Coming Attraction
Staying the course and writing from a place of knowing
TL;DR - Stray Thoughts is back. A new series is forthcoming. Thanks for being part of the community.
Hello, dear audience. I want to express my gratitude for joining me on this ongoing journey that would be impossible to complete alone. As promised, this exploration into a potential alternative economic path from my role as a public educator has been filled with complexities, shifting focuses, and a spirit of building the plane as we fly it. Looking back, I started with great momentum because I had a solid foundation, a clear vision, a structured approach, and a defined direction. While not a resounding success by any measure, the initial series sparked thought and contemplation among readers, expanding their perspectives about the world and their place in it.
You may not know that I have more than 50 essays in various stages of development, each a raw stream-of-consciousness journal entry. They are far from polished, finalized, reviewed, or edited. Recently, I encountered a lull in inspiration coupled with a lack of prioritization for this creative outlet and the invaluable feedback it provides. When attempting to refine these raw essays for publication, I found myself devoid of inspiration, feeling flat and disengaged. Perhaps it was the winter blues or a waning interest in content written nearly two years ago. Regardless, it hindered my progress, preventing me from tightening the bolts on the metaphorical plane door—though not one made by Boeing; we want a plane that soars! It feels serendipitous that today, with the buoyant energy of spring infusing the Bay Area, I sit down with renewed enthusiasm and joy. The trees are blossoming, birdsong fills the air, and the scent of fresh grass permeates the school campus. Summer is just around the corner.
So, what is the essence of this essay? What am I trying to convey? I intentionally left the title of my newsletter broad—Stray Thoughts—granting myself the liberty to write about anything. I hope that by reading my Stray Thoughts, I ignite something within you—whether it's sparking disagreement, prompting you to navigate my unconventional writing style, or eliciting a resounding "Yes!" as we connect across this wondrous technology we have built. This isn't about self-promotion or ego; instead, it's about fostering dialogue, community, and meaningful exchange. I encourage you to share your thoughts, add your perspectives, and participate in the age-old human tradition of socializing—beyond mere gossip or divisive affiliations, but in a way that enriches our humanity, restores dignity, nurtures mutual respect, allows for respectful disagreements, and fosters curiosity, humility, and a reliance on expertise.
In recent years, mainly since the onset of the pandemic, I've devoted considerable time to a journey of liberation from suffering—a topic that profoundly resonates with me and forms the core of my upcoming series of essays. It's timely, it's personal, and it's transformative. I've always been averse to others imposing their beliefs on me as absolute truths or acting arrogantly under the guise of humility. Sadly, many in Western society have been disillusioned by institutionalized religiosity, leading to feelings of betrayal, self-doubt, and anger. What draws me to this theme is its foundation in humility rather than rigid dogmas or self-serving rules. The concepts I aim to explore and share are invitations for you to ponder to see if they align with your life's path.
As formal religious affiliations decline in the Western world, many find themselves without a container direction or home for their spiritual being. What has emerged, and like many others (John McWhorter in my case), has made the connection between the decline of religious affiliation and the rise in secular orthodoxy primarily on the left (the right kept the religious orthodoxy) These movements manifest in the intolerance of once foundational liberal ideals, such as colorblindness, the biological truth of sex differences and the unwavering protection of free speech. Without a place to exercise one's fervor spirituality, the ethos spills out into the public domain and clashes with long-held positions associated with a liberal worldview.
Fortunately, another option has emerged for many of us spiritual vagabonds: the often humorously labeled SBNR—spiritual but not religious. I bet you all have a friend or several who have uttered, “Hey, bro. I am spiritual, but not religoius.” Though I cannot speak for all,. This SBNR rightfully wants to distance himself from the abhorrent scandals and forced relinquishing of critical thought to embrace a prescientific understanding of the universe. Simultaneously, I want to preserve their rightful place amidst a form, an identity, but behind thought, that place that lives within us all but is out of time and space. It is indescribable with words because words are thoughts or concepts happening in time and space. Once disregarded, the SBNR collective is among the fastest-growing segments in Western societies.
In being an SBNR, we acknowledge a mystical connection to something timeless and formless, whether termed God, the universe, or cosmic consciousness. Can we use our post-Enlightenment reasoning to transcend labels that reinforce separation? Can we shed the arrogance of antiquity to recognize the divinity within each individual? Countless seekers have moved beyond religious dogma, acknowledging that it alienates us from the inherent spark of the ethereal within.
These insights have come from ancient philosophers, contemporary thinkers, living teachers, and even realms traditionally dismissed as unscientific or counter-cultural. I invite you to approach this series with an open mind and, more importantly, an open heart. Please don't mistake my words for gospel; they're not. I don't claim any authority over language or ideas. Instead, I aim to share insights that have profoundly impacted my life.
Initially, I intended this essay to be a mea culpa for my lack of direction, for producing work that fell short of my standards, for inconsistency—perhaps echoing the self-flagellation of my Roman Catholic upbringing. However, I've realized the power of writing authentically from my experiences. Transparency invites others to join in, to share their truths, and to recognize our shared humanity amidst diverse perspectives. When we lay down our defenses, we discover common ground and allow space for personal and collective growth.
Thank you for taking the time to read "Stray Thoughts." Your readership breathes life into this publication. If you found value in this piece, consider supporting my work by becoming a paid subscriber or sharing it on social media. My initial goal is to reach ten paid subscribers, and a shout-out goes to my first supporter, Kevin Sambells.