Have you read yogananda? There is a passage in his autobiography wherein he goads his spiritual master Yuktakswar into saying the words I love you. His master was frequently critical of him, even up to the lastt few wks of his life when yogananda returned to India one last time in 1935 & 36 .
It pained Yogananda deeply that his guru was thin on the adoration side. It seems that everyone is at this historical juncture is being hit w what pains our hearts in the deepest ways. we are being tested to work through it.
love this essay. & really i don't have much to add, except that I can perfectly relate. Thank you for voicing the consternations of the former lefty who now support Trump. Well, i can say i guess that for many yrs , although strongly Left voting , I did notice that somehow I enjoyed the company of & had much in common w Rightward leaning voters, long before covid. I didn't realize that i was a JFK liberal. & the fact that the liberal party had become rotted to the core w marijuana & religious cynicism. as a matter of fact, I was NOT one of them, at all. I knew(deep down) but didn't quite fully know i knew. After all, the Right political leadership was also deeply corrupt & there was political naivety among the religious right about Israel & a blind support of the military among many conservatives.
In my flock of friends (60-80s) there's a mixture of hopium conservatives and die-hard liberals. I find myself silenced either by discretionary discernment in the former, or the sting of words or a "fact-check false" in the latter. The latter always comes from the liberal wing of this bird. The hopium conservatives tend to be more aware of what's going on in the world or, at least, will listen to other views....as long as those don't disparage Trump.
It's very sad because we have changed and not in a good way. And I can't see past it.
hm. my overwhelming experience w Trump supporters is that they are open to the possibility that Trump is not for sure a perfect saviour, but almost all believe he is on balance being used by God to take down the cabal. or that at least he is not a satanist. Most are not a 100% sure of trump & are open to the possibility , if presented thoughtfully, that he is not perfect. & needs needs to be watched & monitered
I understand your sorrow, Naomi. It is difficult when those you love disappoint you with negative comments about your choice of spouse, behavior of your children, your decorating ideas or your political leanings, not to mention your personal characteristics or choice of clothing. Since Trump’s re-election I feel that I can now be confident that America can be the America I remember. Unfortunately, it makes me not want to be around those who berated my opinions and political leanings. I admire you for continuing to maintain the relationship in spite of the difficulties.
Dearest Naomi, so kind, respectful, and talented...wonderful heartfelt and touching post. Thank you. The family and friend divisions are experienced by us all. My four best friends of 45 yrs told me they wanted me vaxed, and to see my doctor before our gathering. They adamantly refused to read any information about COVID that didn't fit the narrative. I decided this was mistreatment toward me and that they are brainwashed. Six mos later, I approached to test the waters, no apologies, only lies as though that didnt happen. With love and disappointment in my heart, I said 'good-bye.'
As far as our elders and their superficial criticisms- which i classify as 'unkind' behavior, I often hope that I remain self aware and do not become like that.There is much love, but the criticisms are an emotional hardship.
I tend to agree that maintaining a closeness with a passionate person on the left is a sort of super power. Can it even be accomplished without the right suppressing their voice?
Again, wonderful insights. Thoughtful and considerate delivery.
I was touched by "...versus the conversations we used to have as Americans who did not always agree with each other; conversations that used to be real — if not always, then often enough; and I remembered open, heartfelt, difficult speech." It brought to mind what we, we Americans, had then. Our beings were embraced by soul-infused gratitude that "yes, we are free Americans" and therefor our disagreements are facets of that happy circumstance not erosions of that state of being. The facets were interesting to talk about, recreational in a way, so of course tell me what you think about that topic. Then I'll tell you what I think and why you might just be mistaken. When we are done we will still enjoy being free American's; even more.
I also see this passionate conviction that comes from the left. They are sure they are correct. Many of them are older and well "educated". Maybe it was covid et al that sent them over the top? Or were they set up to respond uniformly by their fancy educations? It may take years to understand it. But it does have a class ring to it. Do the well healed lack common sense? They have managed well in their comfortable lives ..so far.
