Beliefs

In the 3 years I have lived in Puerto Rico, I have seen many rainbows, many incredible sunrises and many firefly's. Last night as I watched my cat chase a firefly, the annual Good Friday procession was slowly working it's way up the mountain. There must have been about 50 people, each walking with candles, swaying back and forth, working their way up the mountain to church. It struck me rather funny, that they looked like fireflys (really big ones) in the darkness of the country road.

My isla has been virtually at a stand still this week, in honor of Holy week. (Even my idiot neighbors have been quiet) At night there has been an strange stillness, except for the sound of hymns being sung in the night. Living on this mountain top, in the country, evenings are very dark. Illumination comes from either the moon, or the street lamp outside my house, that only works on some nights. In the darkness, every time I hear the sounds of hymns or chanting going past my house, I have gone outside to watch "the masses" make their way towards the church that sits roughly a mile from my house.

I don't relate to the rituals that encompass so much of the island at this time of year but I do respect and admire the devotion and the celebration that takes place. I don't speak much about religion on this blog. It's such a multi-faceted topic that it would require it's own blog. This week I have quietly watched as those around me celebrate Easter with much religious fervor and I sit quietly, not participating, eating my easter candy.

I was brought up a good Catholic girl. I don't remember when I stopped being a good Catholic girl but I do know I have not participated in any Catholic church for a great many years. In recent years once in while I attend mass, and then quickly regret doing so. The Catholic church and I do not see eye to eye on many things. Sex, abortion, and homosexuality to name just a few. Rather than be hypocritical, I don't go to church. My views on organized religion maybe a tad agnostic and perhaps even a little on the atheist side but I certainly to not hold anything against anyone's right to practice their faith.

I won't go into my disdain or opinion on people who use religion to justify hurting others, or those zealots who think killing for a deity is OK, or even tell you my feelings about Tibet and China. Those thoughts I'll leave for another day. Today the focus is me because well, it's my blog and most things here are always about me. (ha)

This island is primarily Catholic. This week has been filled with rituals. I've watched several of them from my balcony. I've had complete strangers "bless me". I've smiled as many family members question why I don't go to church. I've tried explaining in short simple sentences not because I doubt their intelligence to understand my explanation but because who wants to bring to question someones "god" during holy week? Not I, because even a non believer plays it safe this week.

So what do I believe? I believe in being the best human I can be. I believe in compassion, charity, and unconditional love. I believe in respect for others and the planet, laughter and joy. I believe in not taking life for granted, good, bad, or indifferent, it's the only life we have. I believe in my right choose, and the freedoms I am afforded by living here. I believe there is a lesson to be learned around every corner. I believe that despite any grief, pain or injustice I may have suffered, I am fortunate to be here. And I believe in Easter candy.