An evolving dance
On Sunday, I posted a letter on the blog and Facebook letting friends, family and clients know that I will be moving to Tulsa the first part of November. I have been overwhelmed with loving support and good wishes from some of the many who have tickled my heart and mind over the years I have worked and lived in the greater Ohio valley.
Of course, there are also kind people who have not posted any comments about how miserably I failed to be lovingly present thus increasing the pain of their journey. Although it was never my intention to let my needs or unhealed issues get in the way, it happened. I have attempted to make amends when appropriate and possible. Sadly, it was only in the past few years that l could begin to more fully understand and appreciate the teachings of Jesus, the Buddha, and other wise teachers who were clear that it takes great love and strength to own one’s humanness; that the purpose of this life journey is learning. Learning obviously involves mistakes. J believe punishment or fear of punishment hinders learning and, thus, growing.
I am returning to the city where I was taught to believe the “wages of sin” (disappointing a jealous, harsh god) means death. The road to damnation is, I was told, paved with good intentions. Although Jesus and, thus God, forgave sins 7 times seventy times, it was clear to me that I was so talented that I could repeat sins 7 times seventy in the space of a few hours or days.
Years ago, I let go of the belief in a god who acts if he, she or it has never moved past the emotional age of a self-obsessed teenager.
Perhaps, not surprising to those who are wise, as I matured in my acceptance of my own humanness , god also matured,
I return to Tulsa some 62 years after I graduated high school still a work in progress but more accepting of this fact.
I hope that in learning to accept my humanness I am more often able to get out of the way and allow myself to unconditionally love and be loved; to make mistakes, learn from them and go on to make new mistakes and new discoveries,
My intention is to remember the teaching of Father Greg Boyle: Beneath bad behavior is always pain. This is, I believe, true for all of us. My we have the courage to face the pain and claim a dance of joy and freedom.
Written October 6, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
On Sunday, I posted a letter on the blog and Facebook letting friends, family and clients know that I will be moving to Tulsa the first part of November. I have been overwhelmed with loving support and good wishes from some of the many who have tickled my heart and mind over the years I have worked and lived in the greater Ohio valley.
Of course, there are also kind people who have not posted any comments about how miserably I failed to be lovingly present thus increasing the pain of their journey. Although it was never my intention to let my needs or unhealed issues get in the way, it happened. I have attempted to make amends when appropriate and possible. Sadly, it was only in the past few years that l could begin to more fully understand and appreciate the teachings of Jesus, the Buddha, and other wise teachers who were clear that it takes great love and strength to own one’s humanness; that the purpose of this life journey is learning. Learning obviously involves mistakes. J believe punishment or fear of punishment hinders learning and, thus, growing.
I am returning to the city where I was taught to believe the “wages of sin” (disappointing a jealous, harsh god) means death. The road to damnation is, I was told, paved with good intentions. Although Jesus and, thus God, forgave sins 7 times seventy times, it was clear to me that I was so talented that I could repeat sins 7 times seventy in the space of a few hours or days.
Years ago, I let go of the belief in a god who acts if he, she or it has never moved past the emotional age of a self-obsessed teenager.
Perhaps, not surprising to those who are wise, as I matured in my acceptance of my own humanness , god also matured,
I return to Tulsa some 62 years after I graduated high school still a work in progress but more accepting of this fact.
I hope that in learning to accept my humanness I am more often able to get out of the way and allow myself to unconditionally love and be loved; to make mistakes, learn from them and go on to make new mistakes and new discoveries,
My intention is to remember the teaching of Father Greg Boyle: Beneath bad behavior is always pain. This is, I believe, true for all of us. My we have the courage to face the pain and claim a dance of joy and freedom.
Written October 6, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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