If you ever come to the tricities area of northeast Tennessee, please please please let me know. As there are a number of deeper perspectives concerning women, fertility, birth control & abortions that I have become aware of. I would love to share what I understand and play a few rounds of pool with you and some others who would like a small gathering.
What I'm seeing is that the left that will not let "Conservatives talk" about political views because it may connect to the covid vax shoots. Listening to Conservatives makes one see how wrong they have been, and lied to about so many things. They took the shots, had their children take them and pushed them onto others reliantly. They do not want to face the horror of that mistake and want to keep blaming others. Evil people will get away with crimes as long as people keep silent about it. My sisters, mother, and brother all took the shots and were horrible to me for not doing so. They all have bad health issues now and still don't ask any questions of what is going on. My husband and sons ,Thank God, did not fold, because I did every thing I could for them to see the truth.
Oregon has gone full commie. Our fall isn't done yet, though; rock bottom is coming. With more than 2/3 Lefty majorities in the legislature now and yet another lesbian governor, the future is frightening, Our magnificent forests are burned, and our cities too. Every social institution is in shambles, from schools to hospitals to sidewalks filled with raving addicts.
And the people are cowed, silent and furtive, in whispered conversation with tortured looks. An undercurrent of anger runs beneath the surface like those in our gray and swollen rivers.
How sad it is that families are also torn and tattered, but that's a common result of social oppression. Fear and want bend loving good people into agents of the State, self-recruited thought police. The Left infects hearts and minds, and corrupts and degrades them.
Despite all that, some bonds prevail. The mother/daughter connection is deeper than time, more knotted than roots, more eternal than stone. No human relationship is more vital and more loving, although love is many splendored and mysterious. She loves you, you love her, that will never change or falter. It hurts, it heals, it persists. Those hugs are forever.
We all feel the power of silence. It reminds me of The Sound of Silence.
And in the naked light, I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never shared
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence
"Fools" said I, "You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you"
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence
My son can’t speak. For 21 years of his 28, he had no way to communicate. When he was able to communicate, his way of communicating and intelligence were attacked. And all he wants to do is tell the truth in love and turn people to God. The irony is that many people who can use their voice don’t say anything or truly listen, and here is my son and other nonspeakers writing about the goodness of God that no one can hear.
My son sees the power of his silence that silences him and the power of the silence where no one speaks the truth. This silence of truth is loud to him. No one dares to disturb the silence- the silence of truth. Silence of truth grows like a cancer, everyone is afraid of saying the truth and those brave enough are silenced, literally.
The roots of the silence come from a set of radical ideas that began in the early twentieth century. There were real injustices that needed addressing. But their cure for society was to cure us of morality and faith. Government provided for all needs. Sin doesn’t exist. You only have to care about yourself and you have the right to condemn others who question the good that is gone, and the destruction in good’s absence. Allegiance to the state requires all to serve and obey this autocracy and never question it. So silence screams and we can all hear what it’s saying. We need hope. We need good. We need God.
Last week a facebook group, after severe gatekeeping deleting any post about the truth of the spiritual abilities and experiences of nonspeakers, announced these comments are officially banned and members would be removed who bring them up. So a new group formed and the conversations began to flow unhindered about countless experiences of the miraculous. One woman commented, “Is it just me, or has this become your favorite group?” It is amazing how much joy there is when we can be safe and honest and loved. It’s called home.
Thank you, Naomi, for sharing your adventures, and for sharing your heart. I appreciate so much your wise discernment in sometimes challenging situations. I have come to realize in my own 60ish years on this earth that not all relationships in life are equal. There are those that require us to mind our tongue, show respect, and savor the moment. Even if it means putting our feelings, opinions or words at bay. There are times to speak our mind, and times to hold our tongue in order to honor those who deserve honoring despite their biases or cunning words. The discernment to know the difference between the two is the challenge. May we be able to speak the truth in love - always. And, to value relationships over politics or self interest.
Heartfelt ❤️
Write like this all the time.
It is the reason I became a paid subscriber. Long podcasts are a bore. Summarise them in writing ✍️.
