Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 1:01am
God exists - any fool can see it
Column: PERFECTBALANCELIFE
Fool:
4. an ardent enthusiast who cannot resist an opportunity to indulge an enthusiasm (usually prec. by a present participle): He's just a dancing fool. (dictionary.com)
Anyone with a clear conscience and unencumbered mind is capable of seeing the reality of God. A rash of recently published anti-God books indicates that some people still refuse to acknowledge a Supreme Intelligence existing in the cosmos. I am suggesting that anyone inclined to deny the reality of God is indulging in too much analytical thinking, and this leads to a lack of clear conscience. In other words, such a person is acting foolishly. But the foolish, in their folly, can choose to see otherwise.
Recent theory on how the human brain is structured and functions states that our brain has two hemispheres responsible for different manners of thinking: Left hemisphere thinking deals with logic, rationality and analysis, while the right hemisphere deals with intuition, randomness and holistic perception. Studies demonstrate that individuals have a distinct preference for using the left or right side of the brain for their thinking processes.
People who tend to draw primarily on their left hemisphere to think about God's existence need to learn how to reduce activity on this side of their brain. Taking time for a "thought fast" is a good practice for these individuals. Various meditation and yoga disciplines can be very helpful in this regard. To experience God, one needs to "be still," to quiet that part of the brain responsible for recollecting past memories and projecting future imaginations. Individuals who are inclined to think about God's existence via the right hemisphere need to learn how to place their feelings and emotions within the parameters of logical and critical thinking. For these people it is important to check their inclination to dismiss logical arguments and critical analysis. It's all about creating the proper balance between the two approaches.
Living daily life with a clear conscience is very important. When we are filled with conflicting thoughts or unhealthy emotional feelings, we are less likely to see things as they actually are. Instead, we will be tempted to view life through the distorted lens of unbalanced thinking and out-of-control emotions. As we behave in this manner, our blood stream, nervous system and brain cells are adversely affected. Our tendency will be to judge incorrectly, speak inappropriately, and behave in destructive ways. To maintain and support a clear conscience, do the following: Practice peace — no violence against self or others. This means doing no harm to oneself or others.
There is no perfect system and there are no perfect people. Individuals and institutions are fraught with inclinations to misbehave and cause pain to people. As human beings, we need to be careful to strike an appropriate balance between our powers of reason and our powers of intuition: Both are sacred. Both can be used to hurt as well as heal. Let us strike no stance that will damage our own soul or that of another. Let us live by the golden rule: Treat others as you want to be treated. Through living this way, we can be assured we will see and know God. Even the fool can live this way — and thus see God.
— — —
Jack LaValley is a practitioner of the martial arts, physical cultivation exercises, and sitting meditation. Although currently working in the hospitality industry, he spends much of his free time helping and working together with those who are pursuing the spiritual path. Jack and his wife, Wha-ja Oh-LaValley, a native of South Korea, reside in Westchester County, New York, and are the proud parents of three beautiful children. Jack is completing his book manuscript, "A Perfectly Balanced Life: Living Each Day with Wisdom and Strength," and expects publication to be in October 2008. You can reach Jack at: perfectbalancelife@opttmum.net © Copyright 2008 by Jack LaValley.
4. an ardent enthusiast who cannot resist an opportunity to indulge an enthusiasm (usually prec. by a present participle): He's just a dancing fool. (dictionary.com)
Anyone with a clear conscience and unencumbered mind is capable of seeing the reality of God. A rash of recently published anti-God books indicates that some people still refuse to acknowledge a Supreme Intelligence existing in the cosmos. I am suggesting that anyone inclined to deny the reality of God is indulging in too much analytical thinking, and this leads to a lack of clear conscience. In other words, such a person is acting foolishly. But the foolish, in their folly, can choose to see otherwise.
Recent theory on how the human brain is structured and functions states that our brain has two hemispheres responsible for different manners of thinking: Left hemisphere thinking deals with logic, rationality and analysis, while the right hemisphere deals with intuition, randomness and holistic perception. Studies demonstrate that individuals have a distinct preference for using the left or right side of the brain for their thinking processes.
People who tend to draw primarily on their left hemisphere to think about God's existence need to learn how to reduce activity on this side of their brain. Taking time for a "thought fast" is a good practice for these individuals. Various meditation and yoga disciplines can be very helpful in this regard. To experience God, one needs to "be still," to quiet that part of the brain responsible for recollecting past memories and projecting future imaginations. Individuals who are inclined to think about God's existence via the right hemisphere need to learn how to place their feelings and emotions within the parameters of logical and critical thinking. For these people it is important to check their inclination to dismiss logical arguments and critical analysis. It's all about creating the proper balance between the two approaches.
Living daily life with a clear conscience is very important. When we are filled with conflicting thoughts or unhealthy emotional feelings, we are less likely to see things as they actually are. Instead, we will be tempted to view life through the distorted lens of unbalanced thinking and out-of-control emotions. As we behave in this manner, our blood stream, nervous system and brain cells are adversely affected. Our tendency will be to judge incorrectly, speak inappropriately, and behave in destructive ways. To maintain and support a clear conscience, do the following: Practice peace — no violence against self or others. This means doing no harm to oneself or others.
There is no perfect system and there are no perfect people. Individuals and institutions are fraught with inclinations to misbehave and cause pain to people. As human beings, we need to be careful to strike an appropriate balance between our powers of reason and our powers of intuition: Both are sacred. Both can be used to hurt as well as heal. Let us strike no stance that will damage our own soul or that of another. Let us live by the golden rule: Treat others as you want to be treated. Through living this way, we can be assured we will see and know God. Even the fool can live this way — and thus see God.
— — —
Jack LaValley is a practitioner of the martial arts, physical cultivation exercises, and sitting meditation. Although currently working in the hospitality industry, he spends much of his free time helping and working together with those who are pursuing the spiritual path. Jack and his wife, Wha-ja Oh-LaValley, a native of South Korea, reside in Westchester County, New York, and are the proud parents of three beautiful children. Jack is completing his book manuscript, "A Perfectly Balanced Life: Living Each Day with Wisdom and Strength," and expects publication to be in October 2008. You can reach Jack at: perfectbalancelife@opttmum.net © Copyright 2008 by Jack LaValley.