Spiritual Law # 8: The Law of "Awareness."

My wife and I have a "best friend" who recently observed, "no one can be aware of EVERYTHING they do!"

The WONDERFUL TRUTH is, "OH YES I (YOU) CAN" be aware of everything I (you) do!

And not only aware of all I (you) do, but also the VALUES governing me (you) and the THOUGHTS,  WORDS and DEEDS or ACTIONS, that are outcomes of those VALUES. 

That's "TOTAL AWARENESS."

I (you) MUST be aware of all our values, thoughts, words and deeds.  "Excusing" oneself from that responsibility of TOTAL AWARENESS is where we "fail ourself" in at least two different ways.

First, anyitme I refuse, say "no," "disallow," "include myself 'out,'" say, "I can't," or otherwise respond "in the negative," I close "the flow of energy" (Universal Energy) in a certain direction.  Cutting off iThe Universal Flow of Energy in any direction, reduces my choices to respond, thereby reducing my power.

Secondly, "Total Awareness," of all I value, think, say and do, is the "key" to assuming personal responsibility
for my life and ownership of myself.  One cannot "own oneself " and assume personal responsisbility for all that occurs with/to me, without "total awareness."

It isn't easy to achieve, TOTAL AWARENESS.  If it was, everyone would be doing it. 

Like so many things, achieving TOTAL AWARENESS takes practice. 

Often, awareness starts with being concious of what I value, think, say and do, in the "little things." 

"Why did I think that thought?"

 "Where did those words come from, that's not really what I wanted to, or meant to, say?

"Why did I DO that?"  "That action cost me so much!"

Start asking yourself those questions, for all you think, say and do and soon, you'll come to know yourself very, very well. 

"Knowing yourself," what YOU value, that leads to YOUR thoughts, words and deeds, will empower YOU more than YOU could have ever envisioned or dreamed.  Further, when you find something, perhaps a "hidden value," which you had not known was "there," inside you, that you don't "like," you can change that value.

Through YOUR ever-heightened AWARENESS, YOU can make different choices. 

"Oh Yes You Can," is the slogan of one of our local automobile dealers.

To experience REAL FREEDOM AND PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT, make "OH YES I CAN" your slogan, supported by your VALUES, THOUGHTS, WORDS AND ACTIONS.

Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell

The Passing Parade # 4: "Institutional Thinking and 'The Glass Cage.'"

"If you're part of something for more than 2 years, your thoughts, words and actions become 'instituionalized."  This "observation on "life," was shared with me by a truly great philosopher, Kim Jagr. 

Never heard of him?  You probably wouldn't.

Kim was a sociologist in a "boy's prision" where he and I worked together, many years ago.  He was one of those "beautiful blond, blue-eyed, nordic types," who seemed completely out of place, in a juvenile detention institution, whose staff and inmate population, were practically all black.  He was also, one of the most intelligent individuals I have ever met and a truly "great philosopher."

"When the employees here become 'institutionalized,' they are like as if they were trapped in a glass cage.  They can see, hear, speak and act, but almost everything they do reflects the 'value system' of this institution.  When that occurs, there is no reasoning with them.  They are so 'in a rut' with what they think, say and do, that they reject any thought that is different.  That's why this place only gets worse, not better."- Kim Jagr

Have you worked for, worshiped at, shopped at, "buddied with," some employer, church, store, "hung out with" the "same (fill in the blank, here)?"  If you answer "yes," you MAY BE "institutionalized."

Many and perhaps, most times, for all of us, being institutionalized in some way(s) is OK, even desireable. 

I trust my Physician and s/he has treated me for a long time. 

My favorite store(s) "shops comfortably" for me.  I like their prices, service and personnel.

But when ANYONE comes to a point where, they BELIVE so strongly in some area, where they are a part of any institution, that they find themself "oversensitive" to criticsm, defending with "unskilled or unreasonable" arguments, thinking that they're an "insider" who knows more than anyone who is an "outsider" and thinking it's "us against an ignorant, uncaring world," they MAY have become so "institutionalized, and in a glass cage," that those around them, who are not part of (fill in the blank, here) "leave them," in some way.

