Hi John, One of the most beautiful truths I’ve come to believe is this: we’re not meant to be the same. Not in our bodies, the way we live, love, think, or heal. Yes, that applies to health, but it also deeply applies to spirituality. It can feel terrifying to be “different” or not to “fit in.” But trust me, there is so much beauty in that. You were born as you are and are exactly the person you’re meant to be. Please, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. (And if they do, definitely don’t believe them!) Cartoon: Unity in diversity 🤝
Dad Joke: Vasectomy ✂️
Quote: Bruce Lee🗑️
Original: One River, Many Shores 🏞️
Merch of the Week: Puzzle of Love t-shirt 🧩 |
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| Unity in diversity is the loveliest reality to live up to. This cartoon really emphasises how we’re not all meant ot be the same, where religion puts us in the same four tight corners. We’re meant to be different, and most importantly, loved for our uniqueness. |
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| My doctor told me that after my vasectomy, I wouldn’t have kids. But when I got home from surgery, they were still there. |
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| “Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless, and add what’s specifically your own.” - Bruce Lee |
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| Good Health Span, Not Lifespan |
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| I actually read that quote in Peter Attia’s book, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. As you may already know, I read a lot about health and fitness. Basically because I’ve always been interested in it, but it’s ramping up because, as I age, I want to live long and prosper. I want a good health span, not just lifespan. Attia’s book is very big and detailed, including tons of research. I found it hard to start reading through. But it didn’t take me long to start to appreciate the book. Very much! Why? Because he’s not dogmatic about stuff like diet and alcohol, what exercises to do, and all that, basically, there are certain things we need to look out for and take care of: nutrition, cardio, strength, sleep, and mental health. But how each one of us does it is up to us. And this is why I love the book and his approach so much. What works for you may not work for me. We get to tailor-make our own health regimens. What works and what feels good? Then do that! What I love about this is that I feel the very same way about spirituality. You’ve probably heard me say, “There’s only one way to deconstruct, and that’s your way!” I also say, “There’s only one way to be spiritual, and that’s your way!” (By spiritual, I mean our inner lives without necessarily invoking divinity or the supernatural.) This was one of the most radical departures I made from the Christianity I grew up in, where everything was prescribed from above. Every belief, action, devotion… everything… was authorized and sanctioned. One of the events in my life that broke this for me was helping my son Joshua at his booth at a Wellness Expo years ago. I met all kinds of people… from witches to pagans to magic wands to incenses to all types of New Agers and tarot and Ouija and, well, everything you could imagine under the sun. And you know what? I had a blast. They were all wonderful people, all mingled into a huge arena and just having fun expressing themselves in their unique ways. I didn’t feel any judgment or sneering or anything like that. I didn’t feel forced to believe or reject any of it. It just was. I met wonderful people, and we’d go out to eat and just hang out, and they were all just normal folk with their own passions, interests, and beliefs. So what? Big deal. What provoked me deep down was that they were wonderful people with different beliefs. And that was okay. I’m sure they all wrestled with their stuff like everyone else. But the contrast between that and the cruelty that people with orthodox Christian beliefs can exhibit was remarkable. That’s what hit me. What works for them may not work for me. What works for me may not work for them. We’re all finding our own way to be our most authentic and free selves. The diversity of paths leads to a diversity of persons. And I love that. It’s so much freer than dutifully following every little rule I was handed in my Christian upbringing. Like Bruce Lee said, “Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless, and add what’s specifically your own.” |
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| | We live in what many people feel is a divided world. In many ways, it seems true. But I have seen another reality: that we are one, joined together by a common thread — a thread of love. I live in eastern Canada on a beautiful river that travels miles to the ocean. The river has multiple expressions and many different shores, but it is all one river. Here, we see three people who appear separate but are bonded by this common thread: a river and love. May this appear more and more to be true. Because it is! |
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| If you like this, take a look at my other originals. I create with you in mind, so I’m sure there will be something you love! |
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| I thought it quite fitting to feature my Puzzle of Love T-shirt this week (pun intended). Why? Because love. Jesus Christ is completing the puzzle of love with his LGBTQ+ friends. They’re comfortable and happy — this is clearly a safe space. The puzzle is made up of diverse pieces, including you and me. And every single piece, just like every single person, is loved and important. Sometimes we forget that. Buy this shirt for yourself, remembering you are loved, or spread the love and get it for someone who needs this reminder! |
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| So my friend, I hope you found something in this that touched your heart in one way or another. Because at the end of the day, I do what I do to nurture your heart and soul. I know life gets tough and sometimes our hearts can feel a little bruised, but remember, you are loved exactly the way you are! Much love my friend, David P.S. I've just posted a new video on Why Deconstruction Feels So Hard (And What to Do With All the Emotions). I'd love to know what you think. P.P.S. Watching my videos, commenting on or liking them, helps more people find my content. That’s why I’m here, for you and those out there needing some extra help and care. So please, show this post some love and tag your friends! You never know who might need this! |
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