I travel to learn about other people in unfamiliar places. I go to listen to their stories and understand.
I was raised Catholic and have since left that religion. I don’t call myself a Christian but rather a Jesusist because I believe in the doctrine of inclusion and I honor all religions. I still post a picture of an angel on my Facebook page every Christmas with the words, “Be not afraid. I bring you tidings of great joy.” In this troubled world, this declaration always brings me comfort.
I also travel to learn about other religions. Through direct experience during my time in India, I got to witness the history and practices of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Buddhism. I was really touched by many lovely philosophies. The meaning of namaste which states that “the goodness in me recognizes the goodness in you”. The belief in the interconnectedness of all people and creatures. The fact that the Sikhs feed hundreds of people each day. The call from Eastern religions for self examination and responsibility to others. And I will never forget the acceptance and kindness the Indian people showed me. I could not spend 17 days with these wonderful people and not be changed forever.
In 2018, I took a journey close to home, a tour called “The Lost Villages of Fort Drum.” I was thrilled to see our local history preserved and acknowledged by the archaeological department on the base. This prompted me to started reading about the Antebellum Era of the early 1800’s when America was new and trying to define itself. There was a shift away from Calvinism that defined a person’s fate as a good or bad person before birth. The movement called The Second Awakening put more emphasis on the importance of doing good deeds. I loved a quote from that time that stated “injustice to one is injustice to all.” This belief motivated people to work for reform, the emancipation of slaves, and the right of women to vote.
This year of travel has given me great hope. I have seen the history and geography of humanity’s heart. The spirit of the human soul wants the best for others, for all of us. There will always be people in this world who will believe in that light and will work to keep it alive.
The Autonomous Traveler 
The universal truth. We are all interconnected. Perceived differences are an illusion. We are one universal consciousness . To live with passion, love and compassion expresses the will of the Devine. Travel and absorb the lives and cultures of all beings and you become the light of being itself. Joyce you are the penultimate searcher. And your embrace of the all is the end of all searching. We await your arrival in St Augustine. I assume our parking arrangement will contiue. Have a safe trip south. Dick Van Zandt your comrade in the search.
LikeLike
Thanks, Dick. Can’t wait to see you and Sheila. We have a lot to talk about. Yes, our parking swap will continue. See you soon.
LikeLike
A Jesuist, you never cease to amaze me, Joyce. As you, many people stray from the Catholic Church mainly because it’s adherence does not meet their spiritual needs any more. It is pretty much the same for me, divorced and in the Autumn of my life I find myself lost in that community. I’d rather embrace goodness when I meet it and be goodness when I can. Basically ‘do unto others what you want done unto you’ no one can go wrong with this philosophy. Reading about other religions one can learn that this is the same philosophy being tought in all corners of the world. We are in awe of the new rituals, sounds and sights. It tickles our curiosity, warm our hearts and comforts our soul. We come out of the expérience sereine and hopeful.
Have a blessed and merry Christmas with your family, Joyce.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said, my dear friend. Merry Christmas and I pray for a wonderful 2019 for ALL of us.
LikeLike
Good people like yourself carry the light and keep it alive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Tammy. I have made so many mistakes in my life and been a pain in the neck a lot. But I keep getting second chances. Starting once again with some wonderful new insights. I guess we are truly works in progress. So grateful to have you as a friend. You keep the light alive ,too.
LikeLike