The Gateway: Teal Swan

Well, in my own case, I'm only able to go as far as saying my aim is to make different choices than last time. I'm not able to claim that I make good choices. Certainly I'd like to, but I'm wondering whether it is important simply to come to see the world from different angles.

It's funny, in my schooldays there was an idea of 'keeping to the straight and narrow path', which was presented to us as meaning to follow the flavour of Christianity which we were taught. But I don't feel I've in any usual sense followed a straight path, I've wandered all over the place (not in physical travel, but in ways of approaching life). On the other hand, I've tended to be led by my conscience - when I listen to it. Sometimes I've ignored it. Perhaps the only 'straight' path is one where we follow our conscience, even if it might mean wandering.

Edit: Apologies to the OP for wandering off the topic of this thread.

Perhaps, yes. Maybe it’s enough for some of us to experience as much as possible? I think some people believe that. If that’s true for everyone, then to me it feels like God is maybe bored, and I think there will be more to it than that.

I’m in a reflective, emotional mood this morning, having had an email from a man in Sydney that I hadn’t  even heard of before yesterday. I wrote my book in 2015 in memory of a friend and colleague (Hugh Brown) that was tragically killed in a flying accident in 1987. I hoped I could get a copy of it to his son, who at the time of his death was only four. Until now I had no luck, but this all changed yesterday, when Hugh’s brother emailed me.

This event has reinforced for me what’s really important in life - it’s love. 

Here is a thread which highlights how loved Hugh was, he had a huge influence on people that met him during his short life. He was 33 when he died, almost 33 years ago. 

https://www.pprune.org/biz-jets-ag-flyin...Hugh+brown

Stan, that must be quite something, to establish contact with someone like that.

From my instinctive feeling, I tend towards something rather more meaningful, purposeful than simply alleviating boredom. It seems to me that life does matter in some quite weighty way, but I don't have anything specific to add.

Not long ago I had a brush with a short illness, not in any way a 'near-death experience', but sufficient to cause me to reevaluate things. For one thing, though I'm quite well now, I was hit with the realisation that every day could be my last. During that time, the only thing which seemed to matter was the other people in my life. Not just friends or family, but literally everyone with whom I interact.

Stan, that must be quite something, to establish contact with someone like that.

It really was, I’ve been tearful in more ways than one ever since he made contact. His letter was really honest, from the heart. I somehow now know how important his brother was and still is to him and many others. 

From my instinctive feeling, I tend towards something rather more meaningful, purposeful than simply alleviating boredom. It seems to me that life does matter in some quite weighty way, but I don't have anything specific to add.



Not long ago I had a brush with a short illness, not in any way a 'near-death experience', but sufficient to cause me to reevaluate things. For one thing, though I'm quite well now, I was hit with the realisation that every day could be my last. During that time, the only thing which seemed to matter was the other people in my life. Not just friends or family, but literally everyone with whom I interact.

I have the same intuition.

On your second para, I think I have some idea how you’re feeling. For me, it has worn off over time, but I think the core message and the remains of the gratitude remains. Every day is a blessing.