Sunday, April 22, 2012

Falling Away

The named is the mother of ten thousand things.
The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth.

–Tao Te Ching

This phrase has been playing in my mind the last several weeks. It is often accompanied by a physical sensation of things falling away from me. When I try to describe it to someone, I find myself using my hands the way you would brush leaves or crumbs off your clothes. My hands start near my chest and move down the sides, flicking out near my hips, as though shaking off the last pieces that might be clinging to my fingertips. My hands instinctively do this while I’m searching for the words, but the only words that come out are “falling away, falling away, falling away.”

What is it that I’m shedding? I think back to when the sensation began. What was happening then?

One thing was that I decided to stop a spiritual study I was doing with someone I like very much. I like talking to people of faith, any faith, which includes everyone if you think about it. Even people who claim to have no faith have faith in its absence. I’m curious about what faith means to people, how faith guides them, how it manifests in their everyday lives. So I enjoyed my discussions with this person. It became clear, however, that we were reaching a point where I was being asked to make a choice, to commit to her view of things, to join her community of faith.

I felt sad about this because, as I had explained to her before, I already have a community of faith I am committed to, and I don’t plan to leave it. I also felt a bit flummoxed because declining her invitation seemed like a rejection of her beliefs. By her definition, it was, although I didn’t see it that way. A spiritual koan.

Another thing that was happening involves my recent interest in learning how to use nunchucks, a martial arts weapon made of two sticks joined by a chain. In the first lessons, the teacher showed me specific techniques, but there came day when he turned me loose, so to speak, to use the techniques in any combination I wanted, and furthermore to experiment with other techniques. I was initially paralyzed by the absence of specific instruction, but once I embraced the concept I found great freedom in letting the nunchucks fly, keeping them in motion without a lot of thinking and planning. When practicing privately, I discovered that closing my eyes and just feeling them in my hands enhanced both my ability and enjoyment.

What could these things have in common and how could they be connected to this sense of falling away? I’m not sure, but I keep going back to that passage from the Tao Te Ching quoted above. As a person who has spent waaaaay too much of my life living in my head, naming I’m sure ten thousand things and more, I’ve come to a place where the naming just doesn’t seem so important anymore. I don’t seem to crave that in-my-head rational clarity the way I used to.

Yes, we understand our world by naming it and explaining it, and communication requires common agreement on the meaning of certain words. But somewhere beyond that, or beneath it or inside it or over the rainbow (see what I mean about words?), all the names fall away.

They...just...fall...away.

Ever desireless, one can see the mystery.
Ever desiring, one can see the manifestations.
And the mystery itself is the doorway to all understanding.

–Tao Te Ching

related posts: Spiritual Simplicity; There is No Them

48 comments:

  1. I don't know what that feeling is either [the falling away]... but I do understand it implicitly. Funny that.

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    1. Jean, I know what you mean, understanding beyond the words. Thanks for commenting.

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  2. Galen from what I've read and in my way of understanding I'm reading that you're now connecting at a different level, you're no longer analyzing everything to death, you're feeling life and living through these feelings. Is this what you're expressing?

    If so, I can relate. I try not to allow the analytical process to interfere with the emotional process too often, sure sometimes it's a must, but other times it's amazing to just feel what is transpiring. We are taught to think, great, but where's the teachings of feeling our emotions and expressing them in a healthy manner? ... just my early morning, procrastinating on writing, thought. :-)

    Have a wonderful week!

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    1. darlin, Analyzing everything to death--boy does that describe the old me! Yes, you expressed what I was trying to say beautifully. Thank you. Are you back home yet? I have to pop over to your blog and see where you are!

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    2. Galen I have 5 more weeks to go, June 1st I'm homeward bound and already I'm thinking of how to get back here! I have to remind myself to stay in the present and enjoy what I have today, never mind yesterday nor tomorrow, just for today love what I am gifted with. :-)

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  3. It is in the letting go, the "falling away", when, I believe, we begin to open up to the great mystery and magnitude that is life in the spirit. I loved the image here of you closing your eyes while practicing with the nunchucks - a perfect metaphor for releasing control.
    Beautiful and inspiring post, Galen!
    Blessings!

