25 Things About Me

At first I was skeptical about doing the 25 things about me exercise. I couldnt believe that it would be of interest to anyone. When I started, I found it quite therapeutic to reflect on my life. It turned out to be a great experience. I recommend it. Anyway, here goes-


25 Things About Me

1. I had a baby sister named Heather who died at 4 days old. I never met her, but still feel that she is part of my life.
2. My first friends in primary (elementary) school were the future criminals of inner Sydney. My best friend broke into classrooms on weekends to vandalize and start fires.
3. I won a Storm Boy look-a-like competition when I was 8. Now I constantly get told I look like Dennis Quaid.
4. I went to the most elite school in Sydney….and flunked miserably. Repeated my HSC (SATs) at a community college and never looked back
5. I began reading the paper (sports only) on the throne when I was 10. Never missed a day since, except now its Oprah.
6. I sang the “Messiah” in the Sydney Opera House. Great experience, luckily my sound was overshadowed by the massive size of the choir.
7. I played Rugby on the Sydney Cricket Ground- a “curtain raiser” for an international match. Played the whole second half with concussion. Ah, good memories (well hazy memories)!
8. One of my teenage hobbies was second hand record collecting. I was the only kid I knew who liked (or had even heard of) “Deck Chairs Overboard” “Pel Mel” and “Bow Wow Wow”.
9. The first album I bought was “Scorcher”- the songs were listed in a bare woman’s belly. Included Brian Ferry and Bee Gees.
10. I went through a Ska stage in my late teens, thought “fatty buster blood vessel” was pretty cool. It lasted a few months, but I never wore boots and braces. It was just about the music.
11. When Henry Blake died on MASH, I cried inconsolably for an hour.
12. My first job was selling cigarettes. Despite never being a smoker, I know my Gauloise from a Gudan Garam
13. I once tried to evangelize a stranger in a park. Turned out he was a theology professor toying with me. Never acted so arrogantly again. ( I hope)
14. I’m a sucker for an emotional altar call. Got converted every time Billy Graham came to Sydney. Thankfully, it didn’t take.
15. I was too shy to make a move on a girl til I was 17, despite having 3 older sisters.
16. Meg stood me up on our first date. I’m still trying to recover.
17. I was present when a crazed protestor tried to kill Prince Charles....with a starter pistol.
18. One of my favorite things about being in Auckland was my little Vespa. I was described in a local paper as “quicker Vicar”, which is ironic considering that the Vespa went the same speed as a ride-on mower. I once wore church robes on the Vespa, only way I could get them to a wedding without major creasing.
19. I lived next door to The Thomson Twins in Auckland
20. I can be obsessive about things, and like my routines
21. I’m hopelessly optimistic.
22. I like my alone time.
23. I wear American flag boxers to bed, partly cause they're comfy, partly because the irony makes me smile.
24. I’m a passionate believer in people and life. I believe that all I need for a full and extraordinary life resides within me. I’m suspicious of any system (religious or otherwise) that claims that something from outside of me can bring me meaning, satisfaction or salvation.
26. I hate being given arbitrary limitations.

Unity in Diversity

“Multiplicity without unity is chaos; unity without multiplicity is tyranny.” Blaise Pascal

Everybody loves unity. How could you not? But what do we mean by unity, and do we seek unity at any cost? Unity can sometimes be a justification for uniformity. That is a dull form of unity that sucks the humanity and creative freedom out of life.

Unity can sometimes be a justification for conflict avoidance. I sometimes felt in the Anglican Church that unity was code for “lets not rock the boat.” As Bishop Spong says, “the church may die from boredom, but it won’t die from controversy.” Unity that compromises principles and core values is unity that will eventually destroy vision.

The third danger with unity is fragmentation. If unity is legislated, it can fragment groups who are unable to toe the line. Even “minorities of one” can be marginalized by this form of unity. Unity needs to hold in balance personal freedom and social order.

Unity in diversity is the healthiest form of unity. It looks something like this.
Unity in diversity- Unity without uniformity
Unity with truth- Unity without defensiveness
Unity with dialogue- Unity without fragmentation

In my sermon on unity, I attempted to outline the case for unity in diversity. Unity begins with a healthy sense of self, and proceeds to a sense of self in comm-unity with all that is. I used the example of Gandhi as the greatest example of unity in diversity. Last week’s Inauguration was a beautiful symbol of unity in diversity, and a call to the work of unity that all of us need to take responsibility for.

