Three Cortesian Devotions By Christopher Forrest McDowell, PhD A ...

“This is the true joy in life: the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as amighty one, the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; thebeing a force of nature instead of a feverish clod of ailments and grievances complainingthat the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”Each of us must hear the challenge of our soul to be trustees of ourselves and theEarth, to live to our fullest potential, and to inspire that in other beings and species. Wemust have a vision and be visionaries. We must learn to give grace, love unconditionally,forgive, and say “I made a mistake, I am sorry, I will make things better.” We must feela sense of commitment and devotion — to a duty, task, person, relationship, conviction;to a sense of place and rightness. We must believe in the generosity and caring behindour giving of service, knowing that “I give, therefore I am.” By striving toward thehighest good within ourselves, others, and nature, we kindle a compassionate flame.III.A Devotion to PeaceAmidst the clamor and conflict of life on Earth today, the ageless personal desire forinner peace perhaps remains the final challenging frontier. A Cortesian way of livingmakes it possible to come to this state of peace by our very heartfelt devotion to placeand stewardship. In many respects, we must alter our lives in order to alter our hearts.We must see the world through eyes of caring and compassion, wherever we findourselves and whomever we find ourselves with.Peace is the gift we receive by trying with occasional success, and after much trail anderror, to live with reverence. It is a gift of reciprocity, for as we give with reverence wereceive peace in knowing that our intentions were pure and selfless. When we begin tofeel such peace of mind, such kindness within our hearts, we know that we have begun tounlock the deep abiding relationship and livelihood possible with all other humans,nature, this Earth, and God.Many years ago, amidst much upheaval inside my soul, I was watching the movie,The Last Temptation of Christ, based upon Nikos Kazantzakis’s bold novel by the samename. Suddenly, something happened to me, a marvelous challenge. I noticed thatthroughout the movie, whenever Jesus departed from someone or finished speaking, hewould say “Peace be with you.” I thought that Jesus (really the actor) spoke withincredible sincerity and kindness, and so easily! So, I took it upon myself to try thesesame words on others. I remember the first time I heard the words come out of mymouth — so awkward, so strange sounding, perhaps too contrived. But my friend didn’tflinch. Then I tried it again with another, and the words felt just as awkward. But thisfriend just looked at me kindly. I continued sharing these words with still more people,and the awkwardness and contrivedness began to disappear. The words now resonatedlike a mantram within my head, and I felt a true sense of sincerity begin to take hold inthis wish-gift to others. For nearly the next thirteen years, during the time our family