The best folks they know, will take the time to discuss the situation with them or even argue with them.  Those people "care".

Others, "just steal away," from that person, mentally and emotionally.  They don't want to attempt and even avoid, trying to reason with them.  They don't "want to confuse with facts, because their mind is already made up."

"I've been there and done that."  I have become "institutionalized" and (speaking for myself ONLY here) so "addicted" to a certain institution of which I was a part for over 40 years, that I was in a "glass cage," for quite awhile, where that specific institution was concered.

"How do I 'reach' a person I love so much, when they, not only don't listen, but they get angry when I try to reason with them?"

You can't.  The "shattering" of the glass cage and recovery from "institutionalization," has to come from within
the individual, themself.  Sometimes this insight comes as an "aha," a "learning moment," when a "drastic something" occurs that opens their eyes.

All my "real friends," believe in me and love me, sometimes in spite of me, even when they know I'm institutionalized, in some way.  In some instances, they may be "living for the day" when one of their favorite people returns from the "glass cage."

Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell

Political Comment # 2: Hillary Clinton, Sara Palin, Olympia Snow and Me

I wanted to, was committed to, voting for Hillary Clinton for President.  "The Universe" had a different direction for the country (USA) so I never was afforded the opportunity to vote for her.

I can NEVER vote for Sara Palin.  The only impression I receive from her, is that she is a pretty woman.  OK, a "sexy" woman (accusations of "male, chauvinist pig"  may be in order here).  That's all, that's it, nada, nothing more. 

Part of me hopes she runs for President in 2012, either as a Republican or as the 3rd party, "Tea Party" candidate.  Either way, if she runs, she is likely to "split" the conservative vote.  That's what part of me thinks. (Read Mona Chavez's column of November 21, 2010.  Chavez is a conservative, latino, female columnist, so her thoughts on Sara Palin, the Presidential candidate, are very relevant.)

That's what SCARES Mona Chavez, the Republican Party and potential Republican candidates, like John Boehner, TO DEATH.  They know she might generate the power to be nominated, but she would be highly unlikely to win a national election.

The other part of me is SCARED TO DEATH of her running for President, BECAUSE SHE MIGHT WIN.

HOLY TERRORS, BATMAN, "how low can you go," America?

I THINK I could vote for Olympia Snow, the Congresswoman from Maine.  I have good impressions of her.  She seems intelligent, smart, "savvy," mature, thoughtful and independent.  She doesn't neccessarily "follow the (Republican) Party line" according to her voting record and I mostly agree with her votes. 

I KNOW I could vote for Robin Roberts for President, if she decided to run.  She's one of the hosts of ABC's (TV network) morning show.  Robin seems to embody all the qualities of both Sara Palin and Olympia Snow.  Her "physical presence," is stunning, her mind is sharp and quick and her personality "draws" most folks to her, rather than drawing some, while repelling others.

I don't know what "political party," to which Robin belongs, but that's not important to me.  After mentally comparing Robin to MOST political Presidential candidates on the horizon for the 2012 election (John Boehner, Sara Palin, et al,), I MOST DEFINITELY, would vote for Robin Roberts.  (I am PURPOSELY ommitting the most important name which would be on this list).

But Robin's not qualified, she has no government experience, she's just a TV personality, you say.

So is Palin.  Yes, she was Governor of Alaska and a Vice Presidential nominee in 2008, but she resigned her Governorship and was proven a real "lightweight" mentally, during her 2008 candidacy.  To me, these political "experiences" don't count. 

Consider, that many voters, in the 2008 Presidential election, voted AGAINST John McCain, because of her and many conservative voters stayed home and didn't vote, because of her.  (MY LORD!! She MIGHT become President if McCain passed!)

As for me, from this "list of candidates I would have, would and wouldn't vote for," you'd have a difficult case to make for me being a sexist, racist, or male chauvinst pig, after all. 

That reality MIGHT currently place me in the "underwhelming minority" among the American electorate.

"Guilty as charged."

Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell

What's Wrong With American Education # 3: Why Delete Sports Friom the School's Curriculum?

This is a "series" of blogs, please review the first 2 on American Education.

