michal's musings

The idea of brotherhood has been important to me since high school.  Yes, there were moments in my life when I thought or desired to be more than others and to have influence on them and control different situations.  But, I did learn these things are not important.  They make people’s lives very lonely.  What important in life is to be connected with people and enjoy people and be one of them.  Then you are not alone.  

  Where do you stand on...?  What the heck he is talking about?  This is how my face look like when I listen to him.  This is the first time I am writing this but I am very confused by the pope.  His language of expressing himself is unclear to me.  In his talk he is not clear about his position on some life disputes.  For me that would include issues like gay, family, and contraception. Yes, I am more progressive on these issues however, I expect from the leader to be clearer where he stands on them.  Talking on both sides is making all unhappy.    

St. John of God became one of my resent heroes.  He was born on March 8, 1495 and died on March 8, 1550.  He lived 55 years.  What did he do? He was a shepherd, a soldier, a bookmaker, and finally a founder of a religious order called right now – the Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God.  His spiritual director was St. John of Avila.  One of his sayings was:  "Labor without stopping. Do all the good works you can while you still have the time." Also, he was interesting and taught to follow our own heart even when it is unconventional. His brothers are involved with the sick and the poor on all levels of life and they believe in the holistic medicine.  In Poland the brothers study the use of herbs for the medical purpose.    So, why do I like John of God? For his openness to go after our heart and not being afraid to give much to the world and not worry too much about what other people think or do.  This is the way to become a saint! 

The State of the Union of President Obama was a great speech.  I like him a lot.  He is a good president.  He wants us to talk with each other.  He believes there is "no conservative or liberal America but the United States of America." Obama is a brave person.  I don't always agree with him but he is my president and I can say: may the blessings be upon our president.  If our president is good our nation will get better. We need to support our president. we need to support Democratic or Republican president.  Why? Because there is only one president of the United States.     Good Luck Mr. President!     

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVnUQqdqyjo Any organized religion has to liberate itself from any limitations on expressing faith and devotion. If religion wants to be relevant to the people, religion has to use the things that make people who they are and use them for the greater glory of the Higher Reality. This is the Christian Heavy Metal music. I hope we can enjoy it!!!

This picture says a lot.  It is a meeting between Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians on Jan. 13, 2015.  It is possible for us to come together as children of this planet. This is my religion; the religion of peace, compassion, communication, incarnation, and unity between god and humanity (person of Jesus Christ).    

I started to use a “Happy Light.” I bought it last Saturday.  I did think about it for some time and I decided to get one for myself.  I don’t know if this is psychological suggestion or the lamp but, I do feel much better.  I feel like I have more energy.  There is no sun outside at all and I feel it.  Yes, I do get winter blues.  Winter is a difficult time for me.  That is why I need to look for the ways to help me to go through this time.  I also listen to a relaxing music and I try to do things for myself and push myself to do things outside of the regular daily routine.    

In 1940 in Warsaw Witold Pilecki allowed himself to be arrested so that he could go to Auschwitz as a prisoner and write a report about the crimes that had been taking place there.  He is a hero.  Now, how many people would allow themselves to do this?  He was not sure he would be able to leave that place alive.  But, in himself he felt like he had to do something.  His desire was to end the places like Auschwitz.  Sometimes we end the existence of places by going there physically.    The world has had great heroes and Pilecki is one of them.       

Snow in Chicago This is not the first time that we have snow and cold weather in Chicago.  And yet, each year it looks like we are surprised there is winter in this part of the world. We like to complain about it.  It is time to accept that winter is part of Chicago.  Winter is connected with snow, wind, cold temperature, problems with pipes, cars etc.  When we accept this truth, it will be easier for us to live in this city.  Also, when summer comes, let us not be surprised we have high temperatures; high humidity, we need to use AC, and change cloths because we sweat. If we accept this truth, it will be easier for us to love in this city.  Let us enjoy the different weathers in Chicago.