I am not at all concerned with appearing to be consistent. In my pursuit after Truth I have discarded many ideas and learnt many new things. -Gandhi
I used to have a certain news channel playing on my TV all the time. Literally all. day. long.
And I felt a lot of anger.
And frustration.
And suspicion.
But then, about 2 years ago, I decided to stop cold turkey. I decided to stop watching the news all together.
The idea was partially planted when, at the church we were attending at the time, I began feeling as if nothing felt right anymore. My conscience was seriously conflicting with my faith. And I felt like there was this sense of fear being spread, not so much by the pastors, but by influential groups in the congregation. Once, when I questioned the path the church was taking I was told: We are not libertarian congregationalists. And that was followed by: Maybe you need some theology classes. I didn’t exactly know what a libertarian congregationalist was but it sounded like maybe I should consider being one. And then I started seriously thinking that I was at the wrong church.
To be fair it wasn’t just the news and church I cut out. I also unsubscribed from a whole lot of things (and I mean we pretty much uprooted our entire life.) There was obviously some withdrawal at first. I had been addicted to noise and drama.
But then I had a chance to breathe.
“The man who lives from God’s breath can recognize with joy that the same breath sinks into the lungs of his fellowman, and that they are both drawing from the same source. At this mutual realization, the fear of another disappears, a smile comes to the lips, the weapons falls, and one hand reaches out for the other.”-Henri Nouwen, With Open Hands
And then I spent more time outside. I read this over at Brain Pickings today, good timing:
“Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life. […]
When we are stricken and cannot bear our lives any longer, then a tree has something to say to us: Be still! Be still! Look at me! Life is not easy, life is not difficult. Those are childish thoughts. . . . Home is neither here nor there. Home is within you, or home is nowhere at all.” -Herman Hesse
And I naturally became less judgmental. I forgot all the labels I’d been deluged with.
“With this new confidence we recapture our own life afresh from within. Along with the new knowledge of our “inner space” where feeling of love and hate, tenderness and pain, forgiveness and greed are separated, strengthen or reformed, there emerges the mastery of the gentle hand.” –H.N.
I started to feel like everything I’d ever known had been tossed up into the air.
“Detachment is often understood as letting loose of what is attractive. But it can also mean being attached to what is repulsive. You can become attached to your own hate. As long as you look for retaliation, you are riveted to your own past. Sometimes it appears as though you would lose yourself along with your revenge and hate – so you stand there with balled up fists, closed to the other what wants to heal.” –H.N.
Honestly, a few days ago I really wasn’t sure if I really wanted to write about all of this because I have a really low endurance these days for being talked at. Or being told that I need theology classes. If I need theology classes to be a Christian, I’m screwed.
Them: But you are wrong.
Me: What if I am?
Really it all boils down to (**Jesus alert**):
I believe in God. I question everything. I pray often.
The spirit leads me, but only when I am quiet enough to listen.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:18
I’ll always have questions. Whatever the questions might be I hope I follow the inclusive, compassionate path. I have this old 1952 copy of the Power of Positive Thinking and I love this line:
Christianity teaches that one basic trait will go far toward getting people to like you. That trait is a sincere and forthright interest in and love for people.
It’s nice when people like you. And not in the “I like you, but….” kind of way. I guess the question is: why go to great lengths to have people not like you? The only reason I can think of for that kind of behavior is to be exclusive.
Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear. -Lao Tzu
I’ve never met anyone that I couldn’t sit down with for a while. I’ve never met anyone that I couldn’t learn something from. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t leave me with a new story to tell. I’ve never met anyone that I couldn’t find something in common with in some way. I’ve never met anyone that didn’t have a past.
I just really like people.
So hooray that I was born on earth where there are humans.
I’m not asking you to stop watching the news, maybe it’s just a matter of being still more often. Cutting out some of the noise now and then. And creating a quiet mind, a peaceful place to make sense of things.
Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves. -Thomas Carlyle
And maybe it’s a matter of meeting new people. Proactively. All the time. People different from you. Where do they live? What’s easy? What’s hard? And if you happen to bristle at someone: try to figure out what that says about you, not them.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. -Mark Twain
(traveling doesn’t have to be far away)
And maybe it’s a matter of reading new things. All the time. (I think it’s kind of a red flag when someone says to me “you shouldn’t be reading that” and my immediate reaction is usually: I’m reading it twice.)
And speaking up when we need too. I’ve been teaching Boo this one-line (thank you Patti Digh) that can be used in almost any situation where you don’t agree with someone:
I don’t see the truth in that.
This was a birthday card my friend Jodi gave me exactly one month ago. Re-sharing it because I think it’s awesome:
Love,
Ashley
Libertarian Congregationalist
P.S. Just a quick disclaimer: I do still browse the daily headlines because it is still important to know what’s going on in the world. Sadly sometimes I feel like I really have to dig. There’s a lot of awful stuff out in the world to be angry at.
