Years ago, while watching the movie African Queen with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, a line in the movie struck me like a lightning bolt. Bogart justified his behavior by saying it was his nature. Hepburn’s character responded: “Nature… is what we are put in this world to rise above.”
A fundamental understanding of the implications of that quote could transform society’s perspective on human behavior, psychotherapy, allopathic medicine, and spiritual development…
I may start a series of ‘What I find funny’ blogs: sayings or situations that make me chuckle, smile, or even laugh out loud.
Some of you may remember the time I took a wrong turn, and ended up outside New York City, in a pretty rough, spooky, and dangerous ghetto area. When I stopped at a gas station to ask how to get to my Manhattan destination, the attendant responded by saying, “You can’t get there from here.” I immediately burst out laughing.
Well, someone just sent a response to one of my emails that made me laugh with sort of a similar response, when it said, “I’ll let you know when I get here.”
“When I get here” is funny. Firstly, just on face value: If you’re ‘HERE’, you’re already ‘THERE.’ Right? But it is also funny in a profound sort of way. We are all already ‘HERE’ (or is it ‘THERE’?). We just don’t know it, which is why we are not already ‘HERE’ (nor ‘THERE’). But I guess ‘THAT’ is neither here nor there… or is it neither ‘HERE’ nor ‘THERE’?
We have begun broadcasting live on YouTube. Initially, it was done only for the Advanced Techniques Course follow-ups. However, it has been so enjoyable that we are also going to be doing broadcasts for everyone. The first broadcast for everyone will be this Saturday, September 30th at 11:30am EDT. It will be the final gathering of this year’s Mother Divine Retreat at Mount Soma. You will be able to watch the recording after the live showing, so no need to be concerned if you are busy at the time of the live broadcast.
If you are watching live, you can email in questions to doug@mountsoma.org. If you have your own YouTube channel set up (instructions here), you may also use the chat feature to ask questions.
The format will, as usual, be freeform. Among other things, the question of how to attain clarity in the complexities of life will be discussed. Enjoy!
"Take the time to reflect on what is said here. If you find yourself associating this material with things you have heard elsewhere, please take the time to diligently explore how they are different. This knowledge is elusive. I share it here because I have seen how much this knowledge helps people – the potential is enormous." – Michael Mamas
"True knowledge slips through the fingers of those not willing to ponder…" – Michael Mamas
"Take what I say and work with it to develop a deeper understanding of life, rather than taking what I say and forcing it into the mold of your current relationship with life." – Michael Mamas
"Evolution means change." – Michael Mamas
"Your disposition is the tone with which you hold yourself, your cells, your psyche, your beliefs. More than anything else, it determines your life." – Michael Mamas
Years ago, while watching the movie African Queen with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, a line in the movie struck me like a lightning bolt. Bogart justified his behavior by saying it was his nature. Hepburn’s character responded: “Nature… is what we are put in this world to rise above.”
I may start a series of ‘What I find funny’ blogs: sayings or situations that make me chuckle, smile, or even laugh out loud.