Why delete sports from the school's curriculum?  Let's count the reasons!

1.  Including sports in American educational curriculum, was never an educationally sound notion. 

Imagine students attending school, where the sole emphasis is on learning, Language, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.  Subjects such as Art, Instrumental and Vocal Music, Foreign Language, could also be offered.

No concern about "the big game." getting a "date" for the dance, or dealing with a "jock" culture, that behaves as if the entire school's existence, is supposed to be centered on them.  Removal of all sports stimulus from schools, should help students focus on learning. 

By the way, parents would focus on their child's learning, also.

2.  Taxes would be lowered or remain at local current levels, for the forseeable future.  No need for large gymnasiums or field houses.  No need for maintenance or staff devoted to maintaining large gymnasiums, football, soccer or field hockey fields, no need for baseball diamonds, etc. 

Ever consider how much custodial time it takes to clean under the stands/bleachers after a game, line the football or soccer field, paint and re-surface gynasium basketball courts?  Taxes pay for this maintenance of school sports facitlites.

Have you ever thought about how much it costs for sports uniforms, pads, medical supplies, shoes and other sports peraphenalia, worn or used, by each athlete?  Taxes pay for much of these.

Yes, facilities would be needed for physical education, IF the school district included the subject in it's curriculum, but you don't need huge gyms to be able to teach P.E., double, triple, or quadruple sized rooms, would do.

Did you know that many school districts "subsidize" their sports program?  Usually, the only sport that "pays for itself," in a school is football.  In many schools, the other sports lose money, triggering a need to move general fund monies (transfers), into the sports program fund.  Imagine the effect on taxes if general fund tax money would be used solely for academics programs!

How do you suppose huge gymnasiums, football, soccer and field hockey fields, and the land  for them, are purcihased and built?  Taxpayer supported bond issues, (more taxes) is where most are paid for.  Often, these sports facilities are a component of a much larger bond issue, which includes building a school, or serious renovation.  Someone, usually "sports parents" with much local power, WANTS the new facility, so they lobby to include it in a bond-issue submission to local taxpayer vote.  Those of us who pay taxes, without kids in school who participate in sports, are kind enough to help these parents, pay for their kid's sports participation.

3.  Most European countries separate their academic schools, from student social programs.  Their schools focus solely on academics and student sports, clubs and activites, are sponsored, privately, outside the school.  THEY ARE NOT PAID FOR, WITH TAXES.  Those countries "beat" us on student academic test scores, consistently. 

By the way, those same countries do very well in sports also.  They often finish first, second or third, in many Olympic sports competitions.

4.  One of the "hidden" outcomes of student sports programs, is the number and severity of injuries, suffered by kids, during competition.  Some of the medical treatments for these injuries, is often paid for by tax money, through insurance, purchased by the school district.  Some, but not all, of these injuries, are paid for by parents being required to pay for health insurance, covering their student's sports competition.

There are injuries sustained by kids playing sports, that end their sports career, before it has a real beginning,  Occasionally, deaths are a result of student sports participation.  Wouldn't it be interesting to know how many kids are killed or disabled, some permanently, from sports, every year?  Wouldn't it be interesting to have an accurate figure published for the cost of these injuries, paid by taxpayers?

It has become a practice in this country to "privatize" certain functions, traditionally provided by government, especially over the last 20 years.  Anti-tax political lobbying, usually by conservative political organizations and politicians, supported by the "conservative media," have proven successful in generating these "provatization" efforts.

We have just presented rationale for a serious upgrade of student academic performance, while saving, lowering and using taxpayer money more wisely and privatization of an expensive, government-supported funtion.  All the components of a GREAT CONSERVATIVE CAUSE. Would anyone else out there LOVE to see how conservative groups and politicians would handle this issue?

The "Social Component" of current American Education, is long overdue, for such action. 

American Education can only become MUCH better for removing "Social Education," from America's Public Schools.

Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell-

What's Wrong With American Education: Comment # 2; American Educations Committment to "Social Education."

Referencing my "American Education Comment: # 1:  What's Wrong With American Education?" I write this comment on number 6, the "social component" of American Education.

Oh boy, "the fur is going to fly," with this essay!