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    1. Martha, It is a great feeling when my eyes are closed and I can feel them whirling through the air. I loved the way you described the great mystery and magnitude of life in the spirit. Thanks for your comment.

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  4. What a great post. You must be tapped into my psyche or something. I grew up in a very religious home, and I chose to "leave" the faith. I put quotes around the word leave because my faith of origin will always be a part of me. I love discussions about faith, but I sometimes shy away from such conversations because the names we place on our systems of belief create contention. There is a quote that I love by Mitch Albom. "God sings, we hum along, and there are many melodies, but it's all one song -one same, wonderful human song. I am in love with hope."

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    1. Kim, That's a great quote. I wrote once that I believe all prayers go to the same destination no matter how they are addressed. Thanks for your comment.

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  5. Truly this post goes along with my 'if you can't flee, flow' and the following quote... forget where I got it from. I usually put the source.

    "It is through not understanding, not penetrating four things that we have run so erratically, wandered on so long in this round of existence, both you and I.

    What are the four?

    Goodness, concentration, wisdom, and liberation.

    When these four things are understood and penetrated, craving for superficial existence is rooted out and that which leads to continued return to the same conditions is ended.

    There is no more constant journeying."

    This is my quest.... or not... loved this post and understand your dismay with your friend. I don't understand how anyone can believe they 'know'... but I face it all the time...

    nanchucks? Haaaa... power

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    1. Carolyn, Thank you so much for that profound inspiration. No more constant journeying. I get that. I said awhile back that I don't want to be a seeker; I want to be a finder! Thanks for commenting.

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  6. I've been experiencing that falling away feeling too, by letting many things go, but other things enter! For me it's a good thing, like less is more. I've dropped material objects and inner-head-thoughts that don't have any point. When I meet friends for lunch, it's not about the latest purse or designer I'm advertising but more about how much fun it is to laugh with them again, or maybe how did they make this delicious dessert!

    I called an old co-worker that I hadn't spoken to in many years. The great thing about that call is he's a man, so we spoke mostly of our past working together, the people there and fond memories. It wasn't about how big is your house? What do you drive? How many kids and where did they go to college and have you been to Europe or etc! That's what I call friends catching up!

    As for religion or politics, I'd rather not approach that subject as a rule. But rather just enjoy the person sitting before me. Perhaps that's why so often I'm more comfortable with children rather than adults. They see the red rose with sharp thorns and soft petals while need I say many grown-ups say, what rose? I'm happy I caught your post! Enjoy what's left of your weekend!

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    1. Karen, Thanks for your thoughtful reply. This "falling away" concept can mean different things for different people. I'm so glad you called your former co-worker. Sounds like you both truly appreciated reconnecting. As for the religion or politics, I don't mind talking about these things. I'm curious about what people think and believe. It's only a problem when there is an attitude of my way is the only way. Can't have much of a respectful give and take then. I did enjoy the rest of the beautiful day today. Thanks!

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  7. This is an interesting post. But I think you must be doing great if you can master nunchucks. I used to be afraid that I would bop myself with them. Now, I wouldn't touch them with a ten-ft pole. I use pepper spray. Ha

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    1. Manzanita, I'm a long long way from mastery. And yes, I do clunk myself with them occasionally. Thank goodness I use training ones that have padding on them! As for self defense, I don't usually carry them around, so pepper spray is a much better bet! Thanks for commenting.

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  8. As always deep and making me look within, Galen Pearl. I imagine you with your eyes closed and those nanchucks flying in the wind...letting go, trusting the forces of Nature, confident that they will not hurt you (or anyone else), free to be You.
    As I reflected on your writing I wanted a lot of things to fall away from me too - old ways of thinking, old prejudices and notions, hurt and anger that I'm holding on to. Falling away..I'm so ready!

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    1. Corinne, As I said to Manzanita, I do occasionally hit myself, but I'm far enough away from anyone else to do any damage. I'm so glad that falling away is a meaningful image for you. Thanks for your comment.

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  9. From a young age I never seem to understand the reason for so many religions and "tittles" in the world. We need to stop ALLOWING things like religion from separating us from one another! Nature clearly teaches us that we are all one, that we need one another and we are all the same.
    Love one another, respect one another, be kind, patient and understanding- that is what humanity is all about.

