[November 2003 journal entry]
I have come to realize, after many years’ experience with and reflection on a ‘non-religious’ or ‘scrapheap’ approach to spirituality and ethics, that this approach is several standard deviations removed from the mean/norm. I accept the responsibility for taking the initiative in respecting and adjusting – as a guest – to the habits and perspectives of those nearer the mean/norm with whom I associate. This responsibility requires a strong and expanding capacity to tolerate the dissonance inseparable from these associations. Analogous to a bridge or a building, I measure my integrity by the degree to which I bend without breaking/crumbling.