I didn’t include this quote in the sermon, but find it quite a beautiful expression of unity in diversity-
“…the individual effort to compose a life, framed by birth and death and carefully pieced together from disparate elements, becomes a statement on the unity of living. These works of art, still incomplete, are parables in process, the living metaphors with which we describe the world.” Composing a Life, by Mary Catherine Bateson

Viva La Dream

Somebody pinch me. I can’t be awake? Come to think of it, if the last 24 hours was a dream, please don’t wake me up, because I have died and gone to a better place. In this crazy dream, an African American just became President of the United States. An openly gay Bishop gave a prayer, a woman gave the Inaugural Sermon, Rick Warren invoked the name of a Muslim prophet, and non-believers were listed alongside Christians, Jews, Muslims and Hindus, as worthy and valued citizens.

Crazy as it sounds, while all this happened, millions of people cheered and wept for joy. I searched high and low in the dream for a naysayer, and came up blank. The closest I found to a criticism is that someone should have given the Obamas a dance lesson or two, and that someone might have trimmed Reverend Lowery’s eyebrows. But you know dreams. Everything is exaggerated.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, where all things are hopeful and new, where wolves lay peacefully with lambs and people work together for the good of the whole. I saw children from different races and backgrounds playing together, surrounded by adults who seek neither harm nor destruction but peace and unity.

Muslims were mentioned for the first time in an Inaugural Speech, and the word terrorism was not heard. It was a massive reversal. In this new earth, value was measured by what is built rather than what is destroyed. The silencing of dissent was listed as a deadly sin alongside corruption and deceit, and the punishment for sins was a matter of natural cause and effect rather than retribution.

In this new earth, entrenched and outmoded ideological divisions were left behind. Government was not measured by its size, but its effectiveness. The market was not a force to be supported or condemned, but used wisely and with oversight. Americans were called to recognize their relationship with all the earth, called to be worthy world leaders.

In this new earth, science was restored to its rightful place, without defense or anxiety. Technology that can save and improve life was no longer feared, but supported. The American dream within my dream was revived, a dream begun with the founding fathers for a free and open American melting pot. Diversity was considered a strength, rather than a weakness. It was fantastic. I could feel a broad smile creasing the pillow of my subconscious mind. Could this really be happening?

Well, I just pinched myself, and this is no dream. The last 24 hours will be forever remembered as a mighty symbol of unity and new hope the way the Bible uses apocalyptic imagery to describe a better time that is only a quantum leap in perspective away.

It was real, and the challenges are also real. Racism has not yet been overcome. Reverend Lowery’s thick brows no doubt serve to shade his eyes from the many atrocities he has seen and experienced in his long and courageous life. Homophobia and fear of difference is still a reality. Bishop Robinson carries the scars of hatred like a spear shaped mitre.

Much work has still to be done to bring the dream into reality. We will each find our place in that effort. When we are discouraged, or feel that we have slipped or lost ground, the symbol that was the Inauguration of President Obama will feed our collective imagination and drive us on. Our work is in the words of Reverend Lowery to seek “that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right.”

In the words of the French Mayor I saw on CNN this morning, “Viva La Barack Obama.”
Viva la dream. Viva la hope. Viva la unity.

All those who do justice and love mercy say “Amen.”

Obama and Effortless Effort

What a momentous day. It’s the inauguration of President Obama. I can’t even comprehend the pressure and expectation that is piled on the man from all around the world. He seems to handle it all so effortlessly. I’m enormously grateful for him, for his family and I’m grateful for the incredible groundswell of new energy that is sweeping our weary world.

Obama seems to have mastered the art of wu wei, effortless effort, playful action. Its something I aspire to practice more often in my life. Action that is effective and makes a difference, but action that also increases the peace rather than adding to the drama. Imagine the state of our world if all the Obama energy could be chanelled into playful action.

Carlos Castaneda described effortless effort well- ”If a warrior is to succeed at anything, the success must come gently, with a great deal of effort but with no stress or obsession.” (the link takes you to my friend Brian's great site Philosophers Notes, where he has all sorts of inspirational quotes from Castaneda and many others- worth a look)

While I was thinking about effortless effort, I kept coming back to the Bible’s creation story. There’s something playful about the whole story that captures my imagination. The Creator warrior of Genesis seemed to have effortless effort down pat. Psalm 104 got it in one sentence, describing the Creator “stretching out the heavens like a tent.” You have to have a sense of fun to parallel the creation of the universe with pitching a tent. All I can say is that we’re all very lucky that I wasn’t the creator. If you could only have seen some of the tents I’ve pitched in my time. The universe would be collapsing back in on all of us in the middle of a rainy night.

Ricky Gervais is one of my favorite comedians. He gives a beautiful account of the Genesis creation story as effortless effort. Excuse the language, be prepared to weep with laughter and if you’re short for time, just watch the first few minutes



God created the heaven and earth in the dark, then created light….he said “that’s everything, lets have a look, brilliant.” I love it.

