"The unexamined life is not worth living."Something that has been on my mind a lot lately - how much (meaning how often, not how highly) are we really to think about ourselves? I mean, I know what Socrates meant; if we are simply drones moving through life without thinking and reflecting, there is no point. Yet, what if examining our lives becomes the point? That seems infinitely worse. I'm certain that a life constantly reflected upon becomes terrifyingly paralyzing.
- Socrates, right?
Why these thoughts lately?
#1 - Foster. Of course, his Prayer book is what first got me contemplating this delicate balance. The first section of his book is dedicated to the "movement inward." And the other day I read his chapter on the Prayer of Examen. I finished the chapter acutely aware of the tension we live in to examen our lives and yet not be narcissistic.
#2 - An entry in a friend's blog. The prayer, "God, distract me from myself" is a profound one that resonates with us all. It's so important not to simply swim in our own thoughts. Sometimes I think that the e-mail, facebook, and yes, even blogs of this society are the biggest culprits that cause us to think about ourselves more than we need to - perhaps more than is healthy.
#3 - The topic at the INN was submission. Submitting to one another - getting underneath each other to lift each other up - is the key to strong relationships. My thought on the way home: "As long as we're thinking about ourselves, we can't submit."
#4 - As I've said and insinuated above, my biggest fear with this blog is that it will cause me to put myself at the center of my life. Recently, I would say I've erred in the other direction - not taking time to reflect. That was a motivating factor to start writing. I certainly want to be cautious of the dangers of too much self-reflection.
I've heard Ryan suggest many times to people who find themselves feeling down to "do something nice for someone else." It's not so profound, really. Basically, "Stop thinking about yourself" or, in the words of the prayer above, allow God to "distract you from yourself."
Where is the balance? I think Foster's words are wise in this. When we move inward, when we search our inner thoughts, we must invite the Lord on the journey. God dwells in us, so self-reflection can lead us to the truth and genuine self-knowledge of who we are and our place in serving our community. It's no coincidence that Jesus put these two side-by-side right after encouraging us to love God: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Don't ignore yourself and try to love your neighbor, but don't turn completely inward, endlessly dissecting your own thoughts.
If only it were as easy to do as it is to say.
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1 comment:
Riggers-- You always have such deep and personal reflections. I enjoy reading your blog because I can get to know you better. You're not on stage or leading a group... you're just being you and putting yourself out there. I appreciate that.
With all those "you"s I just typed I wanted to say that I think you can have a personal blog without being self-center or narcissistic. I write my blog about Luke and I not to focus on our "oh so amazing daily lives" but to share ourselves with others. With our family that live far away and don't see us often, and with our friends that don't even live far away, but often do not find times to connect. It's a way for me so share what God's doing in our lives--the miseries and the joys.
I agree with you, there are so many things in our society and culture today and drive us to ourselves. I think your thought "As long as we are thinking about ourselves, we can submit" is a good one and one to meditate on. Ryan is right, stop thinking about ourselves and think about others. As you noted, our lives are a delicate balance and Jesus wanted it that way when he said to love your neighbor like yourselves.
I want to encourage you in your blogging, if nothing else then for my own selfish reasons--I like reading your blog. You have profound things are share with others and I want to pick your brain and learn of your experiences , your joys and pains. Please do not deprive me of you! :-)
Two quick side notes:
I love the way you write! Favorite line for no particular reason other than I really liked the way you worded it: "Foster. Of course, his Prayer book is what first got me contemplating this delicate balance."
I also read Annie's blog often--she is so open about her struggles and fears. It makes for a very interesting and personal read. I feel like I know her, even though I've only interacted with her in person a hand full times.
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