more random ideas

The following quote was discussed at Shabbat opening ceremony last night (I didn't go to the closing)--"Love your neighbor as you love yourself". We always make all sorts of excuses for ourselves, but are quick to judge others. Perhaps we should extend the same consideration for others, acknowledging that when someone bothers us, it is striking down a weak point within ourselves. It is more about us than them, because if we are perfectly centered, such things shouldn't bother us. That doesn't mean we should be co-dependent (allowing others' negative actions to continue)--that would be foolish, and *acting* versus observing. Just watch and be conscious. See that the person is in place X on their path and be non-judgmental.

That made me think of a good exercise--when we don't like someone, ask ourselves what it is in them that we might also have, thus striking a chord and giving us a negative view of the person (because it is in ourselves)? It is good to do whenever I am judging someone else, then I can learn from the experience of feeling that negativity.

Apparently Gabriel is Jewish, he was born Jewish. He studied in Indian, and native American traditions. Finally he decided to go back to his roots and incorporated Jewish tradition into his spiritual practice. (I am not really sure how the Essene priesthood fits in with this--it is different from converting to Judaism). If you look at the six foundations, you will see that he promotes whatever spiritual practice works for you, but not anything in particular. He has his reasons for doing what he does, but no one else has to do them (even though there are many spiritual things going on at TOL). 

I went to a gemstone therapy talk and was impressed by the information. But I am concerned with the mining and production (how could it possibly be ethical? I find that difficult to believe; mining is always destructive) and the cost is prohibitive. They do have to be produced a certain way to work, which makes sense--just like anything else. Pure foods are made into junk all the time, same with stones. It was very interesting though, the energetics of it. I would wear one if I encountered one.