Analyze

"Believe nothing just because a so-called wise person said it. Believe nothing just because a belief is generally held. Believe nothing just because it is said in ancient books. Believe nothing just because it is said to be of divine origin. Believe nothing just because someone else believes it. Believe only what you yourself test and judge to be true." [paraphrased]  Buddha

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The scientific method is the best way yet discovered for winnowing the truth from lies and delusion. The simple version looks something like this:

1. Observe some aspect of the universe. 
2. Invent a tentative description, called a hypothesis that is consistent with what you have observed. 
3. Use the hypothesis to make predictions. 
4. Test those predictions by experiments or further observations and modify the hypothesis in the light of your results. 
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until there are no discrepancies between theory and experiment and/or observation

~#~

I confess I love the biological sciences.  As a result of my love of science, I confess that I use the scientific method in all aspects of my life – consciously and unconsciously.  This includes my mystery study along my spiritual path.  For me, I need to wrestle with an idea to see if it is true for me and my path.  I do this through the scientific method.

The first time I heard that crystals could sing in your hand – I laughed.  It wasn’t an out loud laugh, but the one you do in your head that includes a: “Yah Right.”   

I’d been shut out of an herbal class I wanted to take and was told there were still seats available in a crystal healing class.  I’d pre-paid to take classes for the day and my frugal self kicked in because I didn't want to waste my money.  There I sat the skeptic sitting in a “rock” class who wanted to learn about herbs.  What’s more – the last time I learned about rocks was in 8th grade when I got a C-.  

Looking around, the majority of the class was taking copious notes.  There was a mixture of folks: Gray-haired grandmas in dress slacks, teens dressed in Goth, guys in jeans and t-shirts and me.  Most were shaking their heads in agreement with what the instructor was saying.  I sat with my notebook unopened and arms crossed.

The instructor asked the class to share their experiences.  Several people stood and gave vivid testimonials of how different crystals vibrate or tingle in their hand.  The instructor stated clearly: a crystal will feel different to different individuals.  She explained for one individual, a crystal may vibrate and get hot and with another – nothing.  “Crystals communicate like people – there are some people you want to talk to and others not so much.  Don’t be offended.”  She said.     (I know it sounds a lot like what I said about trees last week.)

I soon found out that this class was to be interactive.  The instructor went around laying 5 or 6 different stones out in front of us.  We were to put the stone in our hands and write down our experience.  (My Hypothesis quickly formed in my head: People cannot feel a stone’s vibration in their hand.)  I drew up my data table ready for my experiment.  She turned down the lighting and asked us to take three deep breaths to relax.  I was far from relaxing; I wanted to get my investigation going.

I listened to my classmates say “Oh you should feel this one.” “Wow this has a lot of energy.”

My chart was being filled in with negative signs.

My instructor came up to me and lightly touched my shoulder saying.  “You’re trying too hard – lighten up.”  She picked up a white double pointed crystal and put into my left hand.  “Try this one.”

I felt like a hole being drilled through my hand.  I picked up the crystal to see if there were any jagged edges or sharp points.  The stone’s plane was smooth.  I put it down into my hand again and the same thing happened.

I purchased that crystal that day and it now guards my fireplace.  (See the picture above)

~#~

Stone

By Charles Simic

Go inside a stone

That would be my way.

Let somebody else become a dove

Or gnash with a tiger's tooth.

I am happy to be a stone.

From the outside the stone is a riddle:

No one knows how to answer it.

Yet within, it must be cool and quiet

Even though a cow steps on it full weight,

Even though a child throws it in a river;

The stone sinks, slow, unperturbed

To the river bottom

Where the fishes come to knock on it

And listen.

I have seen sparks fly out

When two stones are rubbed,

So perhaps it is not dark inside after all;

Perhaps there is a moon shining

From somewhere, as though behind a hill—

Just enough light to make out

The strange writings, the star-charts

On the inner walls.

~#~

Activity

Get to Know Crystals

Choose at least 3 crystals

Instructions:  Relax and be open.  For me – it’s better if I sit down.  Place a crystal in your palm and relax your breathing.  Let the crystal do all the work and just feel.  Next write down your experiences.

Finally, remember to be respectful – the crystal is older than you.