Heart in my Shoes

This Week's Quotation:

“Every single one of us makes an impact on this planet every single day and we get to choose what kind of difference we want to make.” 

—Jane Goodall

Heart in my Shoes

Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister

Sometimes honoring looks like slowing down; sometimes it looks like stepping back. What do we do when cultural differences appear to be counterproductive?

In Africa, there is a process of inviting the sanction and blessing of the Ancestors before any great enterprise is started. This can take weeks, as goodwill gifts will be exchanged and long conversations held with the elders on topics that may seem far removed from the burning question in your heart. Western culture often doesn’t allow for that kind of time. Neither does it always recognize the layered, relational process through which true agreement and blessing emerge.

This contrast in ways of honoring is something I was reminded of again last week, during my Tourist Guide course. The course was rich and full, and—because Cape Town’s history is so deeply intertwined with the wine industry—our training included an introduction to wine tasting. Knowing that Islam as a religion is staunchly opposed to the imbibing of mind- or mood-altering substances, I wondered how my Muslim colleague would cope, and about the expectations of the course facilitators. It was all so easy. The facilitators let us know that no one should feel obliged to drink, and honored the non-drinkers among us. They themselves did not participate in the wine tasting activities. And my friend? “I must at least know about this, even if I do not drink myself,” she told me. “So I will come along and participate as far as I can, but I will not actually taste the wine.” And she sniffed the wine along with the rest of us, held up her glass to the light to observe its color and depth, and commented on the aromas. But no wine passed her lips, and no one commented.

Once, I heard a line in a movie that went something like this: “She was a person who would never compromise. What that meant for the people around her was that they had to compromise 100%, because there was no halfway meeting point.”

I think of that line as I consider the amazing world around me, with all its moving parts and magnificent, diverse landscape. I resolve to keep my heart in my shoes. May every footprint be filled with heart, connecting me to the soil I walk on, and to the great, ancient heart of Mother Earth. Let me always feel the heartbeat of the Ancestors who have gone before and honor the wisdom revealed through their teachings. May we all walk softly upon the earth, heart first. Namaste.

About Open Windows

We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.

We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.