Tag Archives: Philosophy

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Etre – Slaying Your Dragon

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More art from Sir Thomas Mallory's King Arthur.

 Etre – Slaying Your Dragon or

Notes from the Round Table, Part 1

Invariably I find myself seeing, interpreting and casting things in epic proportions. Chalk it up to growing up raiding the shelves of the Limestone Elementary School Library from ages 8-12.

The subject of choice?

Arthurian legends were by far the most fascinating subject for me – no doubt a natural progression from growing up on the classic fairy tales – you know the ones – where the 3 little pigs actually cooked the wolf and ate it and then danced around!

St. George slaying the dragon. Another look.Sir Thomas Mallory’s tales had all of the good stuff – legends, chivalry, romance, good, evil, quests, good deeds, magic, treachery, drama, misdeeds, redemption, courage, honor, jousts – well you get the idea.

So being a longtime writer I am often surprised at what spills out onto the pages of the trusty journal. Rather than crafting and molding it – I often find it more interesting to just let it pour out.

St. George slaying the dragon. A third look.

Last night’s entry:

Etre

Of the many things we could be
In life we must choose paths,
We must learn how to live
And learn why we live
We must weigh wisdom and history
And live a life examined
In order to wring the most of our gifts
And avoid being consumed by our appetites

Each rise and fall –
If we’re lucky we learn
From the cavalier, from the
Heartbroken sot, the genius,
The fool, the fearless, the
Helpless, the hedonist, the
Sinner clinging to prayer,
The lover, the fighter
We must learn from the
Many facets of ourselves.

Of the many forms of success
That we attain – perhaps the
Most painful and most rewarding
Is that of personal growth –
To be more than we ever thought
We could be, to push ourselves
To new heights and be
Good enough to help others
Do the same. For nowhere
Would we be if not for the
Lovingkindness of others.

Helping others in our journeys
Is really also a gift of peace
That we give ourselves.

So light the light, forge ahead,
Shine the light, show the way,
Help the wayward, as we were
Helped ourselves. Be joyous,
Have peace, swing the sword
And slay the dragon.

Peace.

Joe Wooldridge
Saturday, June 7th, 2014 7:03am

More art from Sir Thomas Mallory's King Arthur.

 Okay, so what does the featured image have to do with slaying dragons? Well, that’s Vanessa Redgrave as Guinevere and Franco Nero as Sir Lancelot du Lac in the movie “Camelot”. I mean, hey – a man’s got to have some inspiration!

Pick up that lance, hop on that horse and go slay that dragon!

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An Attitude of Gratitude

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Dear Reader, From wherever my sister Laurel learned about the “Attitude of Gratitude”, I have to share some of the wisdom.

No matter that the economy is down, or things are tough, or you had a bad day. Our problems are largely not that we have it so bad – but that our perspective is skewed.

This never fails to help me smile and be more grateful for all that I have been blessed with. But seriously, start thinking of all of the great things that the Lord gave you. There are plenty. Write them down. List them. Start with your health.

Had a bad day? Need to put your mind at ease so that you can rest? Try a Gratitude Journal (thank you Laurel, again). Its easy. Just write down at least five things that you are grateful for at the end of the day as you are going to bed. It could be anything!

For instance:

  1. I’m grateful that I made it home safe today.
  2. I’m grateful that I had something to eat today.
  3. I’m grateful that this day is OVER.
  4. I’m grateful for the ability to help others.
  5. I’m grateful to have a roof over my head as I lay down to sleep.

Chances are, if you are able to read this blog post, then you have at least five things that you can list in a Gratitude Journal.

Give it a try!  It has helped me many times.

Peace out.

Joe

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