Monday, January 21, 2008 at 12:12am
Alligator brain
Column: Woman at the Well
My personal spiritual practice involves a variety of disciplines all designed to help me do one thing: develop my peaceful centers of consciousness over and against my alligator brain.
At the base of my brain, where it connects to my spine, there is a primal lump of gray matter that connects me to all of created life, going back to the protozoa but most vividly drawn in the magnificent alligator. It glides through the swamp, eyes above the surface of the water, ready to snap its jaws wide for a meal, ready to move its powerful tail in retreat if needed. My alligator mind is naturally focused on fight or flight. In times of real danger it serves me brilliantly well, as long as I am willing to protect myself "by any means necessary."
But I am a passionate believer in the challenging teachings of the Prince of Peace. Jesus of Nazareth taught a Christ Consciousness that challenges my primal instincts by lifting up the law of love - love of God, of neighbor, of enemy, and of self.
What would Jesus do when faced with a fight-or-flight situation? He made it vividly clear what he would do, because the story of his life is the story of a man who faced the ultimate enemy - an abusive empire bent on torture and destruction - a really good example of something to fight or flee.
And he chose to do neither. He chose to stand in dignity and mostly silence as he was taunted, stripped, tortured and crucified. He had a remarkably strong center of peacefulness.
He set an example for me that I will not ignore. Certainly I am a long way from living out his ideal. But that's no excuse not to practice, not to try.
So I meditate and pray. I fill my heart and mind with loving examples. I read good books, avoid toxic videos and music. I practice loving kindness, and when I blow it, I make amends where I can. I ask forgiveness where I can. I keep on learning and growing and praying and meditating.
I am thankful that God isn't done with me yet because, boy, do I have a long way to go. But if my alligator brain gets a little less exercise and my higher consciousness gets a little more practice, heh, God's in charge. And God can make miracles out of mud. So I'm optimistic.
— — —
Rev. Kristi Denham is pastor of the Congregational Church of Belmont, California (United Church of Christ). Her email address is {email RevKristi@aol.com}RevKristi@aol.com{/email}. © Copyright 2008 by Kristi Denham.
At the base of my brain, where it connects to my spine, there is a primal lump of gray matter that connects me to all of created life, going back to the protozoa but most vividly drawn in the magnificent alligator. It glides through the swamp, eyes above the surface of the water, ready to snap its jaws wide for a meal, ready to move its powerful tail in retreat if needed. My alligator mind is naturally focused on fight or flight. In times of real danger it serves me brilliantly well, as long as I am willing to protect myself "by any means necessary."
But I am a passionate believer in the challenging teachings of the Prince of Peace. Jesus of Nazareth taught a Christ Consciousness that challenges my primal instincts by lifting up the law of love - love of God, of neighbor, of enemy, and of self.
What would Jesus do when faced with a fight-or-flight situation? He made it vividly clear what he would do, because the story of his life is the story of a man who faced the ultimate enemy - an abusive empire bent on torture and destruction - a really good example of something to fight or flee.
And he chose to do neither. He chose to stand in dignity and mostly silence as he was taunted, stripped, tortured and crucified. He had a remarkably strong center of peacefulness.
He set an example for me that I will not ignore. Certainly I am a long way from living out his ideal. But that's no excuse not to practice, not to try.
So I meditate and pray. I fill my heart and mind with loving examples. I read good books, avoid toxic videos and music. I practice loving kindness, and when I blow it, I make amends where I can. I ask forgiveness where I can. I keep on learning and growing and praying and meditating.
I am thankful that God isn't done with me yet because, boy, do I have a long way to go. But if my alligator brain gets a little less exercise and my higher consciousness gets a little more practice, heh, God's in charge. And God can make miracles out of mud. So I'm optimistic.
— — —
Rev. Kristi Denham is pastor of the Congregational Church of Belmont, California (United Church of Christ). Her email address is {email RevKristi@aol.com}RevKristi@aol.com{/email}. © Copyright 2008 by Kristi Denham.