<< However, there comes a time in each person's life (hopefully) when
they discover that the past cannot be allowed to color the present and
future any longer >>
Yes, indeed,christians call it being reborn, i'm sure other cultures and
religions have their own term for this, it is the central theme behind Mehere
Babbas-be here now ideaology--i personally see this as one reason the
gatherings continue to continue--providing an actual physical place and
mental arena for many folks to find refuge from the past, a different type of
present and hope for the future
<<This is the point in life where one realizes that they are responsible for
their own
happiness and that it is their responsibility to take action, to change
and to grow. It's time for all of us (me included!) to grow up, stop blaming
others for our pain and unhappiness,and to make our lives more like what we
want them to be.>>
to me, this is why it is important to continue to emphasize--"that we gather
as individuals to worship in the catherdal of nature"--to make each person
realize that their individual action reflects on the whole-- and that the
whole is willing to deal with their individual unhappiness thru heart song
councils, thru individual careing and concern and sometimes by offering what
is generally known as "tough love"--the methods vary but the theme is the
same--you are you, yet part of a family that expects you to be respectful
toward others and to share in the joy of being alive
<<It's GOOD to have someone who listens intently to all you have to say,
accepts you as you are (warts and all), reflects what you say from a new and
different perspective so you see more clearly what you think and who you are,
and gives you
unconditional love as a human being.>>
Hopefully, at gatherings, with a more relaxed pace of life than babylon
offers, each individual can find that unique time and place where others do
listen and reflect and respond from their own experiences--imparting
knowledge gained, like passing the baton in the relay race of life--not
judgementally but rather couched in the spirit of love we all
seek------------------------------s