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Charles, That's a very nice view you have about others being teachers. I recently read what to me is an outstanding book and I view the writer of that book one of the best teachers I have ever had the privilege of learning from. His name is Charles Templeton. The book he wrote is called "Farewell to God" It should be available in book stores and public libraries. I have recommended to many people and they just love what Templeton says. They say it makes more sense that anything else they have heard or read about God, the Bible and praying. Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charles E Murray" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2000 10:02 PM Subject: Re: Teachers > Everyone, including all who share on this list, are teachers. I heard a > wise man describe the only problem in life, and to him it was the feeling > of conscious separation; separation from self, God and others. > Consequently, the solution is clear, and that is conscious contact or > unity with God, self and others. > > Most of my life has been spent comparing myself with others, and it was > amazing how often my beliefs and judgments were justified and how often > yours were not. No amount of being right, however, brought me closer to > feeling connected with God, self and others. In fact, the opposite was > true, and I was not a happy person. > > Twenty years ago I was asked to name 5 things I liked about myself by a > group therapist. I puzzled, thought, and finally asked if I could have > overnight to think about it. By the next morning's session I still > could not come up with one thing. > > Today I am a happy person, albeit one with PD, because I began seeing > others as my teachers, some as to what to do, others as to what not to > do. Today I am loving, kind, loyal, helpful and responsible (I might > think of more than five, but you get the point). > > What you have taught me is that as long as I focus my mental efforts on > unconditional acceptance (which I believe to be an attribute of Love), > and work at letting go of expectations (or at least realizing mine are > not superior to yours), at those times I feel I am a valuable and valued > part of the whole that Is, a wondrous sense of being connected to God, > you and myself. > > So thanks to all who contribute. This may be selfish, but the more > spirited the exchange, the more I learn. > > Love > Chuck >