Ruminations from the Temple

written by Charles Foltz Since both Liz and I have been addressed in the exchanges here, I think I should make my own comments regarding the meme in question. I've reread it several times and come away with the opinion that it is a valid question, especially now at this time of remembering the sacrifices of service people. The meme deals with the nation as a whole, not the limited acts of organizations or individuals who are genuine and concerned with others suffering. There are numbers of wonderful feeling people in our nation, but they are often overshadowed by the policies and actions of government that lead us all into representing a much darker picture than we are willing to own up to. Over time, we have created a romantic image of our nation that is not very accurate as to our conduct. This romantic image has been created and reinforced by numerous institutions (schools, churches, veterans groups, etc.) so we can view ourselves as acceptable no matter how distastefu...

This is a guest post from my companion, whom I couldn't be more honored to share life with. A former member of the LDS Church, he has sent this letter to the current president and prophet, Thomas Monson. The journey continues.. . President Monson, I have chosen Mother’s Day to write to you, because it highlights my concern over the existence of patriarchy within the structure of the church. While my life was very enhanced from joining the church in my fourteenth year, serving an honorable mission and marrying within the temple, with an increase of study from “all the good books” and scholarly study in the birthplace of all Christian religion, the recent published position of the church hierarchy has caused me, and apparently many others, to wonder about the true ‘inspiration’ that created the LDS church. My testimony was definitely from my own mystical experience and I bore it many times to convince others to consider our version of the ‘truth’ about an eternal plan a...

When I was a child, I had a large mirror attached to my closet door in my bedroom. Since I spent a lot of time in my bedroom (obvious introvert), I apparently spent a lot of time looking at myself. Well, that is what I was told anyway. My parents decided to take the mirror out of my room, stating that they didn’t want me to be vain about my appearance. I have considered this my whole life…was I vain? Was my reflection an object of curiosity? Was I trying to develop a self-image? Since I was very small, the questions remain. Self-image is an interesting thing. For myself, the image I see in my mind’s eye seems to stay at right about age 20 – energetic, rather fearless, and ready to take on the world. I most certainly am not that person, but somehow that is who I expect to see in selfies. In my view, how we see ourselves is directly related to the reflection we see through others. How people react to me, or how they might describe me, becomes my reality and identity. Besides the ...

What is good? …that which has merit, is desirable, or pleasing? Who wants to be good, to have value? As a mostly-perfectionist, I want to be good. I am not sure why, I just have a drive to be good – good as this elusive, nebulous judgment that just cannot be nailed down. I want to be a good student. And by good, I mean to get the best marks every time – not just because, but because I put forth the effort required for high marks. I want to be a good friend. The type of friend that gives comfort, refreshment, and support. I want to be a good daughter, and always make my parents proud. I want to be a good mother, loving and supporting my children as they strive for value. I want to be good partner, meshing into the mythical oneness that is the pinnacle of human experience. I am constantly striving for good…for the good. In my appearance, I want to look as good as I possibly can. In my home, I want it to be as good as we can afford – as comfortable, tidy, and w...

I am an HSP, a highly sensitive person. I am also what is called an empath. This is my experience. I take on these labels readily because it helps me understand my self and explains why I react in certain ways. I don't expect other sensitives or empaths to share my experience, and I don't consider myself an expert, other than through my own experience - this is the story of a subject-set of one . This is also my response to the many online articles and self-tests that may or may not determine whether one is highly sensitive or empathic. It has become rather vogue or faddish, it would seem, to label oneself these things. I understand - we are all in search of self-identity and self-awareness. You may see yourself in my description and experiences, perhaps not. It is my hope that my personal experience of 50 years will shed some light on the life of a sensitive-empath. Disclaimer: I am not a psychologist, nor a scholar on this subject matter. I encourage all to do th...

J-Term finished for junior year - check. And, what did I learn from 4 weeks of immersion-style study of the Tudor period of England's history? Well, that Henry VII is by far my favorite monarch of that period, and that Elizabeth I had many similarities to her great-grandfather. I actually enjoyed learning about England in that most pivotal time that bridges the medieval ages and the early modern period leading into the industrial age. Fascinating. Oh, and reading Hamlet (again) wasn't too shabby, either. So now I am on break - a week to relax at the beach house - prior to crankin' it up again for spring term. Unfortunately, I have never fully figured out how to do that relax-thing. I guess what I need most is solitude and a time to reflect on what I have learned and try to sort out what I see happening around me. And good music. I always need good music. This year I have learned that there are natural hazards that are eventually gonna happen, like earthquakes, ts...

Indulge in a deep breath in. Then, let it out. Think before you speak. Breathe in the wisdom of the ages, the life-giving compassion from the deep well of oneness.   Breathe out your pride, anger and selfishness. Breathe. Breathe in beauty and peace. Breathe in the relationships of love and care. Breathe out gossip and malicious judgement. Breathe in all that is good, right and lovely – that which protects and provides. Breathe out greed, jealousy and hatred. Breathe in the rich heritage of life and history. Breathe out violence, hurt and fear. Yes, you can do it...just breathe. Breathe in contentedness. Let go of the desire for things and unhealthy attachment. Breathe it away in a sigh. Breathe in the calm presence of the moment, and let go of meaningless agendas, expectations, and motives. Breathe in the life energy that flows in and around you – fill every cell with gratitude, awareness, and acceptance. Just breathe.