Posted by giveawayboy on December 25, 2004 at 03:18:02:
In Reply to: Re: beyond the gossamer veil... posted by cav on December 18, 2004 at 05:17:07:
: I've also had similar experiences where I find myself becoming very greatful that I am where I am and part of what exists, flaws and all. When I am really sick, and I get help from a doctor, when I am injured and they can use painless methods or at least use numbing agents. It is these times that my problems with society fade away and I am intensely glad that it has developed to a point to save me from suffering.
Isn't funny how our suffering can help give us a clearer vision of the nature of reality, including other elements that make it up, a neighbor for instance.
:At these points we must commit ourselves to something, or rather resign ourselves to it, and let others care for us. It is humbling, but also liberating in some strange way.
I like your use of resignation. Good one.
:I had this expereince when I came here to Japan, alone, far from my family and friends on the other side of the world, surrounded by frenetic crowds that I have never been able to relate to or feel comfortable in. Jet-lagged and not given opportunity to rest, I experienced constant bouts of existential nausea and couldn't sleep or eat for 3 days. (I never knew how important sleep was until that point.) I was more broken than I have been in many years. At this point, I had nothing to do but to commit myself to my handlers and trust that I would be cared for or die. Either way the situation would pass soon. And I became intensely grateful for being in exactly this place and time. It was one more way in which I was able to learn that God is still in control and has not ignored problems, nor left us to our own foolishness (as some Christians like to think.)
This too is a great story. I'm glad you have had such experiences. What great teachers they can be.