Dear Folks,
The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe; to match your nature with Nature. — Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) Mythologist
Acquiring positive qualities is in the pursuit, the attempt one makes. We can look back and see if we have made progress, and then turn forward and carry on with the endeavor. I was reminded of this when I read ‘well-meaning’ in the definition for Goodness.
If one can achieve the state of mind expressed in the quote above, they will be well on their way to having a Pastoral life. Do not assume you would then have a boring life. You can add as much spice as you like.
PASTORAL
Definition: characteristic of pleasant rural life; peaceful, simple, and natural; innocent
Proverb: A butterfly never hurries – even when pursued. — Chinese
Symbols: 1) the farmer; 2) the shepherd
Fictional Figure: Beulah, the idyllic land of sunshine and delight. — John Bunyan (1628-1688) Pilgrim’s Progress,
Mythological Figures: 1) Cybele, the Phrygian goddess of nature; 2) Demeter, the Greek god of agriculture and fruitfulness; 3) Ceres, the Roman god of agriculture and fruits of the harvest
GOODNESS
Definitions: (1) excellence of character, morale, or virtue; (2) generous and kindly feelings; benevolence; (3) the best part
Derivation: Sanskrit, “what one clings to”; Old English, “God”
Saying: If darkness is, then darkness is good. — Mbuti
Quotes:
It is noble to be good and it’s nobler to teach others to be good, and less trouble. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American Humorist
Goodness begets goodness; but to the one who is truly good, evil also begets goodness. — Lao‑tse (6th Century bc) Chinese Philosopher, Founder of Taoism
There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns away from Him. — C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) Irish-born British Novelist
It is amazing how complete is the delusion that beauty is goodness. — Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) Russian Writer
Note: Because beauty is so compelling goodness is felt in it. Magnificent beauty can draw you into the realm of goodness.
Comment: If you are good to someone, they get the direct benefit of your act of kindness. But does your simple personal goodness also benefit more broadly? When you are practicing goodness to even one other, they will be more likely to live goodness as well. Therefore, your personal benevolent act spreads out. No matter how private your goodness, you are adding to the greater good.
Consideration: The results of being good are usually evident.
Advice: When in doubt, focus on the good, focus on what you know to be correct and true. Ask your heart whether or not you are doing the right thing. Ask your friends, but your friends may be more cautious, more conservative than your ideals, so even though they are well‑meaning you are going to have to take their responses with a grain of salt. It may mean they are not willing to take the steps you are willing to take. Both intuition and goodness are intrinsic. Use them together.
Consider the Source