Sharing this because it’s just good:
I definitely have a more peaceful optimistic day when I don’t turn the news on for more than a weather report. Watching the news in the morning makes me tense, angry and very anxious so it stays off. I know what you mean about having to dig for relevant headlines. There’s a fine line with staying in ear of current events, but it just seems that anymore- the news is literally news about news. For the life of me I can’t remember t.v. channels (except the ones from my childhood- go figure) ha! I was trying to find a specific show on t.v. the other day (read that as Golden Girls) lol and scrolling through the guide- I saw a show called “Paternity Court”.. I’ve never been a court t.v. person and no judgment on those who do. but seriously? Paternity Court?! SERIOUSLY?! It’s such a process it’s televised? I turned the t.v. off and went for a walk in the woods. :/
It’s very seldom that I watch the news. I find the thing that irks me most is that they would try and end the depressing hour with a “feel good” story. Why can’t they report the feel good stuff all the time?!
I’ve been struggling with anxiety and fear a lot lately (and maybe a little sadness). I’ve felt ashamed for questioning God through this season. This may sound corny, but reading your posts soothes my soul. I find such peace in your words and I love how you see life. We live in Southern California and recently returned from a major road trip with our 3 small children (7,000 miles ), and we met people from all walks of life. The older I get, the more compassionate I feel towards others and the journey they’re on. Love really is the answer.
Getting rid of television several years ago was a huge help to me. I do still check the headlines each day–a quick five minute perusal unless something really catches my eye as significant. In the last ten years, I’ve been through significant personal trauma, with much loss. I have made a conscious choice to focus on the many joys and blessings I have in my life. The rest is just chatter.
I stopped watching the news a few years ago too! I was a news junkie and wanted to always be in the know, but I could feel the weight (and sadness) of the news bring me down. I’m much happier now that I don’t watch it.
I was raised in the church of Mother Nature and have found my Cathedrals in many exquisite locations on Earth. Our Favorite Cathedral when we lived in Western North Carolina was the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in Robbinsville. I have many paintings that my husband created of our favorite spiritual and Holy places within that Forest. Check it out! You will be moved!! http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/attractions-destinations/joyce-kilmer-memorial-forest
I also stopped watching the news several years ago. I realized that I was starting to internalize all of the negativity and it was causing me unnecessary stress. Sometimes I feel ignorant about the happenings in the world but I’ve decided that my personal health and well-being is more important so I just have to talk about other things. .
I had been feeling angry and out of sorts the last week or two here in SC – between the murders at the church in Charleston and the flag debate – I realized I need to turn off the tv and spend very little time on facebook – glad I read your post today – and will happily vacation back home in Nova Scotia, Canada later this month
I don’t watch the news much anymore either. But when I visit my parents for the weekend, my dad always has a “certain news channel” on and always wants me to watch it with him because I am “uninformed” according to him. And he swears it’s honestly unbiased. I hate this news channel with a passion. I avoid it. But I can hear it, always in the background, if I remain in the house. After hearing it for the weekend, I can feel myself changing… I can feel fear creeping in, I can feel anger surfacing, I can feel myself becoming more negative and depressed. I am not that person, but there are so many who are filled with this negativity and fear and live their life this way. It’s soul sucking to be around. I can see what it does to the people who watch and believe this stuff. Sad.
Love your words and these, “Be still and know that I Am.” You’re ever on the KnoxVegas side of the mountains and want a cup of coffee, my treat. I’d love to trade yarns.
Wonderful. I’m more-or-less atheist but I love your blog and your way of seeing things. I have avoided the news ever since having kids, although I find the ‘big stories’ mostly find me via Facebook or other means. And that really works for me. Some things are important to know, and maybe to act upon. But most of what counts as ‘news’ is not a positive influence on my life. I grew up watching the TV news every night at home and I don’t miss it a single bit.
I really admire the life change that your family has made.
I hear you! I don’t watch the news either, but I try to stay informed. It was causing anxiety for me. So much bad. I’m spending more time learning about God and finding inner peace.
News channels,the media ,the flashing breaking news they all have a way of creating a sense of panick or anxiety and lower the level of tollerance among viewers when every channel has its own side ,a kind of biase.so yes its better to let only those things that are important to you ride your mind rather then some huge agenda of biased crap.Real life is where the real people are,its not where technology is .
Do you subscribe to The Skimm? It’s bite sized news articles emailed daily that are injected with a little humor. You might like that!
I also don’t watch the news. As a mom of two young children, it was causing me stress and anxiety. I read what’s happening in my family and friends lives instead. That is the “news” I want to know. Also, it tells me what headlines are being discussed since everyone “talks” about the big ones on FB. Lol
When I tell people I don’t watch the news, I get two reactions: “I understand why” or the look of “I’m pretending not to judge you for that, but you are living a sheltered life and are not as intelligent and worldly as most people I converse with. Lol
Peace be with you and your family. I hope you find the right church.
