Animal Kingdom
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The Lover
If you are to take a lover,let it be your soul. It desires you;you lust for it. Be ravished by its mystery and power. Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved. Continue reading
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Fill in the Blanks
blank page blank heart a page of possibilities a heart of possibilities with what will you fill yours? Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved. Continue reading
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The Purpose of Beauty
While walking solitary in the mountains, I emerge from the woodsand step out into clear and open air,into a vista of astonishing beauty,into sacred space beyond breathing. I ask:"Am I the only one to see this–beauty this piercingly expansive–which may… Continue reading
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Leap-Faithing
Allow your curiosityto best you–flip switches,mix chemicals,assemble mismatched parts,let the cart lead the horse,give the sleeping bear a poke,chew through the wire. The mess you make,likely won't kill you. Oh, you may retrace steps,redo work,replace something broken,apologize. But you will… Continue reading
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Looking for Truth
Religion is,at heart,the story of grace. Whatever codes, creeds, morality, doctrinewe've piled on top of that story–it's all peripheral,optional,not central,not foundational,only created to assuageour insecurity. And if, by chance,these trappings slow you downon the upward climb to compassion,it's time to… Continue reading
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Mysticism
"I want to be a mystic," he said. "What kind of career is that?" she asked. "Well, it isn't a career exactly,it's more of a way to be." She snorted,"A way to be.And that pays…how much?" He ignored her sarcasm,because… Continue reading
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A Warning about Words
The danger in preaching(so we've been told)is the failure to practice. The danger in writingis the failureto follow the vision we espouse. The danger in everyday speechis the risk of stumbling from the conversationin the opposite direction of our assertions. The… Continue reading
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What I Need from You
Hey, Omar, my bartender:Share with me your wisdom. Hey, Isabel, assembling my burger:What has life taught you? Hey, Muhammad, my cabbie: What of your former lifemight illuminate mine? Hey, boss:If you were to mentor me,what guidance would you offer? Every one… Continue reading