Have you read yogananda? There is a passage in his autobiography wherein he goads his spiritual master Yuktakswar into saying the words I love you. His master was frequently critical of him, even up to the lastt few wks of his life when yogananda returned to India one last time in 1935 & 36 .
It pained Yogananda deeply that his guru was thin on the adoration side. It seems that everyone is at this historical juncture is being hit w what pains our hearts in the deepest ways. we are being tested to work through it.
dang naomi, you liked my comment before i edited it a few times lol
love this essay. & really i don't have much to add, except that I can perfectly relate. Thank you for voicing the consternations of the former lefty who now support Trump. Well, i can say i guess that for many yrs , although strongly Left voting , I did notice that somehow I enjoyed the company of & had much in common w Rightward leaning voters, long before covid. I didn't realize that i was a JFK liberal. & the fact that the liberal party had become rotted to the core w marijuana & religious cynicism. as a matter of fact, I was NOT one of them, at all. I knew(deep down) but didn't quite fully know i knew. After all, the Right political leadership was also deeply corrupt & there was political naivety among the religious right about Israel & a blind support of the military among many conservatives.
In my flock of friends (60-80s) there's a mixture of hopium conservatives and die-hard liberals. I find myself silenced either by discretionary discernment in the former, or the sting of words or a "fact-check false" in the latter. The latter always comes from the liberal wing of this bird. The hopium conservatives tend to be more aware of what's going on in the world or, at least, will listen to other views....as long as those don't disparage Trump.
It's very sad because we have changed and not in a good way. And I can't see past it.
hm. my overwhelming experience w Trump supporters is that they are open to the possibility that Trump is not for sure a perfect saviour, but almost all believe he is on balance being used by God to take down the cabal. or that at least he is not a satanist. Most are not a 100% sure of trump & are open to the possibility , if presented thoughtfully, that he is not perfect. & needs needs to be watched & monitered
I understand your sorrow, Naomi. It is difficult when those you love disappoint you with negative comments about your choice of spouse, behavior of your children, your decorating ideas or your political leanings, not to mention your personal characteristics or choice of clothing. Since Trump’s re-election I feel that I can now be confident that America can be the America I remember. Unfortunately, it makes me not want to be around those who berated my opinions and political leanings. I admire you for continuing to maintain the relationship in spite of the difficulties.
Dearest Naomi, so kind, respectful, and talented...wonderful heartfelt and touching post. Thank you. The family and friend divisions are experienced by us all. My four best friends of 45 yrs told me they wanted me vaxed, and to see my doctor before our gathering. They adamantly refused to read any information about COVID that didn't fit the narrative. I decided this was mistreatment toward me and that they are brainwashed. Six mos later, I approached to test the waters, no apologies, only lies as though that didnt happen. With love and disappointment in my heart, I said 'good-bye.'
As far as our elders and their superficial criticisms- which i classify as 'unkind' behavior, I often hope that I remain self aware and do not become like that.There is much love, but the criticisms are an emotional hardship.
I tend to agree that maintaining a closeness with a passionate person on the left is a sort of super power. Can it even be accomplished without the right suppressing their voice?
Again, wonderful insights. Thoughtful and considerate delivery.
I was touched by "...versus the conversations we used to have as Americans who did not always agree with each other; conversations that used to be real — if not always, then often enough; and I remembered open, heartfelt, difficult speech." It brought to mind what we, we Americans, had then. Our beings were embraced by soul-infused gratitude that "yes, we are free Americans" and therefor our disagreements are facets of that happy circumstance not erosions of that state of being. The facets were interesting to talk about, recreational in a way, so of course tell me what you think about that topic. Then I'll tell you what I think and why you might just be mistaken. When we are done we will still enjoy being free American's; even more.
"My remarks fell like rain on ground so dry that nothing can grow."
A great line about a big problem. Well said, and a well written article.
Happy Hanukkah, Dr. Wolf.
I also see this passionate conviction that comes from the left. They are sure they are correct. Many of them are older and well "educated". Maybe it was covid et al that sent them over the top? Or were they set up to respond uniformly by their fancy educations? It may take years to understand it. But it does have a class ring to it. Do the well healed lack common sense? They have managed well in their comfortable lives ..so far.
