Prayer
Room
|
 |
Step
Two-
Will
Psychosocial
Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame, Doubt
Stage Two Range of Relations: Parental Persons
Willpower is the unbroken determination to exercise free choice as well as self-restraint in spite of the unavoidable experience of shame, doubt, and a certain rage over being controlled by others. Good will is rooted in the judiciousness of parents guided by their respect for the spirit of the law.
[Erik H. Erickson, The Human Cycle (1968)]
[Will; 20x33 in. Painting by Nadine McHenry. In the toddler stage, one develops motor skills and explores choices.]
Biblical Reference Adam and Eve partake of the apple
The serpent said to the woman, "...for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" He said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself."
[Genesis Chapter 3, Verses 5- 10]
Taoist Reference
Every god can be defied. No choice, no devotion
For devotion is only valuable when a conscious decision is made
To follow that course, even in knowledgment of the difficulties ahead.
(It is secondary) whether we choose belief or defiance.
What is precious is that we are always able to choose.
[Tao Te Ching, Chapter 21]
Plant
Selection Black Walnut
The ground below the black walnut tree is sterile. Not unlike a moat, the roots of the black walnut produce a chemical substance that keeps "others " from entering. With the exception of an errant root, cut flush to the ground by weekly mowing, islands of bluegrass or fescue honor the border between life and death. Black walnut trees are tall, broad, proud trees.
[Thomas Bare]
Step Two: Will
The choice is given and is taken,
The Lord grants freedom to decide.
The fruit is tasted, choice given will,
The precious gift is to defy.
If knowledge can become devotion
The walnut chooses to grow tall,
Its fruit an effort to obtain will.
Most from this will must find refrain.[Randall E. Dinsdale]
From the program notes for the Abendmusik: Lincoln Eight Garden Steps concert, May 19, 2002.
|
05/03/08 |