Your series is resonating with this old horse on the other side of the universe. It is truly refreshing amidst all the slop on this platform, wow. I suspect you're breaking up new ground here that might create a whole new awareness about our spirituality, the meaning of life, who knows?
. . . it seems that the “Gate to Freedom" is found by stepping entirely outside the constraints of utilitarian tasks.
It appears that genuine leisure allows humans to connect with deeper, transcendent elements of life—such as art, philosophy, celebration, and worship—which keeps us fully human.
Personal artistic activities, done in our leisure, may bring us closer to God than going to church regularly.
I found this article during a 30 day social media fast during which I’ve been doing a lot of deep reading, writing, and sitting outside thinking. And what has it led to? The exact form of leisure described here and has been restorative in exactly the ways I had hoped. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Remember the idol: Comfort, soft but blind,
that asks no price and slowly steals the soul;
promising ease while leaving self behind,
numbing the aches that make our spirits whole.
Remember the vice that wears the mildest face—
acedia’s sorrow at the goads of pain;
complacency that lets adventure fade,
as we trade our worries for its chains.
Remember the Lord, who embraced suff'ring's crown,
refusing easy bread for better food;
And for joy’s sake, swallow'd sin and death down—
He chose the path of sorrows, for our good.
Here it is in the Odyssey: https://andrewsawyer.substack.com/p/the-way-home-part-3-the-cicones-and
Thank you for another fascinating read that broadens my understanding! Really appreciate your work.
Of course! Thank you for reading Selma!
Dear Sean,
Your series is resonating with this old horse on the other side of the universe. It is truly refreshing amidst all the slop on this platform, wow. I suspect you're breaking up new ground here that might create a whole new awareness about our spirituality, the meaning of life, who knows?
Don't give up!
Sincerely,
A Horseman in Shangri-La
Thank you my friend! I’m glad this resonated with you 🙏
. . . it seems that the “Gate to Freedom" is found by stepping entirely outside the constraints of utilitarian tasks.
It appears that genuine leisure allows humans to connect with deeper, transcendent elements of life—such as art, philosophy, celebration, and worship—which keeps us fully human.
Personal artistic activities, done in our leisure, may bring us closer to God than going to church regularly.
This is very well said 🙏
Interesting article!
Thank you!
Loved this essay! It touches on several subtle but deep truths that are rarely if ever discussed in Church or thought about in daily life.
Bravo! 👏👏🙏🙏
I found this article during a 30 day social media fast during which I’ve been doing a lot of deep reading, writing, and sitting outside thinking. And what has it led to? The exact form of leisure described here and has been restorative in exactly the ways I had hoped. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!