The completion of an experiment...

This year i participated in what was really an experiment for me...while i was born a catholic...for years i have pretty much been eclectic in my view points...taking a lot of what buddha said to heart--reading extensively on the history of the goddess religions and kind of living happily in the present moment...but a lot of the ritual that i enjoyed as a child had gone from my life--my mom, who i am close to, but have definite maternal issues with over the years (i.e. controlling...you all know the deal!) had switched churches within the catholic parish system, and i happened to go to mass with her one day at this lovely little church and fell in love with the vibe.

let me state that the whole mass thing for me is like an hour of grateful meditation where i sit and feel the amazing energy of people gathered together to try and BE one...i can see auras to a certain extent, so i sit in stillness, reciting the littany from memory--almost instinct and i watch the people with their halos..sometimes seeing amazing power and energy within the congregation...this church definitely gave me a wonderful place to meditate, and i was drawn back into the life of this parish...

In that regard, i volunteered to teach CCD, which is basically religion class for a bunch of 4th graders..i had asked my daughter if she wanted to be confirmed this year--it would make her grandmother happy i said, and if she felt she wanted to do it i would support her--she is aware of, and been privy to my beliefs and she also has very eclectic beliefs...but she decided she wanted to be confirmed, and last week that occurred....

but i am digressing..

so, i taught this class--working from the curriculum, but also discussing the world and adding my own special bent on things--talking about being one--about love--less about rules and more about living fully and deeply and with love and concern for fellow humans and the earth...

I wasnt sure i would like it--i wasnt sure they would like me...or the program...but, today, at the completion--they all asked me to teach them again--their parents RAVED about how much they WANTED to come to religion and be with me, and howmuch they had learned...they also all gave me little gifts and a big hug...

what does this teach me?  it teaches me that kids are open to spirit--that even within the context of an old, staid religion, you can find sparks of light and work it in a positive way and possibly make an impression on a kid...that kids have open and interested hearts, and if you teach them in a caring, loving, curios way, they will respond...

so, needless to say--i am teaching 5th grade next year...i think i got a lot out of this too...and thats pretty cool...

also--packing to go on the road on friday with my favorite band...CANT wait!  i will be gone for 5 days visiting three cities in the west...i will fill you in when i get home!

hugs--alex.