Sacred Mythology

July 22, 2008

How we love to tell stories. Before there was the written were, there was the spoken word. And after the written word, the spoken word in the form of stories ruled the day. We’re still telling stories but they have become far more nuanced and subtle. The metaphors are more difficult to discern. Are you aware of the degree to “story telling” that’s going on in your life?

One of the best things that can come out of story telling, if you understand the concept rightly, is that you no longer have to take an offense ever again. You no longer have to take anything personally. let me explain.

I have some clues about me. After all, I’ve lived with me more than anyone else. But surely you know that I can from time to time be deceived about something in relation to me. The one who knows me very well, is my wife. In fact, I am sure that there are areas wherein she knows me better than I myself. But, the story that I tell myself about me differs from the story that someone else has about me.

They don’t know my story as I see it, they just know my story from where they stand so we should I be upset if their story differs from my story. It’s a given.

And the same thing happens with all religions.

All religions create beautiful and sacred mythology. Buddhists have their community of believers and their stories about mankind differ from that of Islamic believers. And everyone distorts the truth. Everyone! My point of view comes from my point viewed. My worldview is my world viewed. To comprehend such is to let it go, set people free, and allow yourself to be free as well.

Remember this as well. The stories that we tell ourselves about ourselves changes. Sometime the change is revolutionary and sometimes it takes decades to see the change(s). Regardless, be gentle and reverent with others and their stories. It’s theirs and we want them to respect ours as well. Don’t we?

Written by Ernie · Filed Under Daily Commentary