| Anne Williamson |
Have you heard of Jimmy Fallon's "Do Not Read" list? In this "bit," he humorously draws our attention to books we seemingly would not want to read because they're obviously too boring or off-putting. The problem is I've wanted to read a few - not "The Complete Book of Exercise Walking" or "The Joy of Uncircumcising," but admittedly, I was somewhat curious about "The Natural History of Vacant Lots." I don't know, maybe it's the dormant urban planner in me or environmentalist. It doesn't really matter; the point is, it's a problem. It's why I have 6 partially read books and another handful of magazines on my nightstand at all times. My curiosity runneth over!
Curiosity may not lead to magazine-ready bedsides, but in my opinion, it does lead to the best kind of life. When we wonder silently and aloud, ask our questions, read, study, discuss - especially with a range of voices - our life, and the stories that help shape it, become informed not just by our own listening but by a communal w/Wisdom. When we ask questions, we open our lives, our stories, up to a g/God/Universe who is still "speaking," still "for us," still trying to help us draw out the best possible good in any situation.
This is not to paint a picture that a curious life is easy; rather, having our beliefs drawn into question, our stories unraveled, is anything but. It is honest, though, and thus ultimately truer, more rich, free, peaceful. It is also wise. In fact, in the Jewish and Christian religions, this kind of curious posture toward life is called the Wisdom Tradition.
This week, in groups, we'll use this tradition to explore how we can best unearth our old stories in order to reshape them in life-giving ways or release them all together. Join the conversation any time.