Dear DTE… Why do I cringe when politicians and celebrities and mainstream media send ‘thoughts & prayers’ after something like a school shooting?
I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, but when some disaster or misfortune happens and people say they’re sending “thoughts and prayers,” it really gets me riled up. Why? Because on its own, thoughts and prayers don’t work. The response rings hollow because it’s the least amount of effort applied.
Now don’t get me wrong, prayer (aka thought) is very important and powerful; however, it is only one part of the recipe for change, where true magic starts. Because that’s what we all really want/need in those hard moments. Change. Change in policy. Change in actions. Change in outcomes. Change in the pain experienced. All of those desired results are based upon action.
To make real change, we need thoughts/prayers, feelings/will, and action to complete the recipe. That is what magic and ritual are all about. Sometimes we start with feelings and with thoughts we solidify this aspect into will or the “umph” behind the desire. Once we add in action based upon our thoughts and feelings we have true magic.
An example of this magic combination is through a Paganism/Wicca/Witchcraft ritual. It usually begins with what the desired outcome is e.g. world peace, a new lover, better health, the perfect job opportunity, etc. From there one takes a moment to combine thoughts/prayers and feelings/intent. With these locked in place, then the physical act of ritual begins. Casting the circle, calling in the four quarters, and working with herbs, candles and incense, with specific movements and tools to complete the ritual. Ritual is very powerful work, especially when it is done right.
This statement is true in all religions and faiths.
I do need to point out that one can always go through the physical motions without the thoughts and feelings aspect, just as anyone can apply thoughts and prayers without action. One can also simply feel things (though feelings tend to be paired with either thought or action) even if it’s not evident right away.
Another example is activism. For activism to be truly effective we need thoughts and emotions behind it. Otherwise, we’re all just standing on corners holding signs that don’t mean anything.
It can be really scary to step into this power. Yes, change is a powerful force. It’s part of the reason why people hate it so much. We want ease. We want a well lubed experience where we don’t have to work so hard or work at all to enjoy pleasures. Unfortunately this is not the version of reality we inhibit.
I would like to remind you that even sex requires some physical, mental, and emotional work (and yes, this is also a powerful ritual to work with).
I understand that all we can do sometimes is just send our thoughts of love and care. That’s okay. We aren’t always in a realistic place to give more than this small amount. We do have a choice to create a little sacred space and invoke those feelings. It might not invoke a miraculous change, as some people make it to be, but it definitely can improve things more than just thoughts and prayers alone.
Got a personal question for the paranormal/psychic/spiritual Dear Abby? Email kitsapsmokestack@gmail with the subject ‘Down To Earth’
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