ADMITTING THERES BEAUTY WITHIN

As we come together, academia 'allows' us to gather inertia that draws us closer and closer to trust and truth. Ah, without the boundless possibilities of youth, we are well taught to be cautious. It distinguishes us on a spectrum of courage, not to be confused with the fact some exercise courage at a different pace than you or me. Some men require a great deal of convincing, reputation being what it is. Don't trust him- he's a stranger.  Except for the fact strangers are safer than familiars, mothers have taught us lies without knowing, and they linger in the subconscious waiting to be triggered. Except when we create an atmosphere of safety, we can put our santum sanctorum to use exploring. Finding a group that reciprocates is a delightful atmosphere.  Some thrive on them, some use them to work through their assumptions but all of us know frisson. And when we are secure in our advantage, we always probe the unknown, secure that the rationality of others is a lifeline.  At the risk of seeming obvious, what is the price of exploring our world view? Does masonry create moral Ninja's? I think there is surprise waiting when we are motivated by symbolic language of morality. The surprise is twofold- one for the mason, one for the receipient. The Craft violates many of the boundaries we have been taught. One's thinking is a perspective, shared with billions of other minds and just as unique.  Don't we realize masonry poises questions that re-centre us? Of course some struggle. A familiar way is always in play, until we notice better devices.  And in a way that includes our thinking about self. Familiar ways of thinking, familiar vulnerabilities are always in play, until you and I begin realizing better.   But don't panic. Life repeats reality until we 'get it'. That's the best part of waking up; those moments of insight could be waiting for us, then why not keep the thought?