Beliefs...

Believing something is not an accomplishment. Set beliefs are really nothing more than opinions one refuses to reconsider. Early childhood indoctrination locks us into beliefs that mirror the family and culture we're born into. Most of us never grow beyond that most basic, unquestioned, programming.

In this country, many people are born into a Christian family and culture. They take that on without question. If we were born in Japan, we would be Shinto. Both groups believe they are "right." Most wars are fought over this stuff.

Beliefs are easy. The stronger your beliefs are, the less open you become to growth and wisdom. “Strength of belief” is only the intensity with which you resist questioning yourself. It's very gratifying to believe something and be done with it. As soon as you are proud of a belief, as soon as you think it adds something to who you are; you’ve made it a part of your ego. Listen to any “die-hard” conservative or liberal talk about their deepest beliefs and you are listening to somebody who will never hear alternate opinions on any matter that they care deeply about— unless you express the same opinions. 

When someone waves a Bible or Koran in the air to demonstrate the depth of their fervor, they are in essence saying: "Here is my handbook for life. This is what I believe. All the answers I need are right here and I don't need to question beyond these pages." With that mindset, they absolve themselves from the hard work, privilege and even the responsibility, of independent thought.

It is gratifying to speak forcefully, from a perceived position of stregnth when we have the backing of our political party or bible of choice. Church service or political rally, we seek out the like minded to solidify our resolve. 

Wherever there is a belief that doesn't come with the disclaimer: "This is what I believe right now but I'm open to change if presented with more compelling evidence"...there is a closed door. 

Embrace the beliefs that stand up to your most honest, humble scrutiny and that make sense to you right now, but always be open to change. Hopefully, we evolve. Try as we may, it is impossible to remain static.


Change is the one absolute truth that unquestioningly presides over everything that ever was or ever will be.  


Float with it peacefully as it takes you somewhere you've never been before.

Hopefully, we do the stretching exercises necessary throughout life. We challenge the person in the mirror to more readily question and adapt along the way. Nothing is set in stone.

Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out.

Let change be more like river than rock.