Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Into The Void with John Miller

It would appear there are some people who are concerned about my maturity, immortal soul and mental health. While the concern is appreciated, it is most assuredly not necessary.

Let me assure all who read this my immortal soul is in good shape. At least as good as anyone else's. It just so happens I don't go around talking about such matters. In fact I prefer a simple lifestyle of quiet, contemplation and study.

Now, as to my mental health, well, it, too, is as good as anyone else's, depending on which definition is used. The real question should be, "What is mental health?"

It should be obvious to those familiar with me that I don't run around naked in the streets, painted purple and shouting at little green men. Nor do I dress in military camouflage and carry weapons around looking for commies.

On the topic of maturity the problem seems to be one of semantics and definition. The definition of maturity is the end of growth, something I'd prefer to avoid. I hope to grow in some form each day (with the exception of the girth around the mid-section). For something to mature means it can go no further in a forward direction and begins to rot and decay. It is the reaching of a conclusion, an ending of sorts.

This is not something anyone should seek.

I think what was meant by the questioning of my maturity is my behavioral patterns being different than what is expected of someone my age. This is a different kettle of marbles altogether and yours truly will be the first to admit not acting like others. But it's not a bad thing, unless so perceived by others; this is not my problem.

Sorry, folks, but I must live my life in the way I have chosen, and not according to someone else's script. The only path I can follow is mine.

There have also been comments made as to the title of the column, "Into the Void." Some think it's Freudian, while others see it as something lacking spiritually in me. Both are incorrect.

Freud, as I recall, never mentioned the void, being preoccupied with a drug habit of his own while thinking most mental problems could be explained away either by anal or oral retentitiveness.

And for those wondering if I have spiritual problems, again, the answer is, no, I do not. What I believe is intensely personal and private. I feel no need to try to force others to my way of thinking and don't appreciate others attempting to put me in a cookie cutter mold of their beliefs. What works for one person won't work the same for another as we are all different as individuals.

The "void" is a term used in Eastern philosophies and beliefs, primarily Zen, Buddhism and Taoism. There is nothing negative about it as the search is for inner peace and tranquility. It does not mean a spiritual emptiness, but a oneness with all things.

Here's a little story: A Zen master once received a college professor who wanted to learn Zen. However, the professor constantly interrupted the master, who sat patiently as the other rambled on. After a while the master began pouring tea. He filled the professor's cup to the rim and continued pouring. The professor said, "The cup is full, it will hold no more." The master replied, "Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions. To learn, you must first empty your cup."

This is what I have tried to do, sometimes successfully, sometimes not  empty my cup so I can learn.

For your edification, dear readers, I study different religions and philosophies, learning something from all of them, and I am working to incorporate what I've learned into my way of life. There are times when, as others, I stray from my path. However, I always try to return to it and learn from my mistakes.

Please understand this doesn't stop me from having fun with the minds of others. A life unquestioned is like a stagnant pool of water  neither go anywhere and both dry up.

Remember, it is impossible to step into the same river twice.