Living the Question

Rev. Linda Pendergrass, my first Unity minister, opened doorways I'd explored - but I didn't know others were traveling. That was in the mid-80's and people were just awakening to the ideas that are so ubiquitous today. Back then - at least in Dallas-Ft Worth - Border's had no section for metaphysical books. And if we wanted to read something of a spiritual nature during a flight, we wrapped it in a book jacket to avoid unwanted comments.

Anyway, Linda introduced me to the idea of "living the question." Instead of looking for immediate answers, which bring closure, questions provide a lens of curiosity and wonderment through which to view the world. Questions open our minds and our hearts to new possibilities.

Bob Dylan looks like a prophet more than ever. Do you remember his words, "the times, they are a changin"? Indeed. Walk into a Starbucks; check out the news via the internet; visit the hairdresser; watch what's happening in our workplaces; notice how families are shifting their budgets and spending more time with one another. "The times, they are a changin'.

Most of us have a love-hate relationship with change. So as not to be caught in the fear that is present around us, it's essential that we stay open so we see what is being born. Yes, systems are breaking down, but new ones will emerge. Remember the old metaphysical adage that says, "Where one door closes, another opens." So one question is "Which doors are opening?" Living the question is one way to see what's being born. Simply ask "what is being born" throughout your day and see what you discover.

By the way, certain types of questions are more powerful than others. "Why" questions are least useful in this context. They draw us into our analytical nature and deeper into the quagmire. Questions that ask "what" or reveal your best qualities and characteristics open doors.

Here are three wonderful questions: I'd love to hear any of y'all's responses!

1. When have I been fearless in my life?

2. Who am I called to be for these times?” This is about finding the bigger you that is called into the world to face the challenges of systemic collapse and bring the future into being.

3. “What name do I call myself?” This question invites us to choose a name for ourselves that's big enough for our whole life now. This is a name beyond who we are and who we have been. Akin to the Native American Vision Quest where a life path is revealed, a new direction and thus, a new name ... or the Hebrew tradition [Old Testament] where a new name is given to represent a new consciousness.

Responses, anyone?