Balance. Purpose. Enlightenment.
Working On Ourselves and a Workbench
There probably isn’t a person you know who doesn’t long for an ideal world where everyone can agree and cooperate in peace, with respect for each other and a true sense of accomplishment in all they do. So when we learn about something like the Lemurian Philosophy and what’s being done by Lemurian students at Gateway, excitement mounts and we think “this is it!” And it is. Still, Lemurians are human, independent-thinking people, with habits of thought and action that don’t instantly mesh with others.
What we have is a common goal, a common guidebook, and a desire to blend with all who share that goal to build a better world. That takes some working on ourselves as we try our best to reach that point. It isn’t always smooth sailing but it’s worth the effort, as our recent workbench project reminds us.
When the time came to abandon our old Lemurian Crafts shop and move into our new Main Shop, there was space for something new. Someone suggested building a workbench of our own design to suit the needs of the Crafts items we manufacture. Great idea! Sounds pretty simple, right?
One worker offered some design possibilities, others looked through woodworking magazines for ideas and came together on a plan that met our needs. By the time the wood was ready we had finalized our plan, divided into teams and worked out a rotation so each would spend time working with the others on this project. Everyone wanted this workbench, we set up a good schedule and we thought it should be a breeze to put together. But our first two sessions didn’t go too well. This was a new kind of project for many of us.
We were like a group of musicians who hadn’t practiced together, all playing off key and each with a different song!
We realized some working on ourselves would be needed before we could start on the bench. Someone suggested sitting down to talk. Another admitted it was hard to visualize what we were trying to build. So the team leaders went over the plans and answered questions, bringing comments like “Now I get it!” As we all talked about what we hoped to do, camaraderie grew. It’s fascinating to really listen to each other, focus on how to compromise and pull our seemingly disparate ideas into a cohesive plan. Instead of a power struggle, it’s a respectful meeting of minds.
Before long we were laughing and kidding. Each of us eagerly took one part and started to do what we could with it. We began shaping and integrating the individual pieces. When one had questions, he’d ask; when another had a suggestion, she spoke up. When a problem came up, we all stopped to study it and offer ideas.
When the day came to assemble our bench, it was all hands on deck! The result is a joy to behold and brought a sense of fulfillment that words can’t adequately describe. That void in our shop was filled with something far more special than even our custom made workbench. And to this day, every time we walk into the shop and see it we feel that true Lemurian spirit that comes of working on ourselves.
Copyright © 2017 Lemurian Fellowship
6 thoughts on “Working On Ourselves and a Workbench”
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The experience that the Order had with the workbench reminds me of that old saying, “A camel is a horse designed by a committee.” Wiktionary describes this saying as “an expression critical of committees-or by analogy, group decision-making…” Obviously, the world has a difficult time when it comes to working together and incorporating others’ ideas. Gives perspective to just how difficult this project could have been and how using the training we have as Lemurians is what made it possible.
My siblings and I are trying to come to an agreement as to the disposition of our parents’ house. Trying to get eleven people together on an emotionally charged decision like this is not easy. I admire the way the Lemurian group handled their problem using Lemurian principles to guide them. I may be the only Lemurian in our family group, but I will use those same principles to guide me in my decision on the matter. Most importantly, I know whatever decision we come to will be for the best good of all concerned.
Eric, you have a way of getting to the heart of the matter and picking out the most appropriate parts. Way to go!
What the author says about a true sense of fulfillment every time I see that bench is true. But it did not come easy. It is hard work to listen to ideas different from the ones you put forth; difficult to quietly consider the thoughts and feelings of another; and not easy to work with varying personalities, even when the goal is positive. Still, it was fun and people were so kind in how they differed with my ideas and so gentle in their desire to work with others, that it could not have been otherwise.
What a timely example of the progress we would make as individuals and as a society if every group activity took into consideration the spirit of these three C’s: Communication, Cooperation and Consideration! I can see how experiencing the end result of this project would inspire one to do the same in all future endeavors.
A great example of the Lemurian Philosophy at work! When imaginative mind’s eye design combines with craftsman level practical skills, the sky’s the limit. As in the building of Solomon’s Temple, there has to be a balance of communication, understanding and application to reach a common desired goal. It is this blending of each person’s best efforts and abilities that is important. I still remember an ad many years ago for a high-end sports car that had a photo of the vehicle and one line, “What can be conceived can be created.”