And since we are talking about this stuff... I had the very coolest conversation with my oldest son the other night.
We were out on the deck, and somehow we got to talking about God.... and he asked me about God, and who God was, and how do you know that God exists, etc., etc.,
So I did that whole exercise with him... who are you... are you your name? No. Can you feel your body? Yes. Can you hear your mind chatter at you? Yes. Do you feel the difference between the body you feel and the mind you hear? Yes. WHO is feeling and hearing that? He was quiet, but he understood.
He asked me what I meant... we spent some time clarifying... and then he got this little smile on his face... and I said... does there feel like there are three of you? And he said... yes. And then he said it was hurting his head... but then he'd go back to it... and he'd say... now do that again...
And then he asked me why we had never taken him to church. He always felt guilty about that. And I asked him why. And he said... because... I think I should know about God and the Bible and stuff. And I said... do you know how to read? And he said yeah... and I said.. well then, read the Bible if that is what you want to do. And he said... what if I don't know... and I said... well, then, I guess you will ask me, or your Dad or you Nanny... and then you can decide for yourself.
I told him I do not believe in religion, just so you know. But I do have an absolute faith in spirituality and God. He wanted to know the difference, so I explained to him.
I told him... read all Bibles. Study all religions. Question everything. There are four constant truths you will find in all religions. He said.. what are they? And I said... when you study them all, you will know. And he said... how do YOU know? And I said, because I looked. I've asked questions, I've talked with people. I've made up my own mind, followed what has felt right to me. If you don't believe, find out for yourself. If you still don't believe me, that is okay.
And he said... am I allowed to do that? I thought you were supposed to do it all a certain way. And I said... that is exactly why I don't like religion. I don't think church is a bad thing. I think you should go, if that is what you want to do. I think you should try all churches, try all religions, all philosophies, and find the one that is best for you.
That didn't sit too well with him... at first. And then he said... are you sure I can do that? And I said... absolutely. I said... can you feel that feeling behind you, behind your head? And he said yes. And I said... do you know right from wrong... and sometimes do what is wrong, even though you know what is right? And he said yes... and I said... how do you know when that happens... and he said... I feel it. And I said... do you need for me to tell you that? And he said, no. And then i said... well, then read all the Bibles of the Earth, and you'll know, then, won't you?
And he said... why do you do this to me? Why can't you just tell me?
And I said... why indeed. When you have your own children, you can tell me.