My sermon this past Sunday was on action as a universal spiritual value. It seems that most of the world religions try to hold a balance between thought and action, faith and works. Maybe the only way to hold the balance is through effortless action. I spoke about a dream I had where I met Obama and we shared a light, effortless, moment.

Read the sermon if you want to find out about the dream, as well as some thoughts on effortless effort, and the amazing “Sully” Sullenberger who brought down a plane last week on the Hudson with some of his own effortless action.

I want to live my life with that impact- great effort, but minimal stress and attachment.

Simplifying My Inner World

"There are only two ways to live your life: one is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as if everything is. I believe in the latter." Albert Einstein

It was such an ordinary situation. But ordinary is often where the gold is found. I was driving to my daughter’s ballet recital, due to begin at 5. It was 4.55 and I was just around the corner. I was on time. Can you believe that I actually considered stopping at the store to pick up some lemons? For a moment I thought I could do that and still be on time. I had a momentary debate between the part of me that likes to complicate life, and the part of me that said “my purpose here is to watch my daughter dance. Just do that.” The second voice won out. When I got to the store after the recital, I was told that someone had not ten minutes earlier bought all the lemons. Poetic justice? Not really. My need for lemons was neither poetic nor a matter of national security.

Here’s the important part of the story. The recital! It was AMAZING. My 6 year old did her thing. She was so beautiful and poised, and loved performing her moves. I was completely transfixed by her. The recital lasted all of about 3 minutes, the culmination of several months’ preparation. For those 3 minutes, I had this incredible sensation that this was the most significant moment of my life. I knew that I would achieve nothing more lasting in my whole life than soaking up the presence of that moment. It was all of everything, full of grace and beauty.

Something peculiar has washed over me since arriving back from Australia. Everything feels less complicated. The calm of being on vacation has stayed with me. Two physical effects have pleased me. 1. I have never recovered from jetlag more quickly. 2. I lost weight on vacation, while eating whatever I wanted to eat. I almost always put on weight on vacation.

I don’t know this for sure, but I can’t help wondering if my body is maintaining healthier levels of cortisol than it has in the past. There is one other physical effect that I hesitate to mention, lest I speak too soon. All my life, I’ve wanted a six pack. I’ve never even come close. Suddenly, I see two little dimples (just below my man boobs). It’s the beginnings of a two pack, and fills me with great pride and joy. Just today I heard someone say that high cortisol levels can lead to an oversized awning over a man’s toy store; an ample liquid grain storage facility.

Anyway, the bottom line is that I feel better than I have in a long time. Meditation no doubt helps. Diet is crucial. Exercise helps. Perspective is essential. But most importantly, dwelling in gratitude for the incredible joys and privileges that fill my life, becomes a beautiful cycle. Calm leads to more calm. Cortisol balance leads to greater life balance that balances cortisol levels and so it goes.

It’s all there in front of me, and it’s not complicated. I could wish for nothing more than to dwell in many daily moments with the contentment I had while watching my sweetie dance. My family is the greatest cause for gratitude in my life. Every one of my family members mirrors something essential and beautiful, spiritual beacons in my life. We don’t get it all right. But we do our best.

I’m so pleased to be able to introduce our new family blog. It’s called “At Home With Spirit”. Meg and I want to share some of our attempts to raise our kids to appreciate the beauty and power that surround them, as well as sharing their ability to frustrate and inspire us, all within 5 minutes. Meg has written the first post, and it’s typical of her; fun, spirited, profound, wise and beautiful. Check it out.

http://homewithspirit.blogspot.com/

"Miracles happen every day. Not just in remote country villages or at holy sites halfway across the globe, but here, in our own lives. They bubble up from their hidden source, surround us with opportunities, and disappear. They are the shooting stars of everyday life. When we see shooting stars, their rarity makes them seem magical, but in fact, they streak across the sky all the time. We just don't notice them during the day, dazzled as we are by sunlight, and at night they emerge only if we happen to look up at the right place in a clear, dark sky. Although we think of them as extraordinary, miracles also streak across our consciousness every day. We can choose to notice or ignore them, unaware that our destinies may hang in the balance. Tune into the presence of miracles, and in an instant, life can be transformed into a dazzling experience, more wondrous and exciting than we could even imagine. Ignore it, and an opportunity is gone forever." Deepak Chopra

Thoughts about Faith in a Rabbit Hole

Im very grateful to Sharon Salzberg, Joseph Campbell and Alice in Wonderland for helping to clarify some thoughts about faith. Alice taught me that asking questions that don't need answers creates a new perspective. She took Joseph Campbell's advice and jumped, only to discover that her own curiosity provided a parachute like cushion. Sharon Salzberg put flesh on an idea that makes all the sense in the world. Faith comes in several different varieties; bright faith, verified faith and abiding (or unshakeable) faith.