    Great post!!

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    1. Daisy, Well said! I like your emphasis on the allowing part. So true. Thanks for commenting.

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  10. Galen,
    I too have spent most of my life "naming" things. I think as a writer it's part of my nature. How can we express an idea without naming it?

    It sounds to me as if somewhere inside there is a "balancing" taking place within your soul. I like the idea of your working with the nanchucks too. It must be all connected to your "being in your body" more and not your head so much anymore.

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    1. Angela, Until we can all communicate telepathically, we will need language to communicate, and by its nature, language requires using names and labels. I think you hit on the key here--balance. We can use our communication, imperfect as it is, to reach across the perceived separation between us, to connect, to open up, to understand. Or we can use it to divide, to lock ourselves in, to defend. And you are right. Martial arts, and nunchucks in particular, are drawing me out of my head! Thanks for your comment.

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  11. Hello My Friend Galen,

    It's the mystery of not knowing and knowing at the same time - the desire to apprehend. It's like sailing on the open waters which I am currently doing. I feel the wind and we must know the wind but the wind has the heart of the wind.

    I state that my religion is LOVE, LOVE and more LOVE - wouldn't it be a nice place where people don't get so caught up in their religion and allow others to their own thoughts on FAITH and at the same time being open to listening. For when the student is ready the teacher will appear.

    I love the way you think Galen! Thinking with my heart,
    Nancy

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    1. Hello my friend Nancy! I love your comment greetings! What a great comparison to sailing, and how nice that that is what you're doing now. Where are you?

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  12. "Falling away" is a concept I know well. Some things can't be understood, we just have to move with life's flow and keep faith.
    I too am curious about the different faiths thought I don't identify with any of them. I felt trapped trying to find my place, when I decided to let go, doubts will come and go, but God and love are always in my heart, this way I feel at peace.
    Take care Galen Pearl.

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    1. Marie, I think it's really very simple, just as you describe, and we all keep trying to make it complicated. Thanks for your comment.

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  13. Galen,
    When the feeling of falling away comes over me, I see it as a way of simplifying my life. I certainly know how to be busy but often I just need to let some of those things that I thought were so important at the time go. My job then is to stick to my priorities and not let the little distractions bog me down. I relate to what you are feeling.

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    1. Carole, Simplifying. Yes, that is the word. I keep thinking it's so simple, like I said to Marie. When all the excess falls away, we'll all be so surprised by how simple it all is. Good reminder to focus on priorities--I needed that today! Thanks for commenting.

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  14. This is an old saying from somewhere, but our minister used it last week and I loved it: "We are not human doings, we are human BEINGS." His point was we can over schedule, over-study, over think our lives and miss out on the joy of just being present in God's world...right now. I certainly have been guilty of parsing something to death.

    Thanks for the info on nunchucks. I will stand back a respectful distance when we meet.

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    1. Bob, I love that! Not human doings--that sounds so obvious, but we usually overlook it. Good idea to stand back. I'm not that good with the nunchucks yet and they occasionally fly out of my hands! Thanks for your comment.

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  15. Hi Galen,

    I would say that the brushing way of things is releasing them and you understand that it is time to move on. Kind of like a snake sheading his skin. This may be happening now because spring is a great time to come alive. Everything is in bloom and new.

    As we age we do gain wisdom when we choose to grab a hold of it. When this happens we know that we have to let go of the past.

    I say go with it, God is telling you it is time for the new you.

    Very nice and refreshing post.
    Thank you for sharing and Blessings to you,
    Debbie

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    1. Debbie, A snake shedding its skin. That is a great image and very much what this feels like. And yes, the spring weather we are having right now certainly enhances that sap rising/new life feeling. Thanks for your kind words.

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  16. Letting go is freeing. Sometimes holding on can hinder your growth. I too over analyze everything, and need to learn to just go with the flow sometimes.

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    1. Alecia, I do much better with this than I used to, so there is hope for all of us! Thanks for commenting.

