Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24 NASB)

Living differently... what does this mean? Deny my self? How is that even possible? These questions and thousands more like it, fascinate me everyday. I was told once that prayer is the method for talking to God. Meditation is listening for Her answers.

Avoiding labels (which presumes one would know anything about a particular subject once a name is applied) while acting as a detective in this life, a new-found humility may overcome a once arrogant, or more aptly, an ignorant nature.

Ignorance is rooted in labels. While I practice many of the teachings of Buddhism in my daily affairs, I'm not a Buddhist. I was baptized, attended a United Church of Christ and cherish many of the teachings of Jesus, I do not refer to myself as a Christian.

If I call mySELF a runner and everything in my life is centered around the activity of running (marathons, jogging, etc.), what happens if I lose the use of my legs? Am I less a person or has my concept of self merely diminished? So does the self really exist? Is Jesus telling us through the writings of Matthew, "deny thy self," because it doesn't exist anyway!?

"Teach the child the name of that bird and the child will never see the bird again." -Jiddu Krishnamurti

Labels lead to judgments and a false sense of knowledge regarding a particular subject. Perhaps we might all become like scientists in this life- remaining open to infinite possibilities, removing opinions and  ignoring our past conditioning. Could this add a freshness to an otherwise dull or monotonous life? Is it possible to wake each day truly in awe that we are alive?

"Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it."

-Mary Oliver

Today I will try and use the phrase "I don't know," as often as possible. Coupled with the statement "anything is possible," I leave the safety of my domain and enter the world anew. Or at least I'll deny the urge to have cold pizza for breakfast this morning as one exercise in keeping things fresh!

Grace and blessings on your path,

Carl

PS- I'm sure I won't be posting every day. I don't want this writing to feel forced. I want it to come from the heart. There is nothing here worth memorizing nor are there any future tests or quizzes. If any of this rings true in a place deeper than your day-to-day thoughts, then enjoy that and leave the rest. Thank you for the emailed comments yesterday- so many examples of  love!