in favor of a world of 'meek' people.

Is it possible that for one to be fully in tune with Spirit, one submits to Spirit's will? Does that not seem reasonable? I mean, when we are following the synchronicities in our life, isn't that what we are doing?

That said, what I am finding most interesting because of my own thoughts lately is the idea Doug is probing about what will it take for mankind to find harmony. Here is the main thing I believe is on my mind:

We live, and have been educated, and function, in a world where it is reasonable to be afraid, of an endless number of things. We who comprise the Judeo-Christian and Muslim worlds have been taught that we are inherently evil, born in sin. It is not just a boogy-man idea we grow out of. This idea that man is evil is built in, inherent to all of our systems and cultures. And when we find a culture that does not include this idea, we make damn sure they understand it ASAP...

From that perspective, it is not so surprising that being meek has come to be a less than desirable character trait, in the popular understanding, is it? It is much easier to provoke someone who feels they must respond to any provocation isn't it? And if 'we the people' are so unstable, then we surely can agree to regulating our own behavior can't we?

Anyway, that was just a couple of thoughts while eating french fries... meekly, I might add....

Aside from that, what I wanted to add at this point to the conversation is this: Yes Doug, I believe, if we are going to experience a shift in humanity's experience, we will have to undo our civilization. Rebuild it. Rethink it, from the ground up. Otherwise we will simply create variations on the same themes we have been living out for the last several thousand years.

So, my question for you all is this, is that realistic in your view? Do you believe we can do that?

Thanks for your time, thoughts and energy in this discussion as well as all of the others.

Peace,
Steve

Doug.in.PA · Joined: 22 Jul 2009 Posts: 61

Hi Ce -

Don't worry if you were less than crystal clear. Sometimes it's pretty difficult to convey what's really intended without things like inflection/emphasis, body language, etc.

Looking forward to hearing more from you.

Steve -

About the word and its definition, I like the "pliant" aspect of meekness, which doesn't necessarily indicate weakness. A friend of mine once said that meekness is controlled power, which is also a concept I like quite a bit. I too would be in favor of a world of meek people.

You said,

littlebird · Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Florida

This is a beautiful thread you guys and you all make it so. I wanted to share something I read in the Sermon on the Mount, by Emmet Fox. ~

The true significance of the word "meek" in the Bible is a mental attitude for which there is no other single word available, and it is this mental attitude which is the secret of "prosperity" or success in prayer. It is a combination of open-mindedness, faith in God, and the realization that the Will of God for us is always something joyous and interesting and vital, and much better than anything we could think of for ourselves. This state of mind also includes a perfect willingness to allow this Will of God to come about in whatever way Divine Wisdom considers to be best, rather than in some particular way that we have chosen for ourselves.

Peace and love,
littlebird
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littlebird · Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Florida

Dear Doug,

I have to mention that Friday night, some friends from work and I went out to a country lakeside bar. So, sitting around tiki fire, all of a sudden this young man approaches me and starts talking about spirituality and the Zeitgeist movement. WOW Shocked

Well, we had a grand old time going back and forth about the "Jesus myth"....... Smile

We came to the conclusion that the dying and resurrecting godman story must be very relevant to have come all this way, regardless of our varying beliefs for reasons why.

Lisa

I am going to watch the movie at his suggestion and your reference to it.
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Doug.in.PA · Joined: 22 Jul 2009 Posts: 61

Hi Lisa,

It's nice to see you're still around the forum! Great quote by Emmet Fox. Interesting too that yesterday, part of my mantra for the day from the course I'm taking was, "I know that I deserve to be prosperous because I show up big in people's lives." Reading your quote today triggered a realization in me that I can be open-minded about what may or may not come out of this course I'm participating in. It's a great wake up to help me realize that I've begun to have certain expectations from it, and that I can let those expectations go and instead, flow with the energy of what's actually happening, whatever that may actually be, as I read in one of the posts of a class member today.