The "social component" of American Education includes sports, clubs and activites. 

Simply stating my opinion:  All these "social components" of education in the USA, should be ELIMINATED from the school setting.  Schools, should not be responsible for providing social activities for your child, especially sports.

I realize, this is "heretical" thinking.  Eliminating sports from schools will cause much anger among some parents, some school alumni and long-time sports fans of whatever school. 

First, too many schools make the sports program, the school's "true priority."  It's "nice" if the school scores well on State Standardized Tests.  It's nice if my child is "doing well" in her/his academics, but really, how does the school do in football, volleyball, basketball, track and baseball?

MY CHILD WANTS (is ENTITLED TO) a "FULL ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP," from a Division 1-A University (Colorado University, Colorado State University, Notre Dame, The Air Force Academy, etc., etc.).  If her/his public-tax-supported High School, doesn't play sports, how can s/he receive a scholarship?

More than a "FREE RIDE" to a Division 1-A University, MY KID is "gonna be" a "PRO."  S/HE is the BEST (fill in the blank, here: Football, baketball, volleyball, track, baseball) STAR at their school.

Most of the time, the REAL reason "sports parents," think school sports is an ABSOLUTE NECESSITY, to the school's (social) curriculum, is the deep conviction that their kid will "make a whole lot of money," playing a professional ("play-for-play") sport or at least, having a sport "scholarship," pay for their child's college education.  Speaking from experience as a school administrator, I can't begin to relate the number of parents who, privately, stated just exactly that, to me.  Don't try to "talk sense" to such parents by telling them that it is "easier for an elephant to slide throught the eye of a needle," than their kid's athletic talent, leading to a career in professional sport. THEY WON'T HEAR YOU!! 

Some parents state openly and loudly, to all within the range of hearing, they think their child is a potential "pro," who will make an obscene amount of money, playing a professional sport.

Some parents are more cautious and "cloak" their sports-program EXTREME support, in educational terms.  "Sports teaches competition."  "Sports makes my child really, physically fit." "All my child's friends are out-for or on, the team" (Aha!  Back to the social part of the school).  Much of the arguments for sports and the social component, being included in the school's curriculm, is "hogwash."

If school administrators and teachers "know what's good for them," they'd better support the sports program (or, at very least, not speak of it at all ESPECIALLY in negative terms).  Lots of American Educators feel compelled to give the school's sports program, "lip service."  In the case of school principals and superintendents, since they are "at will" employees of the Board of Education, they are VERY aware, they would (not, could) lose their jobs, if they didn't ENTHUSIASTICALLY, support the sports program.  Any teacher is courting an organized parent group, to get them fired from their job, if they don't support the school sports program.

This is no exaggeration, in too many American Schools.

Here's the TRUTH:  The day sports and other "social" components is removed from the school setting, will be the day AMERICA begins to compete globally, with other countries, in achieving EXCELLENT results in student learning.

See my blog: What's Wrong With American Education, # 3:  Why Delete Sports From the School's Curriculum?

Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell

Spiritual Comment: #6 The "Law of Karma."

This edition of "Spiritual Comment" is dedicated to Deepak Chopra. Several quotes from his "7 Spiritual Laws of Success," which he also terms, 7 Spiritual Laws:

"The Law of Karma means, no one ever gets away with anything." (Chopra)

"The Universe has an infalible accounting system.  What you put in, you will receive, what you send out, will come back." (Chopra)

"If you practice the Law of Karma (along with all the other Universal Laws), the Universe has no choice but "to roll in ecstasy, at your feet."  (Chopra)

I can't utter these truths any better than Chopra.  I highly recommend listening to and reading, his "7 Spiritual Laws of Success. 

Further, listen to and read them, over and over again and allow them to become a central part of your value system.  "The Universe can only roll in ecstasy, at your feet."  (Chopra)

To these central truths, I can only add the ancient Chinese blessing/curse.  "May you get everything that's coming to you."

Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell

Passing Parade # 3: To Those Who Travel 'In Harm's Way,' To Also Serve, In Peace

As an opening statement to this submission of thought, translated into words, let me say I am a supporter of the U.S. Military, without qualification or reservation.  I have 2 stepsons and a stepdaugher, that have made a life within it's ranks.  Two of my "adopted kids" have made our Military (notice I capitalize here) a career and the other has been a member of the Naval Reserve.

So, this is NOT a message at all critical of the U.S. Military.

As one of my kids said once, "I remind my fellow mlitary colleagues that our primary job is to kill, or otherwise disable, enemies of the USA."

America is in a value-mode, of supreme support of it's military and whatever it's current mission.  I am advanced enough in age, to remember a time when this was not so.  The "war" in Vietnam produced what is probably, American opinion's greatest "backlash" against it's military, ever.

So as oppsed to what used to be, in the 1960's, '70's and early 80's, I, for 1, will take current American support of it's military, every time.

What I don't understand, is the almost total lack of support, to all the Americans who "go in harm's way," overseas, sometimes to the same countries where our military is fighting, in Peace (Peace, is capitalized here, also).

Drs., Nurses, Paramedicals, Engineers, Teachers, Farmers and all sorts of Real Americans, go overseas to every country on the face of the globe.  They build bridges, water infrastructure, teach how to grow food more efficiently, heal the sick and teach the young AND RECEIVE ALMOST NO CREDIT FOR ALL THEY DO, here in the USA. (I am NOT referring to the Haliburton Corporation, or it's ilk, here).

Where is the support for Americans who help countries, societies and cultures, overseas, often completely different from how they were raised, in the USA.?

You can visit almost any community in this country and see monuments and statues, honoring the military.  In Pueblo, Colorado, on the front lawn of it's local newspaper, there is even a statue of a "paper boy" and his dog.

I have yet to see any monument, anywhere in this country, to the "Peace Warriors," who take their lives in their hands and help those overseas, who are often, most in need.

It is way past time, for them to also be recognized for the wonderful job(s) they do.

Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell

Political Comment #1: Compare "Political Icons

All we need to know about the current state of American Politics is this:

Myanmar's "political icon" is Suu Kyi.

England's current "political icons" are Prince William and his fiance.

America's current "political icon" is Sara Palin.

These observations are all one needs to know regarding comparing the depth of thought, in politics, in these current society's.

Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell

Walter Wayne's World #1: A Letter to My Daughter

Hello Rachel.  I thought I would send you a message using this forum.  I have no idea if you will ever want to or be able to read it but I write this especially for you.

First, I agree that you had every right to "divorce" me, based soley on my performance as a father.  Only a drug dealer, bank bandit or serial killer, could have been a worse father.  I agree that you had the right to make that decision and I sincerely hope and wish that distancing yourself from me has made you happy or at least, happier than you would have been had I remained in your life these some 15 years or so.

Your aunts (my sisters) have kept any information regarding how I could find you, from me I assume, at your request.  Caren did send me a picture of the folks gathered at Dan's wedding, years ago and the web site where I could view all the pictures from the wedding.  Your grandmother Cline and Bonnie looked great.

I don't have much to say about me.  Lynne and I remain married, very happily.  I am still (and always) a Cleveland Browns and Indians fan and a follower of Ohio State football and basketball.  Saturdays and Sundays, during Autumn and early Winter, you can find Lynne and I watching our favorite teams (hers are the Arkansas Razorbacks and Denver Broncos/Rockiies).  I am FINALLY proud of the current Browns team, they are the kind of team a native Clevelander loves.

I am in current excellent health.  Work out every day on the weights, stationary bike and bike our local "Lake" when possible.  I have some health challenges, which attend advanced age, the most significant of which is a defribulator/pacemaker, implanted just above my heart.  In 2003, while working out, my heart began racing and wouldn't slow back to it's normal rate.  That's what lead to the defrib being installed.

3 years ago, something went "haywire" with the device and I was shocked 62 times, before they were able to control it.  2 nights later, while in the hospital, the defribulator activated exactly 20 times, again before the hospital (St. Mary Corwin, by the way) caught up with it. t  Felt like I was in the boxing ring with Mohammed Ali, with no hands/arms. These incidents were the subject of yet another surgery to correct the problem and I have grown well and much stronger, since.

