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Mormon Awakenings: 013: Words and Their Emotional Charges

Jack Naneek discusses the ineffable, the limits of words, and changing ourselves. The story of Alma the Elder is discussed, as well as a special needs child. In the end, we learn God might be more than a bearded man in the sky handing out Christmas gifts.

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4 thoughts on “Mormon Awakenings: 013: Words and Their Emotional Charges”

  1. So instead of sending emails, I find it better to just address issues here. Could you address the topic of once you feel awakened how should deal with those around you might feel unawakened.

    I think you did this once, or several times in several different ways. But there are different levels of having to deal with the unawakened level. Most importantly the spouse, and extended family members. Children seem to come awakened these days and we consider ourselves lucky if we manage to make them drink the cool aid.

    Being patient while others awaken is frustrating, at an individual level, and at church level. Watching the awaken leave, just leaves the rest of us still dormant or unawakened.

    Some of the awakened seem cranky from recently waking up. Others seem to like it more to keep everyone asleep, least they wake up and become cranky.

    So I guess what’s the best way to wake up? Well, maybe some ideas have come to me while I’ve rambled far too long. Thanks again for your perspectives.

  2. I think the hardest thing in life is difficult people who are unaware of how difficult they are. These people come in all forms. If its a spouse or child or a bishop or boss it’s brutal. Still, nothing is mandatory in life, not even family bonds or keeping of marital vows. One can always leave. So, when one chooses to stay, there must be good reasons. Focus on those good reasons. If one of the reasons is that you are learning something, embrace that learning. If it’s learning patience, control, and ability to zone out, orhave more endurance, focus on those things. If there’s nothing but misery, remove yourself from the situation. Maybe temporarily, from time to time, like Joseph leaving Israel for Egypt. Or if need be, permanently. Lots of examples of that too.

  3. Haha! yeah, I’m sure I got the diagnosis wrong in technical terms. But, I think we agree on general sentiment–they were not right somehow.

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