Be of Good Cheer

[TheGalician]

I was leading a Quakers Children’s Meeting on Sunday. Actually leading is a bit of an exaggeration since I generally follow the kids and let them run riot.

My topic was “May Day Madness”. So, we all dressed in green since, as I am sure you all know, May Day is derived (they say) from an old Roman festival celebrating life and fertility.

That theme was developed. Honed through the introduction and use of the manly Maypole in Medieval times. They and the Victorians turned it into all into a frolicking filled festival with dancing and singing and making merry.

The Early Quakers did approve they not. Too much singing and dancing in those day for them. Plus, all that singing and dancing would notoriously lead to a lot of drinking and shagging. I’ve not had a shag since the Night of the Last Supper 😱. That turned out to be more like the Final Judgment, but that’s another story……for another day.

But, an important facet was generally showering people with good cheer. Making them happy. Are you happy? It’s a state, you know, that can be searched for and found. More within than without altho’ being out and about doing things you love can help. Feeds the soul, warms the heart, enlivens the mind. Our holy trinity as they say.

Talking about sayings. They say if a girl kisses a boy on May Day he’ll fall madly in love with her. Sadly, they say if a boy kisses a girl on May Day, he’ll turn into an Aadvark. Every up has its down as they say.

Anyway, back to the main plot. The Quaker children (3-8 years of age) et moi decided to put on a show as our May Day Madness. We showered the elder Quakers with leaves and hearts and flowers we had drawn, painted and cut out. This led to a dance where we each took an aged Quaker by the Hand and introduced them to the Hokey Kokey, with extra choregraphed movements, to the tune of “Here comes the Sun”.

Can you picture imagine? It was very silly (but very funny) and seemed to bring a cheer to the otherwise solemn affair. Bring good cheer they say. It’s important.

Anyway, moving to the here and now present. I’m having cuppa and feeling pretty chipper with myself. Why, I hear you ask? Well, your question will be answered.

I joined this gym in mid December. Procrastination then set in, it’s the Devil’s work. Not the one out there (who doesn’t exist IMO) but the one in each of our minds. Do you know the mind has no mind of its own? It is a servant of either the heart (and higher things of love) or the gut (lower instincts centered on survival and fear). Check it out, it’s a good thing to know that.

Well, back the the gym and being £200 poorer for not using it. Well, the heart finally kicked in. Yes, get ready for a bombshell….drumroll please…..Ive been going; not once, but twice 👍 👍 for a swim.

It wasn’t all roses though. I got bored and tried to race this man with a beard yesterday. I went like the clappers - thought I was building up a head of steam but was just not breathing (breathe work is important by the way) - then had to give up after about 12 yards. He was in the slow lane and I’m not sure he was even racing 😂 .

I had to do that thing of pretending I wasn’t racing by suddenly rolling over and floating onto my back. It doesn’t work quite as well in the pool as in the sea. And, the heavy gulping gave it away as well. The life guard looked at me (surprised by surprise no doubt) and I gave him a wink. We both smiled.

Anyway, today is Julian of Norwich day. Look her up. Interesting woman. I was listening to something about her on Radio 4’s Thought for the Day. I may say something about that tomorrow.

Also, here’s a tip. Try a Quaker meeting. It helped me when I was down. Gentle folk, non judgmental and they sit in silence for an hour (no preaching) and then chat about general rubbish and the state of things for half an hour over tea and cakes and biscuits. I always felt better after going to their meetings. Like a little weight had been lifted and life was a tiny bit brighter. Look for those little glimmers that make you glow.

You’re welcome.

G

[Shnookie]

I’m happy that the Quaker group helps you. HOWEVER promotion of a specific religion is not permitted on HU. I’m Jewish. I don’t feel comfortable reading this. People have tried to convert me for years. It is not a pleasant feeling.

[TheGalician in reply to Shnookie]

Hello Shnookie

I am sorry if I have offended you. That was not my intention. I would never wish to convert anyone to anything. I am not a Quaker myself and have no affiliation to any religious institution. But, if find some things, and some practices, have helped me.

For example, one of my Jewish friends recently invited me to their Seder Passover meal recently. It left a deep impression.

[Arymretep in reply to TheGalician]

Very interesting , You are not offending anyone, we are ALL free to express our opinions.

[hypercat54]

Not sure I have any clue exactly what you are talking about? It all seems rather mystical and odd to me.

[Dolphin14 in reply to hypercat54]

Hyper

It kind of reads like a passage from a book. Posted has good writing skills.

❤️🐬

[Dolphin14]

TheGalician

Welcome back to the community.

I'm glad you have found something that helps you. Stick to it.

Wishing you the best

🐬

[TheGalician]

Thank you for your reply.

I am not sure you read my post correctly and I question whether what I wrote is really at all religious or dogma 🤔.

I am not a Quaker. I just happened to say that I found attending their meetings helpful. I have no religious affiliation and attend a Buddhist and Advaiti based meditations. I find that helpful.

I suffered with crushing anxiety for many and many years. Over time, I found a way to alleviate those symptoms by adopting some practices and making my anxiety more friend than foe till they disappeared. Some of those practices are touched on in my post.

Anyway, the intention (and heart) of my text was about cheering up and getting out of the dangers of the reactive mind. But, it is clear from what I wrote that it had the opposite effect - people seem to have reacted badly and taken offence. That make me sad.

Anyway, the reactions tell me that I cannot be myself on here. That I am not welcome. So, I will desist.

[fauxartist in reply to TheGalician]

You are welcome here as always... and sharing about your anxiety is great.... work away

[Midori in reply to TheGalician]

Don't worry too much about the religious thing; we are of all faiths and none, and it's only Preaching we get uptight about.

There is no harm in mentioning your spirituality; as long as you are not touting for custom! 😉

I'm a Druid.

Cheers, Midori