I don't know what to say about our "estrangement" from my end except, I never really understood why.  I know (from what Caren and Jo said) that you think I should/do know but, beyond being a horses-patute as a father, I never figured it out.  That's OK, again if you've been happier, since.

In the off-chance that, someday, you might want to find "Walter Wayne Hopewell," I'm going to publish a bibleography on my blog of the books I have read, that have affected me and completely changed my life.  Additionally, just in case (again) I will "box" these books for you, should you ever want to go through them.  What I can't do well, is share my experiences over these "vacant" years, ones that also led to my dramatic life turn around.

So, when I pass, just in case, you'll know where to find me, should the notion ever stike you.  I'll be in those books.  I don't know if anyone who is a friend of mine now, would be willing to share anything they know of me, after I pass.  I don't know that they would refuse to share, if you wanted but I don't know if they would, either.  The folks that know me well now have all (at various times) expressed the inability to understand why you and I don't have a relationship.  The reason for that, I think, is they don't think like our family, which is how I used to think, also.  My friends don't think that way and now, neither do I.  But I remember,

Love to you, Joe, Dan and Megan, Always.  Every day I think of you and Jim and send you both all the Laughter, Joy and Happiness I have (which is so great, there is no measurment big enough to say), wherever both of you are.  I have experienced day and night (sleep) dreams of Jim, my Dad and I, together, walking up a hill.  VERY realistic.

Dad (Walter Wayne Hopewell)

American Education Comment # 1: What's REALLY Wrong?

What's REALLY wrong with American Eductaion?  Where do I begin?

At the beginning, of course.

"The Beginning," is the value system, governing our "culture," (quotation marks are used this one time, on the term, "culture" because there are those who take issue with this term applying to America.  Many think the USA to be too young to really have defined it's culture, for example) society and country. 

Our thoughts, words and actions/behaviors, identify the values, that govern American Education.

Here is a list of 10 American Educational Values, as identified by this country's thoughts, words and actions:
1.  All children can learn.
2.  Taxes, support and pay for, public education.
3.  All children must attend school, through graduation from High School (12th grade, or until their 22nd birthday (in the case of children designated as "special education" students).
4.  Private education is allowed but parents and/or entities responsible for any private school, pay for their child's education, with monies generated by the private educational entity and the parents it serves.  Most often, "private schools" in America, are religious schools (Catholic, Lutheran, as 2 examples).
5.  Parents must/should, be highly involved in their child's education.
6.  American Education must include a "social" component, as part of a "well-rounded" education.  "Social" components, as defined here, include sports, activities (band, student government are 2 examples) and clubs
(foreign language, cooking are 2 examples).  Often, public perception of a school's excellence, is directly related to the school's social education component's excellence (seemingly, especially true of the school's sports success).
7.  Many American parents, oppose any "values" education, being taught in the school.
8.  "Standardized tests," are used to determine student learning and learning progress. The results of each child's standardized test are shared with parents and become a permanent part of each student's file.  Standardized test results for the grade level for which they are administered, are diseminated to the media.  The total standardized test results for each school is shared with the media.  A collection of each school district's standardized test results, is shared with the media.  The media, especially the written media, then compare the progress of each tested class, school, school district and state results, to those of other classes, schools, districts and states. 
9.  The educational excellence of a school, district or state is determined, in large part, by their results on standardized tests.  A movement is growing, to determine teacher performance, by their class's results, on standardized tests.
10. Historically, American Education has been "driven" by a variety of "sub-components" of American Society.  American industry; business; religious, politics, ethnic and racial groups; traditional values (the "worth" of the individual, over the interests of the state: example) and myriads of other "pulling forces."  All these different sub-components demand representation in the American Education Curriculum.

How am I qualified to examine these values and comment on them?  I have spent 42 years as a public educator.  I have taught children at every level (elementary, middle school and high school). I have taught and served Special Education students with severe learning barriers/problems. I have taught, or worked with caucasian, black, latino, arab/muslim and native american students. I have served as a school principal at every level.  I have been a teacher, school site administrator and central office administrator.  I have spent years representing both the Union and Management (local Boards of Education and Administration) in the collective bargaining process and in contract management.  In addition to being a teacher and administrator, I have served schools as a custodian, bus driver, coach and playground supervisor.  I possess a Doctorate Degree (Century University, Albuquerque, NM); Masters Degree (Xavier University of Cincinnati, OH) and BA Degree (Olivet Nazarene College, Kankakee, IL.).

