Musings & Threads. The Lure of Certainty.

Feb 6

Feb 6 Musings & Threads. The Lure of Certainty.

Life Ramblings, Musings & Threads, Angela Rieck

The Lure of Certainty

I am a seeker. To that end, I have read and attempted to learn from some of the most profound spiritual thinkers of our day including Tolle, Rohr, Beckwith, Steindl-Rast, Pema Chödrön, Beckwith, Thich Nhat Hanh, Young, Dali Lama, Osteen, Chittister, Ram Das, to name a few.

Despite differing perspectives, most share of a set of common beliefs: connectedness, living in the now, the importance of gratitude, universalism, abundant love, the negative impact of the ego, and spirituality. I am especially connected to the spirituality component since science and history have taught us that just because we can’t perceive or measure it, it doesn’t mean that it is not there.

Religion offers similar components (a) life after death (in some form), (b) connectedness in worship, (c) God’s love, and (d) comfort and compassion in difficult times.

But what religion and spiritual leaders really provide us is certainty, and it is compelling. Despite believing that the other side is “unknowable,” I continue to be drawn to those who believe that they have some sort of answer. I think that this explains why cults such as Scientology, Rev Jones, Jehovah’s Witness are able to attract so many people. All that a seeker has to do is join and, she too, will get the answers.

If only it were that simple.

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Angela Rieck

I WAS an executive of a large insurance company, a Ph.D. in Mathematical Psychology (go Terps!), a mother, a wife, a community leader, a volunteer, an animal rescuer, a friend and a philosopher. I used to be funny, smart, with a keen eye for the absurdities of life. But now I feel defined by what I have lost, my career, my husband (who died from cancer August 2015), my 35+ year life in Morristown, NJ, possessions (stolen), volunteer work, two of my beloved dogs, my parents, friends, but most of all, my purpose. What remains is an amazing 25 year old daughter and the daunting task of creating a new life. I am fortunate enough to spend time in Key West, FL and St. Michaels MD. While trying to understand these 2½ years of loss, I started to chronicle my feelings, thoughts and philosophies. I wrote to communicate, to understand, to reflect, to find a direction. People who read my posts said, “you are a writer,” so I am grasping onto this skill to find where it takes me. I am grateful for what remains, my daughter, my family, my friends, my husband’s family…and I will keep my promise to my husband to build on what is left. Thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you.