Bright faith beams at the possibilities of life. It is pure optimism. Many children have bright faith. It is beyond their comprehension that life will not bend to their will. We get jaded and lose it at some point. Bright faith is appropriate for children. For adults, bright faith can come close to blind faith. Mature faith is never blind. The problem with blind faith is that even though faith can move mountains, you need to see which mountain needs to be moved.

Verified faith includes a memory of past survival and achievement. It is learned wisdom. Verified faith works closely with doubt. Doubt is not the opposite of faith. They are two sides of one coin. Doubt sharpens faith, and faith affirms doubt.

The Buddha told a story that showed the movement from bright faith to verified faith. He compared faith to a blind giant who meets up with a very sharp-eyed cripple, called wisdom. The blind giant, called faith, says to the sharp-eyed cripple, "I am very strong, but I can't see; you are very weak, but you have sharp eyes. Come and ride on my shoulders. Together we will go far."

Abiding faith is unwavering in the face of change. Abiding faith doesn’t expect life to remain stagnant. It is in tune with a purpose that doesn’t depend on circumstances. It is one with the flow of life. It manifests in whatever way is effective in the changing circumstance.

Read the whole sermon, and let me know your own story of unshakeable faith.

http://www.christ-community.net/sermons/sermon01_11_09.htm

The Wheels of Faith Go Round and Round

This time two days ago I was basking in the glow of a Sydney summer sun. It was awesome. I felt so empowered; ready to take on any challenge but not in need of a challenge. It’s amazing how much I miss the sun in the Michigan winter. The sun doesn’t announce itself, or claim any name or identity. It has nothing to prove. It just is, in its silent glory. And yet it achieves so much.

That’s how I want to live my life. I am determined to overcome jetlag quickly. I am determined to begin 2009 with the same grounded optimism I felt on the beach in Sydney. I am determined to carry the sun with me as I venture into another 3 months of veil’d sunlight. I want to make a difference in the world, by being a grounded presence, and without building an identity around making a difference in the world.

I had no intention of writing today. With a million emails to answer, mail to open, people to attend to and a sermon to write before Sunday, it’s hard to justify the time spent writing. But I wanted to write something that helped to clarify my thoughts leading into Sunday; thoughts about faith.

Some of the emails I arrived back to were from my spiritual atheist friends, who were sharing thoughts about the atheist bus movement in the UK. Atheist buses? Well, I have at times waited for buses long enough to doubt their existence. I have traveled on buses so tight with sweaty bodies that it felt like I had died and gone to hell. But, what is an atheist bus? A group of atheists in the UK raised enough funds to run ads on 800 buses that counter evangelical ads preaching eternal hell and damnation. I like it.

Their message? “There’s Probably No God: Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” I like the word “probably”. Atheists have no more right to claim absolute certainty than theists. It’s a matter of probability and necessity. Odds are stacked against the existence of a theistic God. Faith in this God is unreasonable, and becoming less reasonable by the day. More importantly, the supernatural God is no longer necessary. All the comfort, challenge, inspiration, empowerment, peace, awe and wonder that we all long for can be experienced from within nature and in the present moment.

The church has traditionally used the supernatural God to elicit fear and guilt from its members. As the church bulletin board proudly proclaims- ”Don’t let worry kill you. Let the church help.” There is probably no God out there, waiting to pounce on your mistakes with metaphysical judgment. There is probably no afterlife in which your life deeds will be rewarded or punished in kind.

I agree with Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins, the conductor and driver of the new atheist movement. This is probably the end of faith that is the suspension of human reason in deference to outmoded and improbable religious beliefs. This is probably the end of faith that claims religious superiority over the rest of the planet. This is probably the end of faith that thinly veils political agendas and empires. This is probably the end of faith that reads the Bible as literal and moral edicts. But it need not be the end of faith.

On Sunday, I want to state a case for the emergence of a new kind of faith that is both rational and mysteriously impassioned. No religion has a monopoly on this faith. Religion can do no more than inspire and resource an experience of faith. Faith is universal. It is the quality of pausing in astonishment at the size and scope of life, offering your humanity for the good of all, and shining like the sun with no need for recognition.

As Joseph Campbell said- “As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm. Jump. It’s not as wide as you think.”

Stay tuned. I will let you know how successful I am at both conquering jet lag and defining a new faith. Feel free to write and describe what faith means to you. It will help in my preparation for Sunday. I’m very grateful to be on this liberating and open ended journey with all of you; atheists, spiritual atheists, religious folk, spiritual but not religious folk alike. We all journey together and learn as we go.