About the dying and resurrecting godman story being relevant to have come all this way, sure it is! I truly wonder for how much longer tho. If you believe in astrological ages and understand the concept of the myth, that was the predominant myth of the past age of Pisces, which itself followed the previous myths involving the sacrifice of bulls and rams and such during the ages of Taurus and Aries. To me at least, it does seem like one thing has led to another there. The sacrifices of bulls and rams led into the fisherman who takes the place of those earlier sacrifices, dying and being resurrected. Now we're in the age of Aquarius. The fisherman is no longer to be suffering and dying, but is instead standing in strength, pouring out wisdom and abundance upon the Earth. The question here, I suppose, is can we handle it?

As for the Zeitgeist movie, there are actually two so far. The first one is VERY controversial, but I found it interesting. The second one is called Zeitgeist: Addendum, and this is the one that really rocked my world. Highly recommended, but not for the faint of heart. If you watch it, prepare yourself, and get ready to practice some serious calming techniques afterward. Although it paints a dire picture, it also presents a truly amazing vision for a possible future for humanity.

- Doug

littlebird · Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Florida

Hi Doug,

Thanks! Yeah, I'm still hanging around, how could I resist when all you intriguing people are here too. The forum is so unique in that we can listen in on other peoples ideas, experiences, thoughts and feelings, as well as share our own perspectives. In a weird way, it is like telepathy. It is enjoyable and informative to me. I just have to remember to get out more in public too and keep an open mind. An acqaintance has invited me to a spiritual group that meets once a week to discuss current happenings. They will be discussing Fire the Grid next and out of body experiences. Not sure I am ready for that, I kind of like being in my own body! lol

Now, CAN WE handle the fisherman standing in strength, pouring out wisdom and abundance on the earth? CAN WE handle inheriting the earth as well? The church sign at a quaint little church around the corner today read;

God doesn't call the equipped, rather, equips the called.

Pretty neat, huh?

Lisa
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God is Love

Doug.in.PA · Joined: 22 Jul 2009 Posts: 61

Lisa,

By the way, when I say "we" here, I mean basically all of humanity. It appears that we are at a point where this will not work if only a relative handful of humans get it. So, it really doesn't look like the "many are called, few are chosen" thing is going to fly anymore. Lisa, you know I like you and I don't wish to make you feel badly... my comment on God "equipping the called" would be that he has a poor track record with that so far... I understood the tone of your post as saying that handling the outpouring and the inheriting of the earth is not up to us but up to God, though this may not really be what you're saying. Hard to tell if the emphasis is on "we?" or on the entire thing, "can we?".

I attended gatherings for both of the first two Fire the Grid events. It was pretty neat... I did feel like I was participating in a special moment. Masses of people from all over the globe gathering with like intent at that exact moment. Pretty awesome. As for out of body experiences, I must plead agnosticism on that one. Even so, I do have a theory on some of it. Not that I can really define what this means... but from what I've read of other experiences of being oob, it appears to me to be "just" an altered state of consciousness. I know - what's that? I can't say. What I mean is that I've had some very odd dream experiences, including false awakenings (dreaming that you just woke up from a dream), and people who claim to have oob experiences are at least sometimes describing what seem to me to be false awakenings. The difference I see is that a real oob experience would include experiences of objectively true and verifiable events, while a false awakening is not an experience of anything objectively true and verifiable.

- Doug

littlebird · Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Florida

Dear Doug,

The emphasis is on the CAN WE. Smile

Although I can certainly understand why you would think of me referring to the many are called, few are chosen theory. And even if this was so, it is the few that will help the many to all come together as one anyway. So that God will be all in all.

I am listening to the Zeitgeist movie as I type this. My dad is big time into conspiracy theories, so this is not new to me.

And I am not sure about the whole out of body and NDE experiences either so that's something to look forward to discussing.

You do not make me feel bad Doug. Razz

Peace,
Lisa
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God is Love

Doug.in.PA · Joined: 22 Jul 2009 Posts: 61

Lisa,

Thanks for clearing that up - I'm glad to hear it! Smile

- Doug