This blogging commentary will unfold as a series, in which I will share my observations and ideas.  Feel free to disagree but please do so as a "lady," or a "gentleman."  I promise to treat your ideas with respect.

Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell

Components of Spirituality #1: The Central Human Question: Why Am I Here?

The central question of every human life is, "why am I here?"  But how often do you hear it uttered?  Did you ever ask that question of yourself?  Did your parents ever make you aware of that question?

All too often, the answer to those questions, for most people, is "I'm not sure," "never," "no" and "no."

After some thought, many answer this central question of human existence, like this:
-"Make 'a name' for myself."
-"Become rich and famous."
-"Have a successful career."
-"Make a lot of money."

Then, there are the "good" answers:
-"Help other people."
-"Become a mother and raise my children."
-"Become a Physician, Teacher, Social Worker, Builder...

I want to submit that, the only reason for our birth and life, is to evolve to our highest self.

Imagine what would happen to society, if all children were told that the reason for they were given life , was to use their life to evolve to their highest self.  Imagine the effect if parents tried to raise their offspring with that primary message.

If folks pursued "evolution to one's highest self" as their life goal, it would be very hard to be unhappy.  Values, thoughts, words and deeds, would be all about how I could become a better human being.

As I shared this thought and wrote the words, I can just imagine the reactions on the part of many.  "What planet were you born on, dude?  You're crazy, halucinating, a 'tree hugger," a stupid, dumb, ingnorant....."

The "law of karma," means - "I can never get away with anything."  'The Universe has an accounting system that always balances every action." - Deepack Chopra.

If I put good into the World, good willl return to me.  If I put anger, cheating, lying, violence, meaness, falsehoods, deception... that's what will return to me.

If I pursue the goal of attaining my highest self, the Universe will return good things to me.  Actually, that is the easiest path to take.  All others are very, very difficult.

Or as John Lennon said in his best song lyric, "Imagine," if I am "crazy, halucinating, a 'tree hugger, a stupid, dumb, ignorant... "I'm not the only one."

Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell

Components of Spirituality # 5: Is it time to "own" yourself?

It was one of the points of my life at which I felt most lost. Divorce, losing my job, death of one of my children, estrangement from the other, all happening at once. I tried to find the guidelines to the further pathway of my life.  All the markers to the trail I had traveled had been erased and I searched for marker buoys, that would return my life to a set course.

I tried different churches, different support groups, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

I was the receipient of many "self improvement" books and tapes so I read and listened.  I felt most comfortable with the congregation of the local Universal Unitarian Church.  I quickly discovered that they accept anyone at their worship services, folks of other faiths, believers of Eastern Philosophies, gays and lesbians, anyone.  There were several support groups in that church but the one with whom I felt at home, was a Buddhist discussion group.

The most interesting belief of the Unitarians is a "healthy skeptecism" of the virgin birth and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  All of a suddent it became OK for me to question those "umiversal truths," upon which I raised.

Once I passed that threshold, I was on my way to "owning myself."

Owning myself is the most empowering, the most "free" I have ever experienced.

In future blogs, I will share how you can own yourself, if you make that choice.  I will also express my opimions regarding religions.  Some folks, perhaps even many or most, may not like my opinions.  That is more than OK with me, as long as we are "ladies and gentlemen," in expressing our opinions and as long as you do not threaten me or mine.  Please avoid  "getting personal" and I promise to treat your opions with respect, even as I (may) disagree.

Owning oneself, is not for everyone.  I am no "evaangelist."  Further, I have no intention of trying to dissuade anyone from whatever faith they currentlhy practice.

As for me, "I've been there and done that," with regard to any organized religion.  My practice is my own and I can never go back to allowing some religion governing how I live my life.  My choice.  Yours can be different and good for you, if it works and makes you happy.

Dr. Walter Wayne Hopewell