obsessive thinking and pre-occupying worry

An old Sufi story tells of a man who found a bottle with a genie inside of it. He pulled the stopper out of the bottle and with a huge puff of smoke, the giant genie was freed and would grant the man anything he wished for.

“But”, the genie told him, “I haven’t had anything to do for a thousand years and am starved for work. So, you must keep me busy or I’ll eat you.”

The man thought that he had been granted a wonderful gift and was sure that he could keep the genie busy with no trouble and would finally get his fondest wish granted. The man immediately told the genie that he had always wanted to have a wonderful castle and no sooner had he voiced it than the wish was granted and a spectacular castle appeared before him. It was the grandest castle in the world. He thanked the genie and promptly wished for some food. In a flash, the worlds best chefs appeared before him with their most famous dishes prepared and ready to be eaten.

The man sat down and started to eat when the genie bellowed, “The only thing that’s going to be eaten is you – if you don’t give me some work to do.” The man trembled in fear and quickly said, “Bring me the most beautiful women in the world to amuse me.” Once again, he was amazed to find that his wish was instantly granted and the room was filled with women of all sizes, colours, nationalities, and all spectacularly beautiful. He had just started to introduce himself when he became aware that the genie was licking his lips and looking hungry.

It was then that he realised that he was in real trouble and didn’t know what to do. He then made his first wise wish – “Genie, take me to the wisest man in the world.” In a flash, he found himself on a mountaintop seated in front of a little old man in a robe. He said, “I know you are the wisest man in the world because that’s who I wished to see and all my wishes come true, but now I don’t know what else to wish for and if I can’t keep the genie busy, he will eat me. Please sir, help me.”

The wise man told him, “All your wishes were selfish. What you must do is promise to share your wealth with everyone everywhere and I will help you.” The man quickly agreed as he became aware that the genie was sharpening up his knife and fork while putting a bib on.

The wise man pulled a hair out of his curly beard and told the man to give it to the genie and command the genie to straighten the hair and keep it straight. The man gave the genie the hair and the command to keep it straight. The genie held each end of the hair in his hands and pulled it straight. With a hungry look, he let go of one end and reached for the man so as to devour him. But, the hair then sprang back to its curly state. The genie then pulled it straight again, leered, and started to grab at the man. Once again, the hair curled up and once again the genie stopped his attack and pulled it straight. The man saw that he had finally given the genie a task it would never finish completing until he wished him to.

He thanked the wise man profusely and kept his vow for the rest of his days. And the man lived happily ever after.

***

If you happen to be in Cape Town this evening, Kev at Labyrinth is exploring century old spiritual tools to cope with obsessive thinking and pre-occupying worry. In his words "forward the invite to your friends - they get lost inside too!"

on my way to work today...

...i saw a zebra!

and i thought, "in what other country can you drive to work with a big city and harbour on your right, and a zebra grazing placidly at the foot of a mountain on your left?"
tell me. Where else in the world?

PS. I'm not sure if 'placid' works with zebras, but it sounds cool. Maybe if the zebra knew it was in a reserve it wouldn't be so placid.

PPS. This spectacle is not just true for Cape Town. If works in Pretoria too (less one harbour). When driving to high school and varsity, just as you get off the N1 at Eufees there is a hill in front of you that is part of a reserve. I think it's linked to the Great Stone Toaster on the Hill (Voortrekker Monument) site. If you are lucky you can also see zebras and blesbuck grazing (placidly?) on the hill.

exciting times ahead

I was very pleased recently to see this email in my inbox from the ‘powers that be’ of Cape Town Ultimate. Looks like there are exciting plans ahead to grow this great sport here in the mother city:

Hi fantastic ultimate players

We have been busy thinking, strategising and throwing forehands about how to harness the momentum in Ultimate at the moment. The starting of the Cape Town league two years ago was a great throw foreward, but now it is time to take Cape Town Ultimate to the next level.