Well heeled.. is what I meant
If you ever come to the tricities area of northeast Tennessee, please please please let me know. As there are a number of deeper perspectives concerning women, fertility, birth control & abortions that I have become aware of. I would love to share what I understand and play a few rounds of pool with you and some others who would like a small gathering.
What I'm seeing is that the left that will not let "Conservatives talk" about political views because it may connect to the covid vax shoots. Listening to Conservatives makes one see how wrong they have been, and lied to about so many things. They took the shots, had their children take them and pushed them onto others reliantly. They do not want to face the horror of that mistake and want to keep blaming others. Evil people will get away with crimes as long as people keep silent about it. My sisters, mother, and brother all took the shots and were horrible to me for not doing so. They all have bad health issues now and still don't ask any questions of what is going on. My husband and sons ,Thank God, did not fold, because I did every thing I could for them to see the truth.
Like the partner who can't see the alcoholic . Denial is there for a reason. To prevent the pain, anger, humiliation.
Oregon has gone full commie. Our fall isn't done yet, though; rock bottom is coming. With more than 2/3 Lefty majorities in the legislature now and yet another lesbian governor, the future is frightening, Our magnificent forests are burned, and our cities too. Every social institution is in shambles, from schools to hospitals to sidewalks filled with raving addicts.
And the people are cowed, silent and furtive, in whispered conversation with tortured looks. An undercurrent of anger runs beneath the surface like those in our gray and swollen rivers.
How sad it is that families are also torn and tattered, but that's a common result of social oppression. Fear and want bend loving good people into agents of the State, self-recruited thought police. The Left infects hearts and minds, and corrupts and degrades them.
Despite all that, some bonds prevail. The mother/daughter connection is deeper than time, more knotted than roots, more eternal than stone. No human relationship is more vital and more loving, although love is many splendored and mysterious. She loves you, you love her, that will never change or falter. It hurts, it heals, it persists. Those hugs are forever.
We all feel the power of silence. It reminds me of The Sound of Silence.
And in the naked light, I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never shared
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence
"Fools" said I, "You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you"
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence
My son can’t speak. For 21 years of his 28, he had no way to communicate. When he was able to communicate, his way of communicating and intelligence were attacked. And all he wants to do is tell the truth in love and turn people to God. The irony is that many people who can use their voice don’t say anything or truly listen, and here is my son and other nonspeakers writing about the goodness of God that no one can hear.
My son sees the power of his silence that silences him and the power of the silence where no one speaks the truth. This silence of truth is loud to him. No one dares to disturb the silence- the silence of truth. Silence of truth grows like a cancer, everyone is afraid of saying the truth and those brave enough are silenced, literally.
The roots of the silence come from a set of radical ideas that began in the early twentieth century. There were real injustices that needed addressing. But their cure for society was to cure us of morality and faith. Government provided for all needs. Sin doesn’t exist. You only have to care about yourself and you have the right to condemn others who question the good that is gone, and the destruction in good’s absence. Allegiance to the state requires all to serve and obey this autocracy and never question it. So silence screams and we can all hear what it’s saying. We need hope. We need good. We need God.
Last week a facebook group, after severe gatekeeping deleting any post about the truth of the spiritual abilities and experiences of nonspeakers, announced these comments are officially banned and members would be removed who bring them up. So a new group formed and the conversations began to flow unhindered about countless experiences of the miraculous. One woman commented, “Is it just me, or has this become your favorite group?” It is amazing how much joy there is when we can be safe and honest and loved. It’s called home.
Thank you, Naomi, for sharing your adventures, and for sharing your heart. I appreciate so much your wise discernment in sometimes challenging situations. I have come to realize in my own 60ish years on this earth that not all relationships in life are equal. There are those that require us to mind our tongue, show respect, and savor the moment. Even if it means putting our feelings, opinions or words at bay. There are times to speak our mind, and times to hold our tongue in order to honor those who deserve honoring despite their biases or cunning words. The discernment to know the difference between the two is the challenge. May we be able to speak the truth in love - always. And, to value relationships over politics or self interest.