“Pizzaonia Emerging” Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute. Abe Straction, curator
First a little history:
Brother Franco was recently reappointed headmaster of all Pizzaonian Monasteries. As Headmaster, he requires all new monks to take his introductory seminars. These seminars are designed to help each of us better identify our true aptitudes and guide us to more successful and fulfilling lives.
So many portalized Pizzaonians have led previous lives where serendipitous events have done more to shape what they do and the lives they have led than what their true vocations are and should be. These seminars are designed to correct that.
To paraphrase Thomas Merton – a pear tree is beautiful because it is a pear tree. If a human were a pear tree, he or she would spend most of their lives trying to become an apple tree. Most of us get the point immediately.
With this is mind we begin with these initial remarks. It should be noted that while the Pizzaonian Monasteries are Christian in perspective, they restrict their dogma to utter simplicity. It should also be noted that Pizzaonian Monks can profess any faith or non-faith including atheism and remain in good standing as Pizzaonian Monks.
They keep their belief system to what Jesus described as “the way.” When simply said this allows us to try to love are neighbors as ourselves, to love our God, and to make our guiding philosophy “to judge a tree by its fruit.” A tree, regardless of the kind of tree it may be,
KNOW THY SELF
The good – what can be more fulfilling than to know that what you are supposed to be is actually happening. The trick here is to make sure you are not kidding yourself in the process. How do you do that? The answer is not simple since objectivity is not easy to come by. For many of us, complete objectivity may not be possible.
It is probably not a bad idea to presume you are not as objective as you think. If we cannot use our judgment as the yardstick, how then do we know we are on the right track? There is no better way to measure how well you are doing than evaluating the results of your actions.
However, before you do this, you should set some positive ways to measure your progress in advance. First, define your goals. It is assumed in our opening statement that you already know what you expect to be. This should not be a feeling but a definitive goal that can be expressed clearly. There can be no ambiguity here – this must be clear before you start.
We have found that many of us do not survive this first step. Knowing oneself is not an easy task. It requires brutal honesty and a healthy sense of introspection. For many, it is wise to have someone you trust completely to help you on this journey. However, some caution here since for some this is a journey better taken alone. So much depends on how well you feel you know yourself.
One yardstick is to gauge how comfortable you are with past behavior, and how much you tend to trust your judgment. Rely on experience here – it shows the way. Much of what we will do in the future can be measured by what we have done in the past.
If the results of your past actions are not encouraging - do not be discouraged. The past can be equally effective by telling us what not to do as well as what we should be doing.
One thing is certain – completing this first step correctly with confidence in your method is vital for a successful completion of the journey you are about to embark.
Now start on step one – this is your job; no one can do it for you. Who are you and what should you be? If you are already on the journey – reevaluate where you are. Just like any other journey a roadmap is required. Often this first step is all that is needed. It quickly starts the process, and your own motivation takes over. This is good and the way it should be.
If this does not happen, don’t worry, you need to stay on track and work on it, we often test the seriousness our own desire. Get with it – the results can be profound.
Brother Franco
opd 314