Here is our two year strategy. Our goal - 50 competitive teams by January 2010. Read our strategy to see how we plan to achieve this attainable goal! A strategy is a good start, but it needs people to make it happen. Right now, we have a committed, but small group of players who run CPT ultimate. For us to evolve CPT ultimate to have 50 competitive teams, we need to give back to our amazing sport. If we all gave 1 hour a week, we have 2 virtual people working full time.

So read our strategy and decide how you'd like to contribute. If you are keen, but not sure how, then chat to me or Neal even if you only have 1 hour a month!

Brent

Woohoo! I’m waiting to see if the document can be put up on the CT ultimate website, so that you can all have a read and get excited. We already have LoveLife rolling out the game in all parts of the country (and have just secured a mold to make cheap discs here in SA), so it looks like interesting times for SA ultimate.

Keep the discs flying!

"We used to say that Frisbee is really a religion-'Frisbeeterians,' we'd call ourselves. When we die, we don't go to purgatory, we just land up on the roof and lie there."

Ed Headrick, inventor of the Frisbee

Spring tide, sun set, moon rise

Last night Julie and I joined most of Cape Town’s young crowd in climbing/hiking up to the top of Lion’s Head to watch the sun set and moon rise. I’ve never been up there before, and it seemed as if last night was the night to do it. The panoramic views of the city, Table Mountain, beaches and the ocean were spectacular, and I had a hard time keeping my eyes on both the path at my feet and the spectacle all around me. I almost fell of the mountain once!

Julie and Dan with Table Mountain in the background; and the city from Lions Head.

We made it to the top at 7ish after an hour’s hike, met Dan and his gang and settled down for a lite picnic. As the crowds poured on to the mountain, I managed to see a Frisbee team mate with a telescope, and Julie found a work colleague and two school friends of hers enjoying the evening too. The sun set at 8pm over the ocean in the West (as it is wont to do) and was as good as sunsets over the ocean get. But wait, there was more. Last night was spring tide, and 10 minutes after sunset, in the East over the Stellenbosch mountains a full moon rose. Now that was impressive! For a while I didn’t know where to look - at the big yellow full moon over the city lights, or at the receding pink and red clouds and ocean in the other direction. A most worthwhile experience! "Day and Night" as ever chirpy Dan said.

The Twelve Apostles (mountains) and the Atlantic Ocean

The Moon over Cape Town city and Table Bay.

Thinking the show was over, we joined the multitude of people making our way back down to the car at about 8:30. Because it was dark, and there are some ladders and chains to climb down, there was quite a queue down the mountain. Thankfully we had the entertaining conversation of Nic Marais (a work colleague of Julies, and the host of SA’s biggest breakfast radio show) all the way down. So, laughing and admiring the city lights, we made our way down slowly, getting to the car at 10pm. A great night out! See you next year.

Nikaah #1

I really wanted to blog and reflect fully on my first attendance at a Muslim Nikaah (wedding) on Sunday and the parallels with Christian services/lessons to learn etc. Unfortunately the heat and my general lethargy are leaving me rather uninspired.

Just in brief I will say:

• The service at the Masjid-ul Quds mosque in Gatesville (one of Cape Town’s largest mosques, seating about 4,000 pax) was short and surprising. The Imam’s message commiserated the loss of values and morals of the world and extolled the groom to be a good ‘head of the household’. Everyone was most welcoming, the building was beautiful, and… there were only men present. Some women sat upstairs, but the ‘marriage’ took place between the groom and the brides representative (in this case her grandfather). The dowry was paid (5,000 pounds) and she was signed away to her hubby.

• The reception at a local school was a cultural smorgasbord - an Indian Muslim wedding in Cape Town with a groom from London. I didn’t know if I was in India, Saudi or the Cape Flats at times. There were a few formalities and, after a break for midday prayer, we moved swiftly to the main attraction: the food!

• The Imam also gave a short sermon here, the highlight of which was his cell phone ringing! He chanted some beautiful prayers and extracts from the Qur’an. He called on a young girl (8 or 9 I think) who is quoted/sang and long piece from the Qur’an too - she is learning the whole book off by heart!

