{"id":3890,"date":"2018-02-22T12:59:07","date_gmt":"2018-02-22T20:59:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admin.patheos.com\/blogs\/scientologybeliefs\/?p=3890"},"modified":"2018-02-22T12:59:07","modified_gmt":"2018-02-22T20:59:07","slug":"scientologist-poet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/scientologybeliefs\/2018\/02\/scientologist-poet\/","title":{"rendered":"Scientologists and Freedom of Choice, by Poet Mike Graves"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

Poet Mike Graves shares his thoughts about Scientology\u2014the religion he has practiced for more than 40 years. Published courtesy of STAND, Scientologists Taking Action Against Discrimination.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Responsible freedom of choice lies at the heart of the Scientology religion. It\u2019s a theme which runs throughout our sacred literature. Freedom of choice coupled with a prosurvival orientation toward all areas of life determine the actions of an ethical being.<\/p>\n

In my 40-some years\u00a0associating with Scientologists<\/a>, I\u2019ve observed this at every turn. It\u2019s one of the delights of being around them. They may not always be predictable, but they are very rarely boring!<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"
Soleil Levant by Ton Dubbeldam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cThis Moment in Time\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

You determine this moment in time
\nno one else.
\nIts creation is yours.<\/p>\n

You conceive it.
\nYou shape it.
\nYou give it life.<\/p>\n

Yield the creation of this moment to another, and
\nyou suspend yourself in air
\nabove a chasm
\nhanging (or not) at their choice.
\nYour life no longer your own.<\/p>\n

Fame, approval, permission granted
\nby another, may be
\ntaken away.<\/p>\n

Except by your own decision
\nwhat you create, cannot.<\/p>\n

Yield your will to create
\nand your forward path becomes chosen
\nat the caprice of another.
\nThe journey bereft of the
\njoyfulness born of creation.<\/p>\n

You create your life
\nand include others (or not).
\nYou create your future
\nand include others (or not).<\/p>\n

Recall a time you were truly happy;
\nwrapped in the arms of someone you loved.
\nRemember a time when you succeeded, and
\nthings were joyfully real.
\nRemember a time that you won.<\/p>\n

These things will be with you, always.
\nRegardless of what follows.<\/p>\n

The creation of joy, of purpose
\nis within you. It is a gift that you give
\nyourself.<\/p>\n

It is a gift that you share with others, or not.<\/p>\n

Build your own life. Create your own dreams.
\nLive true to your own goals.
\nSpeak your own truths.<\/p>\n

None of these can be taken from you.
\nUnless you first elect it so.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Poet Mike Graves shares his thoughts about Scientology\u2014the religion he has practiced for more than 40 years. Published courtesy of STAND, Scientologists Taking Action Against Discrimination. Responsible freedom of choice lies at the heart of the Scientology religion. It\u2019s a theme which runs throughout our sacred literature. Freedom of choice coupled with a prosurvival orientation […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":219,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1320,1297,1374],"tags":[1430,307,792,1293],"class_list":["post-3890","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-scientologists","category-scientology-beliefs","category-stand","tag-poet","tag-scientologist","tag-self-determinism","tag-stand"],"yoast_head":"\nScientologists and Freedom of Choice, by Poet Mike Graves<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Poet Mike Graves shares his thoughts about Scientology\u2014the religion he has practiced for more than 40 years. 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