In stepping out on my bardic journey down the "Path of Awen", I was challenged to question myself, my mettle and my motives for taking such a journey.
Here are my naked answers:
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Describing Myself
Here are my naked answers:
____________________________________________________________________
Describing Myself
What am I? - I
am a 20 year old man with a 2000 year old soul in a 40 year old body, each at
odds with one another. My youthfulness
knows what it wants to do, my agelessness knows what it ought to do, and my
daily reality finds me in endless mediation.
Who
am I? - I am words on paper, a melody on
the air, a conscious thought with subconscious intent. I am a father, lover, brother, friend. I am a poet, singer, and seeker of truth; a
man with questions, a soul with possibilities, a past without regret, and a
future yet unrealized. I am a lover and
a leader, a dreamer and a doer... I am me!
Why am I interested in the Bardic path?
Why am I interested in the Bardic path?
I believe that few are open to true poetic inspiration in life and in
love. Those who are, have a profound
responsibility to be the mouthpiece of ageless wisdom, a witness and
participant in living and sharing life with others. I wish to be so open to the awen, and so used
in service to my community and the wider world according to the Creator’s plan.
What do I know about it?
I
know that I don’t know… and that is the beginning of Wisdom (Socrates)
What attracted me to it?
There has always been an answer within me; while known, was lacking the question. Once I began seeking with new eyes, I learned of the path of awen and heard the call of identity.
What attracted me to it?
There has always been an answer within me; while known, was lacking the question. Once I began seeking with new eyes, I learned of the path of awen and heard the call of identity.
What do I hope to gain by it?
Nothing… I hope to be improved by it and used within it for the gain of
those outside of myself.
What experience do I have in creative writing?
I’ve been writing poetry, songs and music, as well as various other artistic
media for 25 years.
What experience do I have in performance?
I sing and play bass guitar and to a lesser extent, the penny
whistle. I have also done a little stage
acting.
I have a natural ear for harmony, and I find joy in adding my voice to
the melody of others.
What would I like to improve or learn?
I would like to learn the art of storytelling, of captivating listeners with words and voice inflection. I would like to write longer compositions. It has been said that I have the gift of saying much with very few words… I think that gift comes with the sacrifice of expounding in greater detail as in a book or short story. I would like to be able to operate in both.
My concerns, questions or doubts?
I am Christian by faith (not religion), and had some concerns as to whether there would have to be "convictional" compromise in following the path of the true Bard…since historically, there has been a deep connection to dogmatic Druidism. Much of this concern is born of ignorance on my part due to the stigma that many "Churchians" have attached to paganism as being “evil”. My brothers/sisters in the Silverbranch have, with open arms, helped me with some of my questions. I have chosen to begin my journey of exploration, and am discarding much of my former dogma, dissolving the box that I had placed God in, so I can better see, feel, hear, know the wider truth.
What do I think my greatest challenge will be?
Myself. I must decrease in significance, so better to be a conduit for the awen within.
What do I think my best strength is?
An ability to silence my mind, and be open to the Creator, so possessing an acute receptiveness for being used creatively.
In Christian theology, "Kenosis" (from the Greek word for emptiness) is the 'self-emptying' of one's own will and becoming entirely receptive to God's divine will.
ReplyDeleteI struggled with the same concerns, questions and doubts you mention above. I had to "empty myself" of all dogma, legalism and judgmentalism. Once the old was removed, I had to ask myself, "What do I believe and Why do I believe it?"
My Christian Faith was reformed using the Apostle's Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Teachings of Jesus and the teachings of Paul. I realized that to be like Christ, I had to show love and give forgiveness. When I was dogmatic, legalistic and judgmental, I no better than a Pharisee.
Once the foundation was set, the rest came easier because I had a base to come back to when confronted with something I didn't know how to handle.
Blessings on your journey! /|\
Thanks Jeremy,
DeleteI will be looking forward to any further comments that you may choose to leave, as I travel through on the straight and narrow path through the "grove".