I started following you about 6 years ago and have seen the transformation. I inadvertently “uprooted” a couple of months ago when we our house got flooded in Oklahoma. It has been a mess, but amazing to see the “stuff” that we don’t need to live. Having a primitive experience and realizing what is truly “necessity” is a great reminder of all of the extra comforts we have acquired through the years. I certainly don’t want “stuff” to hold me back from anything.
Wow, you are one deep thinker. I believe in following the Holy Spirit’s leadings as well. My husband died July 2nd. I am just over a day a widow at 56. I had felt an urgency about some things and now I know it was because my husband was to be called home soon. He only spent 4 days at the Hospice House, and had no pain, very unusual for liver cancer. Two months ago everything seemed fine. But I know God’s plan is perfect and I will trust Him forever. Some churchified people are a pain. Find real Christians. I don’t watch TV, and the news is skewed anyway. I am going through a hard time, but God has been faithful to put people in my life to help me through, and I am grateful.
Karen, I’m sorry for your loss. You’re on my prayer list. Praying you find and feel God’s overwhelming comfort and peace during your time of loss.
Karen, I too have you on my prayer list and am so sorry for your loss. I’m not much older than you and can’t imagine the loss of a husband. May the comfort of the Holy Spirit surround you at this time.
Karen, I am very sorry for your loss.
So glad I found your voice. We are sisters who have not yet met. Have a miracle-filled day.
Best,
Nancy
I love your reply just as much as I enjoy what Ashley writes..Ty for that and the smile you have both brought me today.. Carry
The way you see people is so wonderful. I hope I learn to see that way too. : )
I know what you mean about the news! I usually skim the headlines and then pray for those affected by whatever. I’ve learned it does causes me to be saddened/irritated and then I take it out on the poor kiddos. Not a good combo!
This post made my heart smile. I find quiet, open faith so much more compelling than the faith of people who have to scream it at you and tell you you’re wrong if you don’t believe EXACTLY what they believe. Keep searching for the answers that feel true for you. I don’t always agree with your beliefs, and you won’t always agree with mine, because we’re both human and will always find things to disagree with, but I respect the heck out of yours because I know they’re not beliefs that someone else simply told you to hold. They are profoundly examined and reexamined and evolving, and you keep choosing love.
Well said. Thank you.
i am so curious and hope it will not be taken as judgmental or whatever one might ascribe to it. what is a libertarian Congregationalist ?? I have a challenge with labels being assigned to myself so I guess I am a dud with knowing what some of them mean.
I don’t even know that it is a term….except it was used in the context that disagreeing with the church was seen as being naive or uninformed.
Sometimes you have to block out all the unnecessary noise and just take a breath..and be thankful for what is front of you and around you.that is what’s real!.keep loving and seeing the good..keep living..take one day at time..make it a good day:) What has helped me recently to deal with anxiety and depression ..are essential oils!!!Have you heard of them? Lavender is my new friend! I put it on the bottom of my feet.I sleep restfully…I am calm.I also love Balance..and so many others.They are 100% natural..not medicine! I love them! My fear is gone! You can go to http://www.mydoterra.com/laurahall6 if you want more info. on the oils or if you would like to purchase some click the box with the lines to get started..I hope they help you as much as they have me.
♡
I love your thoughts and the quote about trees.
I love that you question everything. It reminds me of a promise in the Book of Mormon that we can ask God (in this verse it’s referring specifically to the Book of Mormon) if these things are not true, and if we ask with sincere intent, we can know the truth through the Holy Ghost.
I love that we are asked to ask and not any person, but to ask God himself!
Here are some verses:
“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” Moroni 10, Book of Mormon
Thanks for all your lovely posts and for sharing you with us!
Thank you, Ashley. Your path is beautiful. I love that you had the courage to follow it. I particularly love that M.R. quote in your P.S.. I have shared that with friends during times of loss and find it so comforting and enlightening.
Thank you for this Ashley. I found you a few years ago because of your crafty projects, and have continued to follow because of how your words feed me. I have begun to question more and more, and with your motivation, I will continue to do so. Headed out to talk to the trees…
I want to thank you for sharing your thoughts, beliefs, and random findings. I really look forward to your posts. I think about topics from different perspectives and reflect on your words and apply them to my own life. I truly feel like I live some days more fully after reading a post of yours – as corny as that sounds!
My husband and I work in an industry where I’m often expected to spend time with people I wouldn’t naturally seek out. I’ve discovered that I can always find common ground and/or something about them that I appreciate, like, or respect. I’ve learned and chosen to like people for what I view as their positives and our similarities rather than not like them due to our differences. I also set my expectations so I can genuinely like and appreciate people for who they are in my life. I tried to explain this to a close friend recently by telling her it’s like I put each person in their own box which is a relationship in my life. Some peoples boxes are bigger and some are smaller depending on their importance in my life, but each has their own space and are a part of my life for which I’m grateful.
I guess what I’m trying to say is I just really like people too 🙂
I like your style. Questions should always be ok — I’m immediately suspicious of anyone or any entity if it’s not allowed or discouraged. Nature is my church. It’s a great place to get still and quiet. Keep doing you!