Everything is beautiful in its own way. I remember someone spouting this bit of 70s Pop Psychology bushwa at a restaurant sometime in the 70s, appropriately enough.( The age of I'm-OK- You're OK and Disco music!)Baur's Opera House was the name of the place, as I remember. My Dad was there, and was quick to retort: No, man- everything isn't beautiful! Some things stink like shit!
Indeed. I think I'd at least modify that one, maybe instead to read: everything is beautiful- or hideous- in its own way. There. That seems to work a little better.
Some musicians become philosophers as they age, or at least have a philosophy of some kind to espouse. I enjoy sharing thoughts and notions, but never felt like I had any kind of message to give to my listeners as far as how they should live their lives. Not that there's anything wrong with that- well, as long as the message is good. But I've got my hands full just trying to take care of my own flawed existence.
Well okay. There are a few things I could say. I would encourage people to be nicer to one another, for one thing. To consider the other person's feelings and viewpoint, no matter how contrary to one's own. That Golden Rule shit actually works, and would improve things immeasurably just by itself.
I'm not a religious person by any means, but I do believe that life continues beyond the point of physical death. What happens after that, I have no idea. I just know that it ain't over.
As regards this subject, I'm careful not to discuss it with most folks. people seem to either dismiss it as so much hogwash, or they have a story or two of their own. I'm in this latter category.
Most of the world's religions seem to be steeped in fear. Obey or perish. All man-made. They've taken the fundamentally ungraspable reality of God and not only personalized- as the Cosmic Male Parent- but anthropomorphized it into a bigger asshole than they could ever hope to be.
All projections. But it helps keep the masses in line and also gives them something to look forward to. This must've been especially helpful in the Middle Ages, where you were pretty much stuck in the station to which you were born. A Heaven to follow such a life was indeed something to keep you going, as anticipations go.
The controversial Theologian Shelby Spong, whose writings I've enjoyed, said that he believed in an Afterlife, but that it wouldn't be based on punishment or reward. It's gonna be what it's gonna be, but that sounds like what it will be. I would surmise, however, that in reviewing the life you just led, you get a taste of your own medicine as far as how you treated other people. That Golden Rule shit again…
So I try to treat other people as I'd have them treat me. Not out of fear of punishment, just because it's the best way to be for all involved. Any such positivity isn't wasted. Especially when the country seems to be going to hell in a handbasket!
That's my Monday Sermon I guess. I'm just trying to hang in there myself. Thanks as ever for stopping in and reading. Much love to you. More later.