CHASING TRUTH

"The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple."  ~Oscar Wilde

"The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off."  ~Gloria Steinem

I decided long ago that blind faith is not where it’s at – that everything is open to investigation and if questions arise, not only should I search out the answers, but more importantly, I should ask the questions – oftentimes, out loud.   I determined that I would allow my discoveries to shine the light on the very essence of my being and allow new truths to upset the apple cart of my fixed beliefs.  I knew I would not fall apart.  And guess what?  I didn't.

However, I've alienated friends and acquaintances over the years. That makes me sad.  I wish it were not that way.   But the truth is throughout history there have been people who took an unpopular stance within their circles.  They changed.  They veered away from the status quo of their groups.  The changes in them made people angry…and perhaps scared.  It is hard to be around someone whose transformations threaten the hub upon which your life is built. 

It is frightening to face the dissolution of a core belief.  And so, even in the face of overwhelming evidence, many people will cling to them because the are the bedrock and center of their lives and their loss is unthinkable.  But I've found that releasing beliefs that don't work or make sense is freedom, albeit frightening at first.  I've been through it.  Once you let go of the fear, the freedom is incredible...the freedom to search out truth.  And that's how we were made.

I've never really become accustomed to the evaporation of relationships.  And though at times with some relationships, I've actually felt relief, I'm mostly just sad.