Sister Mother gave me "More One Minute Nonsense" by Anthony de Mello for my birthday one year. It's kind of a hodge-podge of religion/philosophy by a priest (now deceased) who was living in India. Some of it is a little new-agey for my tastes, but some of it is pretty good. Here's an excerpt from that book:
"What depresses me is that utter ordinariness of my existence. I haven't done a single important thing in my life that the world would care to notice."
"You are wrong to think that the attention of the world is what gives importance to an action," said the Master.
A lengthy pause ensued.
"Well, I haven't done a single thing to influence anyone for good or ill."
"You are wrong to think that influencing others is what gives importance to an action," said the Master.
"Well, then, what is it that gives importance to an action?"
"Doing it for is own sake with the whole of one's being. Then it becomes a non-profit, God-like activity."
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I'm not much of a Country-music fan, but I do like Alan Jackson's "Little Bitty". I think Anthony de Mello might've liked it, too.
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11 comments:
never been a big fan of that song ... to me it says, "don't aspire, just have babies and go to your dead-end job and then die" ... kind of sad, and enabling for those who don't try.
lyrics ... "You know you got a job and a little bitty check
Six pack of beer and television set
Little bitty world goes around and around
Little bit of silence and a little bit of sound"
I've looked at it that way, too, but I don't anymore. I used to think I was going to be a U.S. Senator. It's occurred to me that this will probably not happen. I'm never going to make 100 million bucks, either. I used to think old NFL coaches Bud Grant and Dan Reaves were not successful because their teams never won Superbowls. But neither have most coaches; most have never even taken teams to the Superbowl. One-term presidents Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush: winners or losers? Heck, even two-term President Bill is still scratching around trying to stay relevant. I'd be playing golf or sumpin'. I wanna tell these guys, "chill, dudes. You've done alright". I used to think failure to have an important job title with lots of money within a certain amount of time meant failure generally. Now? Nah. To me, the song doesn't "don't try", but, rather; where ever you are is okay.
Let me know when you guys figure out the meaning of life...
My greatest accomplishment is my son. I skipped college to get married and raise him. I could have gone back later but I would have taken time out of his life to do it and I refused to do that. I may not have a college degree or an important job title, but I have a wonderful, intelligent, funny, talented, opened minded, easy spirited son that one day with his musical talent, may show up on Dave's blog.
What is the meaning of life, Star? AndyMan, me, and the mice already know that the answer to the question is 42.
Sounds like Tam already has it figured out, too. I'll look forward to an advance copy of your boy's first CD, Tam.
I feel like Miss Piggy in The Muppet Movie..."I don't understand any of this."
;-)
Kate, you must be thinking too hard. Relax and feel the Tao.
Dave, a SIGNED advanced copy. He already has written many things.
Kate: we are just looking for our purpose in life? meaning of life? That sort of thing. I don't know what mine is/was but I know it has to be my son.
Four years ago this December, we almost lost him. He was at church, attending youth group with his cousin..They were skateboarding outside afterward and some kid came up and attacked him. Tried to steal his skateboard and punched him in the head 4 times. Fractured his skull and caused a huge subdural hematoma. He almost died. Had brain surgery to save his life.
Almost losing your only child changed our life. Makes us look at things differently.
My son was put on this earth for a reason. And his life was spared for a reason. He has a wonderful ear for music and writes his own. He attends the University of Tampa. He will major in Music Therapy.
Maybe I may be am living vicariously through my son...who knows.......but just having him here with us is one of the best reasons I can think of to get up in the morning. I know how much your boys mean to you just by the way you talk about them. Cherish every moment Kate. You too Dave.
It's a deal, Tam.
I shall finish the game.
Whatever it is you are doing, doing your best at it, don't worry about anything else.
For it's own sake (which is also the spelling for that Jap. hot wine, for it's own Sake!)
I've always liked your "I shall finish the game" story (stories). Sounds sound to me.
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