• It was a beautiful experience, all in all. I hope to do more of these ‘Islam immersions’ in the future. I find their humility before God, and emphasis on spiritual disciplines valuable. I do however have the same gripes about sexism and a fundamentalist reading of the text that I have with many Christian denominations. I held my tongue though ;)

Here are some pics of the day:

the groom, the brides' representative & three witnesses signing the marriage document in the mosque

the groom presenting the bride at the reception
the wonderfully ornate spire of Masjid-ul Quds mosque

CPE here i come...

In a month and a bit I start the next phase of my ‘mother city adventure’: a three month Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) unit at Groote Schuur Hospital. I first heard about CPE in Atlanta where I followed the experiences of fellow Columbia students with interest, admiration and sometimes fear. Although the ‘powers that be’ in my denomination would like me ordained yesterday, I feel this three month training is something that I would like to prioritise while I have the chance. So far I seem to have saved enough moolah to survive as a full time student again, and I think I’m ready for the challenge that March will bring. CPE is really small in SA, in fact this is the only site in the country. There are two supervisors and a group of 6 students. I finished the application essays and mailed them off a couple of days ago, so hopefully they arrive and I get in. Here is what I wrote in the essay concerning my understanding of CPE, goals for the course and how I envisage using my training upon completion:

Expectations for this CPE (Gareth Beyers)

From what I have read and heard from supervisors and students, CPE is supervised, interfaith professional education for ministry. Three areas stand out to me as core constituents of the program: personal reflection (on one’s pastoral identity), pastoral formation (group meetings and study) and practical competence (experience with crisis situations). I am especially interested in the integration of theological, psychological, and pastoral insights and what this will offer to my future pastoral function in a parish. Although it will be a tough 3 months, following the Greek aphorism “Know thyself”, it is an opportunity I would like to take while I am in the position to.

Having ‘discovered’ CPE whilst in the States, and seeing that many Presbyteries require at least one unit of it from their students, I followed their lead and thought it valuable in my own life too. Pastoral ministry needs inner strength and self awareness, something that a unit of CPE will most certainly provide as I will be challenged and taught in the area of pastoral relationships. I do strive, through journalling and other tools, to be reflective, and think this will help the personal growth and discoveries that I will stumble upon during the course.

The interfaith aspect of CPE will also be a crucial aspect to learn if I wish to work in the multiculturalism of South Africa. A professor of mine in Pretoria, Maake Masango, did CPE and advised me that the multidisciplinary approach will prepare me for ministry. My Columbia Seminary advisor, Prof George Stroup, has remarked that ‘you never know the true contents of your theology until you have it tested in a pastoral situation.’ I wish to discover what I really believe, and to take hold of this valuable opportunity while I can.

As to future vocational plans, I am a student of the ministry of the UPCSA, seeking ordination within the denomination. My goal within this path to ordination is not to be content with ministry in a comfortable white, middle-class, conservative congregation. I wish to be pushing the boundaries and set ideas of what church is, working for an authentic South African Christian faith expression and community, and impacting the church's place within society. To do this I will have to be comfortable in my understanding of my pastoral identity. Unfortunately in 5 years of theological studies, I have only had two pastoral care courses, so wish to add a CPE unit to this before I enter probation and ordination.

I know we will have to create set, measurable goals in the program, but for now here are four specific goals that come to mind for my CPE experience:

• to embrace the full array of South African experiences
• to discover further who I am, and why I respond to situations as I do
• to gain clarity on my sense of pastoral calling and vocation
• to open myself to pain and hopelessness


Doesn't it just sound like sooo much fun ;)

Hott in Denmark

Here’s the story:
When I arrived in CT I needed some cash. So, one seemingly simple way was to take advantage of the advertising and movie industry here. Armed with oodles of optimism I duly went searching for casting agencies and sent a copy of my voice to a voice-over artist company. The voice-over idea didn’t work (not enough variation) , but the casting peeps liked the look of me and asked me back to shoot a portfolio. That was about four months ago. Since then I’ve been an extra once for a Tiger Beer ad. Thankfully I found a real job (link) so I didn’t starve, but my hopes for fashion stardom were waning.

