Cherokee Wisdom
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life:
“A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride and ego. The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, courage, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
“This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson thought about this for a moment and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf will win?”
The old man replied: “The one you feed.”
A Sherlock Holmes Joke
Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine they laid down for the night, and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend.
"Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see."
Watson replied, "I see millions and millions of stars."
"What does that tell you?"
Watson pondered for a minute.
"Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?"
Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke. "It tells me that someone has stolen our tent."
Science & Spirituality Meet
T'is the season of fellowship and goodwill. And yet, Christmas is a notoriously difficult time for many folks, for various reasons. Over the years, many of mine have been endured rather than enjoyed. The joyous carols, the beautiful lights can seem a cruel mockery when one is feeling disconnected from it all.
A few months ago, I came across a YouTube video featuring four distinguished scientists (well, three plus Bill Nye The Science Guy) marvelling at Nature and the Universe. The video is a re-mix and some viewers/listeners may be put off by the metallic-sounding voices. I hope not, though. If I'd had access to it years ago, it would have helped me with my perspective at holiday time (or any time).
As it is, I watch it every once in a while and never fail to be moved and uplifted. From Symphony of Science comes We Are All Connected. I hope you enjoy.
The cosmos is also within us. We're made of star stuff.
We are a way for the cosmos to know itself. - Carl Sagan
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year folks. Thanks for staying connected with me these last few years.
24 comments:
My husband and I had a friend over for breakfast and were talking about some issues his family was having over the holidays because of two different religious beliefs within his family...as long as religious people continue to tear us apart I can only hope the universe will keep us together long enough to reach wisdom. May you (and yours) have a joyous holiday!
Your ongoing views on perspective. :)
Some disconnects are indeed tough.
Who knew . . .
Thanks Frank :)
The parable was profound. The joke was great. And the video blew me away. Makes me want to re-read
"A Brief History of Time".
Glad I swung through here today, Frank.
I don't have the attention span to listen to the clip. Loved the story and the joke.
I'm saving that link. Thank you for it.
The Carl Sagan quote repeated throughout resonates with me. Why look for more when there is such wonderful stuff right here . . . that we will never understand.
"For if there is a sin against life, it consists perhaps not so much in despairing of life as in hoping for another life and in eluding the implacable grandeur of this life." ~Albert Camus
Thank you, Tabor. The same to you and yours. :)
Well, Hil, some say that perspective is everything. I may have muttered it once or twice myself. :)
Bruce, you're not usually so enigmatic. I am choosing to believe you enjoyed the post. Do not bother correcting me if I'm wrong. ;)
You're welcome, Althea. :)
I'm glad you did too, Ray. Thanks. :)
Two out three ain't bad, Leah. I'll take it every day of the week. ;)
It resonates with me too, June. We're surrounded by marvels. Thanks for your visit and for bringing along a fine quote. :)
Wonderful clip, Frank (and the philosophy and the joke are great, too). Thank you. And thank you for all the great posts throughout the year. A very happy Christmas to you, and Hilary, and your boys, and I look forward to more posts in 2011.
Someone has stolen our tent...that's how I feel during the Christmas Holidays.
The wisdom is sound, the joke funny (still) and the video was interesting and thought provoking.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wondrous New Year.
Thanks for another great post, Frank. Happy Holidays to you all.
A good lesson, a great joke, and an enjoyable video. Merry Christmas!
First two I've seen before - good to see them again. Loved them then, love them now.
The symphony of science is just fantastic! I love it - connected to eachother, biologically. The earth, chemically.
So true. The wonder of the world and the universe. For me, without doubt, it shows the Creator in all His glory. :)
Thank you for sharing this. Hope you have a peaceful holiday time.
Thanks Maud. I've sure appreciated your support over the years. All the best to you and yours. :)
It can be a hectic time, GQ, that's for sure.
Same back atcha, Reb. Thanks. :)
Thanks Charlie, and the same to you, Sue, and the family.
Merry Christmas to you too, Skunky.
Your reaction is more than enough thanks, Thumbelina. I'm glad you found it moving. :)
Thanks, all. :)
Nothing makes me feel better than knowing I'm connected to the Universe - And I like the idea that we're one way the cosmos gets to know itself - how exhilarating! Thanks for sharing this. Hope your holidays are happy ones :)
Wonderfully inspiring!
Thank you, Pauline. All the best to you and yours, as well. :)
I'm glad you found it so, ladyfi. That was my plan. ;)
I love this post Frank, but then you always hit the mark
I think Cherokee Wisdom is my favorite. I spent some time with Hope's other grandma, someone I have little in common with and have a bit of bad history with YET - once we connected over Hope and fed the mood with our shared love for her it was a wonderful visit
Maybe children should run the world
I've missed you. But it's not you, it's me. This year I had a love affair with Twitter. Next year I promise to return to this world. Only very little thoughts can be expressed in 140 characters. I've missed you and Hilary both and it's all my fault. I hope you have a fantastic New Year. It's coming soon.
Thanks, Dianne. You're very kind. I'm glad you found a way to enjoy the Other Granny's company. ;)
I think I can speak for Hil when I say we missed you too, Terrie. Looking forward to catching up a little more regularly soon. Happy New Year to you and your family. :)
I'm a firm believer in the Law of One which is everyone and sentient being belongs to a single consciousness within the cosmos.
I'm down with that Barbara. And I expect I'd extend the "sentient beings" thing to include plant life and possibly even rocks.
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