This month's (November) subject is Redemption. But before I get into the qualities of the word and its impact on our souls and lives, I'd like to post a short commercial.
To the right of this column there are opportunities to "Subscribe Now" (above) or to "Join this Site" (below). If you find yourself reading these monthly posts, have comments to contribute, or suggestions for future topics, I encourage you to either subscribe, join, or do both. Many thanks, The Kohelet.
A strong image that comes to my mind when when I hear this word is Bob Marley's Redemption Song. It is powerful and speaks for itself. What I can say about it is that I am forever indebted to Bob Marley for bringing this song into the world and with one voice, speaking for so many - he was a true Genius.
Then we have the word redeem. Lexicons like to (and properly do) translate the Hebrew as "to forgive" or "to save". I however like the definition of, "to liberate". Redemption, to me, is a free-ing of something. I've been talking a lot about water, usually in the cleansing way. Perhaps redemption is an attribute of water and what exists in the heart - whether it is about forgiveness or second chances, liberation can be furthered by the consumption, showering, or immersion in and of water.
Liberation, redemption and water also are aspects of life; even lives-to-come. Floating in water for nine months is an environmental state of purity, freedom, and liberation in itself. Perhaps water is so important throughout our lives because that state remains with us, constantly calling us back to beginnings, however we can make it happen. To make something of our lives while retaining core states is a balancing talent that makes for valuable living. And for attracting and keeping good friends, too.
These are the people we want to have around us - those who feel the breath of liberation, who have traveled the roads seeking redemption, and who, through self-reflection can see in others opportunities to reach out and care for the release of slavery however and whenever that bondage is recognized.
As Marley says, "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, None but ourselves can free our minds". We still are open to teachings, to being shown ways, paths of righteousness and paths of destruction in order to define, as the lexicons detail, what exactly these words mean to us individually.
These are changing times, Dear Friends. Old terms release new meanings. The new meanings shed light on once distant horizons, life simply is not quite the same as is was before, or even before that. Life is "closer". Redemption can see one through and water as a tool can assist in that process. Release your body from starvation and dehydration and embrace the courage to free your own mind in the light of new attitudes which face us each day.
Where is the nourishment, the cleansing, and the redemption? It exists in the love of life, the joy of living, and the healing bliss of laughter!
Simple as they seem, such actions and emotions part the veils of confusion and insecurity. They strengthen beyond measure the ability to be at peace with oneself and the world. Such is redemption, such is joy.
May each of you recognize your own true strengths and convictions this month. More importantly may you know why you think or act in such ways. In the spirit joy and giving of your redemptive talents to the world, may you have the courage to stand by your actions, and like water, nourish and cleanse all around you.
Namaste,
The Kohelet
December 2011
This year I wrote a lot about water, laughter, love, and release. These are powerful tools, ones which can strengthen and encourage each and every one of us without much outward change in daily schedules, wardrobes, or shopping lists. I leave you in 2011 with the word selected for the cover of my brochure, "reVolution". The graphic on the brochure shows the "r" in reverse. The first five letters then read "loVer". May we first of all be true lovers to ourselves, in order that we are then able to love others fully. The word, "reVolution" implies movement, more specifically, circular movement, and one might even argue more convincingly, spiral movement. This is important as we leave 2011 and enter 2012. Movement, momentum, revolution, and being lovers are all ways of maintaining and recognizing kindred spirits amongst us.
May peace flow through you like water from a clear mountain stream. May you laugh as the Earth bubbles forth deep wellsprings, may you love like the ocean, and may you release like the tides.
Blessings,
The Kohelet
To the right of this column there are opportunities to "Subscribe Now" (above) or to "Join this Site" (below). If you find yourself reading these monthly posts, have comments to contribute, or suggestions for future topics, I encourage you to either subscribe, join, or do both. Many thanks, The Kohelet.
A strong image that comes to my mind when when I hear this word is Bob Marley's Redemption Song. It is powerful and speaks for itself. What I can say about it is that I am forever indebted to Bob Marley for bringing this song into the world and with one voice, speaking for so many - he was a true Genius.
Then we have the word redeem. Lexicons like to (and properly do) translate the Hebrew as "to forgive" or "to save". I however like the definition of, "to liberate". Redemption, to me, is a free-ing of something. I've been talking a lot about water, usually in the cleansing way. Perhaps redemption is an attribute of water and what exists in the heart - whether it is about forgiveness or second chances, liberation can be furthered by the consumption, showering, or immersion in and of water.
Liberation, redemption and water also are aspects of life; even lives-to-come. Floating in water for nine months is an environmental state of purity, freedom, and liberation in itself. Perhaps water is so important throughout our lives because that state remains with us, constantly calling us back to beginnings, however we can make it happen. To make something of our lives while retaining core states is a balancing talent that makes for valuable living. And for attracting and keeping good friends, too.
These are the people we want to have around us - those who feel the breath of liberation, who have traveled the roads seeking redemption, and who, through self-reflection can see in others opportunities to reach out and care for the release of slavery however and whenever that bondage is recognized.
As Marley says, "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, None but ourselves can free our minds". We still are open to teachings, to being shown ways, paths of righteousness and paths of destruction in order to define, as the lexicons detail, what exactly these words mean to us individually.
These are changing times, Dear Friends. Old terms release new meanings. The new meanings shed light on once distant horizons, life simply is not quite the same as is was before, or even before that. Life is "closer". Redemption can see one through and water as a tool can assist in that process. Release your body from starvation and dehydration and embrace the courage to free your own mind in the light of new attitudes which face us each day.
Where is the nourishment, the cleansing, and the redemption? It exists in the love of life, the joy of living, and the healing bliss of laughter!
Simple as they seem, such actions and emotions part the veils of confusion and insecurity. They strengthen beyond measure the ability to be at peace with oneself and the world. Such is redemption, such is joy.
May each of you recognize your own true strengths and convictions this month. More importantly may you know why you think or act in such ways. In the spirit joy and giving of your redemptive talents to the world, may you have the courage to stand by your actions, and like water, nourish and cleanse all around you.
Namaste,
The Kohelet
December 2011
This year I wrote a lot about water, laughter, love, and release. These are powerful tools, ones which can strengthen and encourage each and every one of us without much outward change in daily schedules, wardrobes, or shopping lists. I leave you in 2011 with the word selected for the cover of my brochure, "reVolution". The graphic on the brochure shows the "r" in reverse. The first five letters then read "loVer". May we first of all be true lovers to ourselves, in order that we are then able to love others fully. The word, "reVolution" implies movement, more specifically, circular movement, and one might even argue more convincingly, spiral movement. This is important as we leave 2011 and enter 2012. Movement, momentum, revolution, and being lovers are all ways of maintaining and recognizing kindred spirits amongst us.
May peace flow through you like water from a clear mountain stream. May you laugh as the Earth bubbles forth deep wellsprings, may you love like the ocean, and may you release like the tides.
Blessings,
The Kohelet
