Startling mantra

Ed is a friend of mine who last year gave up his post as a school principal and moved to Kenya to serve the poor in a more tangible way. He’s just updated his blog with an interesting reflection on how he has changed being there, as well as thoughts on the tribal conflict that is still gripping the country. He also quoted and reflected on some lines that Richard Rohr (his friend) uses in his book Adam’s Return. These apparently are lessons every young man must learn during initiation. I found them most startling and alternative as far as mantras go. So, meditate on this happy thoughts for a while:

YOU ARE NOT IMPORTANT.
YOUR LIFE IS NOT ABOUT YOU.
YOU ARE NOT IN CONTROL.
YOU ARE GOING TO DIE.

I’m sure Richard has some meaningful explanation for them, but they seem helpful in their ‘startling-ness’ just as they are.