"We only treat badly those things whose souls we disregard." (Moore, Care of the Soul, 270)
Later, Moore writes that "any true relationship requires time, a certain vulnerability, and openness to being affected and changed." I think vulnerability is, quite often, a lost concept in our cultures and in our relationships. Some of the time, I think this is a good thing. There is something to be said for self awareness and the awareness of others around us. On the other hand, lack of vulnerability facilitates games and disconnect in some of the most critical relationships in our lives.
I was thinking about Moore's comment on the "souls we disregard" and I began wondering how often we even take the time to regard another soul. The observance of another soul requires some level of vulnerability, as we must allow ourselves to go to a deeper place in our minds, hearts, and souls to silently observe that which we see in front of us, the spirit and soul of another. This is another Being who has purpose and calling and dimensions. The observance of these dimensions and the consideration of this Being require that we allow empathy to reign for chunks of time so that we may be more aware of another's State of Being.
Pascal wrote, "let us imagine a body full of thinking members." But before we can go this far, to allow ourselves to see or imagine others as thinking members, I think we have to also take a step back and consider how we view nature.
And what is nature, but the most exquisite beauty we encounter. Nature is comprised of breath and air, deep blue skies and oceans of mystery; it is the vast glory of space, and mountains that contain remote silence that is enriched with wonder. If we were to judge nature by itself, we would be able to regard the souls that dwell within it.
I do not believe that you have to be a person of Faith to acknowledge the soul of others. A deeper understanding of nature, and a reverence for its wonders, is a mind-opening observance which allows each of us to go a step further and view others as a part of this beauty, and the Soul of nature itself.
Taking a walk along a river, or through the woods, or even through a peaceful neighborhood allows for this deeper connection with nature that I am thinking about. I wonder if these types of cathartic walks and encounters with natural beauty would allow us to have a deeper connection with all that surrounds us, thus quieting our cynicism and double thinking. I think of Emerson and his essay, Nature, and his assertion that man does not observe nature as he should, and as a result misses all it has to offer him. Emerson wrote, "Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience."
All of this talk about nature and beauty transcends the great outdoors. Man is part of nature and has the ability to contain her beauty. Those who disregard nature will also disregard Man; and those who disregard Man will also disregard nature.
The soul will thrive when it is exposed to nature and, I think, this constant exposure to the beauty around us will encourage our own souls to go to a deeper place of understanding, which, in turn, will influence our ability to observe the soul of another. The willingness to look at another Soul, and consider its depth and wonder and driving forces, is what allows us to have the solid foundations for the vulnerability we need in our relationships. This will be the catalyst to our own personal growth and change.
Later, Moore writes that "any true relationship requires time, a certain vulnerability, and openness to being affected and changed." I think vulnerability is, quite often, a lost concept in our cultures and in our relationships. Some of the time, I think this is a good thing. There is something to be said for self awareness and the awareness of others around us. On the other hand, lack of vulnerability facilitates games and disconnect in some of the most critical relationships in our lives.
I was thinking about Moore's comment on the "souls we disregard" and I began wondering how often we even take the time to regard another soul. The observance of another soul requires some level of vulnerability, as we must allow ourselves to go to a deeper place in our minds, hearts, and souls to silently observe that which we see in front of us, the spirit and soul of another. This is another Being who has purpose and calling and dimensions. The observance of these dimensions and the consideration of this Being require that we allow empathy to reign for chunks of time so that we may be more aware of another's State of Being.
Pascal wrote, "let us imagine a body full of thinking members." But before we can go this far, to allow ourselves to see or imagine others as thinking members, I think we have to also take a step back and consider how we view nature.
And what is nature, but the most exquisite beauty we encounter. Nature is comprised of breath and air, deep blue skies and oceans of mystery; it is the vast glory of space, and mountains that contain remote silence that is enriched with wonder. If we were to judge nature by itself, we would be able to regard the souls that dwell within it.
I do not believe that you have to be a person of Faith to acknowledge the soul of others. A deeper understanding of nature, and a reverence for its wonders, is a mind-opening observance which allows each of us to go a step further and view others as a part of this beauty, and the Soul of nature itself.
Taking a walk along a river, or through the woods, or even through a peaceful neighborhood allows for this deeper connection with nature that I am thinking about. I wonder if these types of cathartic walks and encounters with natural beauty would allow us to have a deeper connection with all that surrounds us, thus quieting our cynicism and double thinking. I think of Emerson and his essay, Nature, and his assertion that man does not observe nature as he should, and as a result misses all it has to offer him. Emerson wrote, "Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience."
All of this talk about nature and beauty transcends the great outdoors. Man is part of nature and has the ability to contain her beauty. Those who disregard nature will also disregard Man; and those who disregard Man will also disregard nature.
The soul will thrive when it is exposed to nature and, I think, this constant exposure to the beauty around us will encourage our own souls to go to a deeper place of understanding, which, in turn, will influence our ability to observe the soul of another. The willingness to look at another Soul, and consider its depth and wonder and driving forces, is what allows us to have the solid foundations for the vulnerability we need in our relationships. This will be the catalyst to our own personal growth and change.
