The changing views of reality during this century have shaken many, causing fear and consternation. It is at this point of panic that fundamentalist beliefs become strangely attractive, for their dogmatic character ensures an unchanging stability for the fearful. (Caitlin Matthews)
To Marvel: to be filled with wonder or astonishment. (Webster)
Maybe, just maybe!! — MARVELING might be an antidote for the “dogmatism that ensures an unchanging stability for the fearful.”
But then — after all — and on the other hand — we can’t go around marveling at every little thing, can we ??
Why not???
Years and years ago, I attended one of those new age workshops where we delved into strange, and yet stranger phenomena. As the participants reported their interestingly woo-woo experiences to the workshop leader, he would always respond with a jolly smile and a wide-eyed “Imagine that!”
On this two-days-before-Christmas day, here’s a suggestion from an old fart (me): just for today, when you feel that old familiar sense of “I’m right and you’re wrong, YOU IDIOT,” rising up inside yourself, take a deep breath, and say, “Imagine that!!” And let it go.
Gradually, each time you do it, you’ll find yourself marveling more and more. . . Less dogmatic, and in a happier place of wonder and astonishment at the beauty and the absurdity . . .