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  17. I think you may be right about all these happenings being connected. The shedding away is manifesting in you trying to brush off invisible things. It is so important to remove the clutter in our lives, things that dont matter should be indeed brushed away. Love your style of expressing. It is a pleasure Galen.

    My new poem

    http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.in/2012/04/dusk.html

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    1. Rimly, Thanks for the kind words. High praise from a poet!

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  18. I find there are very few people who are just happy to discuss religion or poitics...they want to CONVERT! They are not really even hearing anything you say. p.s...loved your last post about your dog!

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    1. I know. I had a wonderful conversation with a friend who is a devout Muslim. At one point, I said something like, "I mean no disrespect and I'm not trying to change your mind. I'm just trying to explain how I see these things." He quickly replied, "Well, let me be clear. I AM trying to change your mind!" He said it in a funny way and we both laughed. He meant it, of course, but even so we were able to talk in a friendly and open way, so our conversation continued and we both enjoyed it. Glad you liked the dog post. Thanks for your comment.

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  19. Hi Galen,

    It sounds like you are on your way to becoming an expert in nunchucks haha! I am no practitioner of martial arts but I have read enough to know that after you have learned what you need to, you have to let go and go with the flow, trusting in your body and instincts to react appropriately to the situation. Kinda like Musashi the famous swordsman and how he learned his martial arts, through direct experience.

    It is a pity you had to stop your spiritual sessions with your friend. I know what it feels like to have an enjoyable conversation about faith, to try to see the world through the eyes and faith of another person. But when it becomes a matter who which faith is right or wrong, then the conversation and exchange ceases.

    If only we all embraced each other regardless of faith, what a different world this would be.

    Thank you for sharing this lovely article!

    Irving the Vizier

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    1. Irving, No expert here, that's for sure. Just having fun. Your description of my spiritual discussions was right on target. That's exactly what happened. And your observation about embracing each other regardless of faith would change the world indeed. Thanks for your comment.

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  20. Galen, this is beautiful! I can relate: you are respecting her beliefs even though you are comfortable where you are. I can feel it. It is all about inclusion, but some people still think in a dualistic mind of that there is an us and a them. Thankfully you see outside of this. Maybe the illusions of separation are what you are sloughing off! In all their forms and there are many!
    Love,
    Jodi

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    1. Jodi, You explained this beautifully--the difference between an attitude of inclusion and an attitude of us/them. Thanks for your comment.

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  21. Freedom is a good thing, dear Galen. I see falling away as letting go and feeling stronger. Do you find it strange that I knew exactly what you were talking about? Hugs to you! You've expressed it so spontaneously.

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    1. Vidya, No I don't find it strange at all. I think for two people who come from two such different places and lead such different lives, we are often on the same wavelength. Thanks for your comment.

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  22. Thanks today for an insightful post. I marvel at the path you are on; and I like so much of your thinking and spiritual thoughts. I have great faith in there is a path for all of us to follow and bringing our well to God's well for us is part of that plan. I always find your posts a learning experience. Good thoughts for this day and blessings to you!

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    1. LeAnn, I especially appreciate your comment because it confirms for me that people in different faith communities can be open to each other. I always love what you have to say about faith on your blog. Thanks for your comment.

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  23. I saw the title of this Blog Post in your comment on http://healnowandforever.net/, and I am very happy I followed "the call" and joined your Blog. This happens to me too, when I feel attacked by negativity, when someone hurts me with words, I shake my head, yes like a dog would do. I shake my head to throw those ideas away.I do it instinctively, without thinking, then I laugh at myself.
    "Even people who claim to have no faith have faith in its absence" I love this!!! Thank you

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    1. Nikky, Thanks for stopping by! I'm so glad you followed your instincts. Your image of shaking off negativity is very much like my idea of falling away. Thanks for commenting.

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  24. Galen...

    I too am a single mom... marvelous blog and marvelous post! I'm eager to read more about you and your insights :)

    I have a very hard time with any having the my way or the highway attitude... that happens often when I am from and in my culture... and it is really hard to deal with... but I've learned to hold my head high and maintain my dignity no matter how much my opinions and beliefs differ from someone elses. I want to learn and grow from others, not convert or attack.

    Thanks for sharing this!

    Eager for more!

    jacy

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