What are the absolutes of life? Some say there are none. Absolutely, no absolutes!
I am building my life on the assumption that there are absolutes. Yes, it is a presupposition on my part, but we all presuppose a basis of belief. We like to think we are open minded and malleable, that we are intelligent and self-determined. But we do have a basis of belief and it is built on something.
I have also come to the conclusion that our behavior is a mirror reflection of our beliefs. But our beliefs can be quite a collection of conflicting values, facts and deductions. I still hold to the maxim that we “do what we believe.”
As I continue to muse on the stark phrase, “We do what we believe,” I am immediately drawn to the question then, “What do I really believe?” I incessantly grasp for a greater understanding of my own belief system in such a way as to move toward a centered life.
In “A Testament of Devotion”, by Thomas Kelly, he writes;
“We feel honestly the pull of many obligations and try to fulfill them all. And we are unhappy, uneasy, strained, oppressed, and fearful we shall be shallow. We have hints that there is a way of life vastly richer and deeper than all this hurried existence, a life of unhurried serenity and peace and power. If only we could slip over into that Center!.
We have seen and known some people who have found this deep center of living, where the fretful calls of life are integrated, where No as well as Yes can be said with confidence.”I have come to the conclusion that until we determine what we believe, we will be conflicted about our values and therefore not really understand what moves us or how to “slip over into that center.”
Have you ever asked yourself the question: “Why did I do that?” Questioning your own assumptions and motivations? I suggest the conclusion that what motivates us and leverages our choices comes from our absolutes and the weaker ripples of our belief system. Our actions then or our behavior reflects our belief system. Therefore, the building of a proper belief system is key to a centered life.
I contend that there is a truth, a belief system that is based on absolutes. Such a belief system allows us to settle into that centered life. We must begin with a core, our absolutes.
I intend on pulling the layers of our belief system apart to reveal what we really believe. My purpose is to expose any errant or misguided basis of belief and pursue that which leads to a centered life.
Until then,
jc