So why I’m blogging all this then? Well, on Saturday I was requested for a casting for a Danish company Intersport who are in town shooting their catalogue. Saturday morning, armed with a lot less optimism, I popped in to the studio, they took some pics, I spoke about Frisbee and then left.

And…on monday they called me back ! Hooray! I’ve just finished a two day shoot on Clifton beach, at the yacht club and a sports stadium sporting big name brands. Hanging out with four Danes, taking funny pictures, being in the sun and sushi for lunch all make for a great two days of ‘work’. And this is not to mention the handy pocket money that will go some way to buying a scooter. I’m still laughing at the thought that I will help pretty Scandinavian blondes in choosing their wardrobe for the summer! So, if you find yourself in Copenhagen needing a fashion make over, be sure to go to Intersport and grab a catalogue. I’ll even sign it if you want ;)

Good times, good times.

Hooray for denmark and their knowledge of B-B-Q!
NOTE: This is NOT an example from yesterdays shoot, but me wearing the only denmark shirt i possess. It has a picture of Africa with the words 'Denmark knows B-B-Q' on it. Random!

Hat tournament!

I am an unashamed Ultimate Frisbee addict. Yes, it gets a bit much at times, but I’m cool with that. It is a most healthy addiction that gets me out of my head, back into my body. I also get to hang out with cool people. Tonight is therefore only a mild evening out, listening to a friend’s guitar concert in Rondebosch, because tomorrow (at 8:30) I need to be on the field for my first Tournament since being back in SA. Can’t wait! Hooray for flying plastic discs.


UPDATE: read about the tourney and see cool pics on the new CT ultimate site here.

the SACC Parliamentary Office: Mr Researcher

So, I finally have a job, as of last week Thursday. I’m quite enjoying the structure (or bondage) of office hours, and still enthralled by the trains and working in the city centre. My official title is something like researcher or intern at the SACC PO (South African Council of Churches Parliamentary Office) and it’s a two month position for now. I was hoping to do some research and follow some Bills in Parliament, but it looks like my job spec had changed to office administrator and conference planner. Hmm...

I’ve been rather stressed out because I (with all my realms of event co-ordinating expertise) have to plan a conference for a 100 people, accommodation, speakers, flights and a big budget IN 3 WEEKS TIME!!! Keith (the PO director, and as such my boss-type guy - who isn’t really around much) thinks it can be done. No, rather, says it MUST be done. So, it will happen, and hopefully I’m still sane when the date comes around!

If any of you happen to be in Cape Town, and interested in the current Children’s Amendment Bill concerning the banning of corporal punishment in homes, please do come along! Here’s our flyer that I’ve just emailed to the heads of 26 denominations in the country:

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Symposium on Children’s Rights
28 & 29^th November 2007
Cape Town, SA

An Inter-disciplinary Dialogue on Children’s Rights
to engage various perspectives on the abolition of corporal punishment
and for the promotion of positive discipline.

“Creating space for the important conversation between the fields of Law, International Human Rights, Child Work, Theology, Politics and Psychology concerning the current Children’s Amendment Bill, in the hope of harmonising international norms with current religious beliefs and traditional practices in South Africa.”

Hosted by the South African Council of Churches, SACC Parliamentary Office & Save the Children, Sweden

For more details or to reserve your seat, contact:
SACC Parliamentary Office – Gareth (021) 423 4261
SACC Head Office – Theresa (011)241 7813
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Teehhee - what a nice little rant from an office desk! I need to play Frisbee soon to clear my mind!

Wanna ride?

I’m contemplating the financial and practical aspects of getting either a messenger's ‘fixie’ bicycle, a mountain bike, or a scooter to get me around Cape Town. Until that time, Doug Bax (retired minister and anti-apartheid activist) has lent me his bicycle. Check my wheels out now:


My favourite thing, apart from the dynamo that needs rewiring, the gears on the diagonal bar, and the yellow helmet, is the red reflecting place that swings out like a flag on an arm from the back of the bicycle to remind people not to get too close! Beware the cyclist in yellow.

update on life

So, how’s Cape Town? Without an office or internet connection this blog hasn’t really been the place to keep abreast of what’s been happening.
I’m working part time as a monitor with the Parliamentary Monitoring Group which brings in some income if I go regularly. You can see some of my reports online if you wish. It’s a great way to learn how legislature is made, and I even got to be on TV news on Friday! I’m still talking to Keith Vermeulen at the SACC Parliamentary Office about a researcher/admin post. He needs and wants the extra ‘personpower’, the problem is getting funds from the General Secretary in Jo’burg.
There has been another really interesting development - I met with Kevin Light a while back and had a great chat. He is a Methodist minister who is involved with ‘post-religious spirituality’, and doing really interesting work with his group called Labyrinth. Go have a read at their website. Labyrinth has three ‘rules’ which I really enjoy: no hierarchy, no orthodoxy and no jury. It is simply a place to come and explore spirituality. I may end up doing some work with them in the future. Coupled with this has been my similar experiences (through Julie) of Quaker worship. She attends the local Quaker meeting, and my experience of their worship and fellowship has been interesting and refreshing. They have no clergy, are silent worshippers and live out the belief of ‘that of God in everyone’. Both the Quakers and Labyrinth seem at first glance to be undermining the future occupation I’ve spent 5 years studying for, but, as an ecclesiologist (grin) these alternative faith expressions are helping to shape my own.
As to other life aspects, Julie and I are enjoying being in the same city; I’m playing for ‘the Remnants’ - a local Ultimate Frisbee team here; and my housemate took me surfing for the first time ever. It was humiliating. I’ve seen a sunrise from Simon’s Town beach; listened to Harris Tweed, and the Kolo Nova Movie Band in concerts; been loaned an awesome retro bicycle; and worked out how to catch the (free) University of Cape Town student shuttle into town.
For next year, I’m really excited about doing CPE (hospital chaplaincy) here at Groote Schuur in March, and then perhaps a year long internship in Seattle. That could mean Probation waits a bit. Or CPE counts towards probation. Something like that ;) I don’t want to be in too much of a rush to get ordained, yet I also don’t want to put off my calling. A chaplain of mine’s question of “why do you need to be ordained to minister?” helps to slow me down.

Jhb/Ct?

I love Jozi


But i love the Cape too!

life is full of starts and finishes

So, this week sees the start (and finish) of another chapter in life. I've finally moved my clothes and some books down to Cape Town. Today i'll be unpacking them into my new room in Mowbray with Guy Chennels. Looks like a great setup and i'm excited about the whole thing. Julie lives about a 10 minute drive away, and i'm right by the train station and taxi rank in Mowbray if i need to move around. (Footnote- last week i caught a notorious mini-bus taxi into the centre of Jo'burg and back, so after that i think i can handle the CT transport systems).

The few weeks at home were great (and too cold and short). Life seems to be going on merrily and humourously in the Beyer's household in Midrand. This friday my mom deserves a huge party in her honour: Vicki and Jane finish high school - for the last 17 years my mom has been taking children to school and back. Well done! Next year the twins (Vicki and Jane) may be coming to Cape Town for YWAM, so it will be neat to have them in town. Matt is finishing his film and media school and trying to travel, and Bron is enjoying her Montessori teaching. Aaah, how we grow and mature!

And me? Well, hopefully i'll settle in soon, find a good fresh produce store, join a frisbee team and get a job! Parliament is back in session so i'll start the monitoring work next week. I'm still waiting to hear from the SACC Parliamentary office. When i get a set office i should be able to post here some more. My dad is in town for the long weekend, and Julie and i will join him up the West Coast at a friends house. Hopefully the weather is nice - SA has been having some revolting cold snaps, winds and floods lately. Climate change is to blame again!

Well, that's me, over and out. Hopefully next time it will be from an office, with a set job!