Dearest Honest Men and Bonnie Lassies,
As some of you may know, at the beginning of November 2023, I immigrated to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I will not attempt to dispel (or affirm) whatever preconceived notions you may have of the country or its people. Nor, as a guest here, will I (try anyway), to be anything but respectful.
As is needed to be an asset for my new environment, I studied a little of the geography, geo-politics and history of the area. Having visited the great Saudi National Museum, learned more about Islam, attended some Riyadh1 season events, (not so much) missed the north’s winter season too whilst sampling new, truly (and a little not so) delicious cuisine; thusfar, aside from my 4 year old being in a major cream-puff [means huff], for removing his favourite toy from the game temporarily, saying I have been pleasantly surpirsed by what has presented itself, is an understatement2.
Having met people from all walks of life too, it is not uncommon for them to be striving for the same thing - a better life.
There are brilliant people here, some that I would gladly call friends and already, in only these few weeks, I have many fond memories. And although the experience is certainly a treasured one, there are also aspects that could be described as frustrating.
There are too many stories for this short post, but oft-times situations are guided mystically with "inshallah" [English: if God wills it] uttered by people with a shrug and a smile offering a dance with destiny. But is it not believed by many religious people that G-d3 works through us? In this intricate choreography involving sometimes seemingly unwilling partners, the steps get a bit muddled. Hence, the smiles should undoubtedly persist (how some people still smile given their dealt hand is a miracle in itself by the way), and with the dance floor encompassing far better communication, processes and respective job duties delivered accountably and accordingly, who knows, that better life sought might be G-d's will after all!
I have found the culture fascinating and generally speaking, the Arabian people (particularly the Saudi’s) that I have had more than a fleeting interaction with, are thusfar, not just nice, but nicer and more welcoming and willing to offer help, (very) generally speaking, than Canadians4. (Please allow me to note the rather obvious, (so that some Canadian siblings do not get their backs up… if their loveli/politeness even permits) that the word “people” has a different conceptual meaning than other words. Search for meaning in that if you will, but do not detract from the generalisation, lest we detract from the Saudi siblings 🙏). During chat to my Czech wife 💙⭐🦸♀️ on FaceTime one evening, the Czechs were also (rather unfairly) flipantly dropped into this generalised comparative equation too, to which, she offered a sincere apology - that in itself is probably up there with one of the strangest happenings during my brief time here 😊
The Canadian in me apologizes for the 'them' and 'us' narrative further projected herein. This type of narrative, proclaimed by many factions, aims to spread falsehoods, fear-monger, polarize, and create further unrest in our world. Recognizing the 'Other' as part of His Play (<-capitalized 😉) is part of our collective narrative. How do we want to write the script?"
“Tell the truth and shame the devil“ - François Rabelais
If there is a more endearing greeting than the Arabic, “assalaam alaykoum” [English: peace be upon you], I have yet to discover it. I wonder what type of world we would live in, if when meeting and greeting other human beings, we put hand on heart and uttered these words sincerely as many Arabs seemingly (and now I) do. All sides (of the same circle) love when the greeting is professed and can set a precedence for fruitful engagement.
I have more thoughts on initial firsthand observations of the beauty of Islamic culture and spirituality. I will attempt to continue inshallah, to ride the wave with gratitude, accepting with an open heart and mind, what Wu Wei (YouTube) uncovers.
While my interactions with some Arabs have been enlightening, is it merely a projection of a facet of their persona influencing my perceptions? I would wager (were I not to abide by local laws) that it's disingenuous to claim many, if not most, individuals don't harbor and conceal moments of unconstructive thinking, including myself (☝️). Identifying and questioning the occurrence of these particular thoughts and probing their origins is crucial. Yet, self-censorship in specific situations, as I will practice here to a certain extent, allows for more stable social interactions and a world less chaotic. This is neither novel nor prophetic.
I would also wager that if one genuinely inquires, thoroughly exploring and questioning one's persona, adorned masks would be revealed as illusory. This process requires effort, and some individuals seem to prefer the comfort of the matrix over the challenges of taking the red pill, engaging in intellectual inquiry, applying critical thinking, and embracing the rejection of or openness to devil's advocacy through balanced, rational and temperamental civil discourse. Non-Voilent Communication (Amazon) is good techquers.
Which brings us to the main point of this post - a quick philosophical pondering.
We are all living under one spectacular roof. Actually, we are technically part of the roof… whether an “unbeliever”, or not, whether sentient or not, each and every being, can be perceived as, at this very moment, the furthest known extension of the Big Bang. We are not just part of the Big Bang, we are the Big Bang in this moment, made of the same star dust, G-d’s latest brush stroke on the most beautiful and complex tapestry of time5.
(The forthcoming Value Life mini-series finale and part of the wee [Scots: small] project to unite humanity, is a wee pen-pin-prick-projection on His Painting in which one hopes - inshallah - expended energy may provide an enhancement to any beings journey.)
What is being done with this present?
If one views other beings as Other, the ego is governing. However, if one is living their truth and recognises the illusion (in the etymological sense of the word), this is G-d’s Play (with a capital i.e. The Grand Architect’s Grand Plan / Play / Painting / “It”), well, now The Creation is “realised freedom” and with that, peace and a heavenly happening can present itself.
If change is the only constant, perhaps by recognizing (what is likely only) the minority's pursuit of “trying to be the big monkey” (VL Substack post), power and prestige, an alternative Play may emerge. One where the majority's wishes for peace, love, truth, and a better world govern not only the present, but also pave the way for posterity.
To reflect on this, like looking in the mirror and trying to find oneself or one's ego, if we look and really see, there is nothing, it’s an illusion, yet there is everything, only one, no discernible border - only the divine.
Discovery of such, through said inquiry takes an intellectual exercise (which needs time and energy), but again, many factions of society seem content to remain indifferent or downright lethargic to gie themsel’s [Scots: give themselves] a shake awake.
I am, you are, We Are The People (WATP) ✊
Love 💙
I am looking forward to exploring more of the city et al. when my family arrive inshallah in due course.
Massive credit for the positive experience on the whole has to go to the outfit I am working for and the people I am working with. The transition was not without issue, but specific and open feedback was sought and this speaks volumes in itself.
The intentional use of "G-d" is employed out of respect for Jewish beliefs, cultural sensitivity, and amid regional tensions in the Middle East. It reflects an acknowledgment of the sacred nature of the divine name, a commitment to learning about and love for diverse perspectives and the concept of the "Other".
I immigrated to Canada in 2013 and Czech Republic in 2019. A factor in my extremely positive experience of Czech Republic and the people there (it is an absolutely fantastic wee country) was largely due to my decision to start producing content for VL and neglecting my commitment to learning the language. I also moved to London, England in 2008 and one may harbour a good guess where it lies on the general rankings. Please do not dismiss the love I have for all the places and their people (even some of the English lads with their terrible (- even marginalising - ) “banter”).
Thanks Allan Watts for inspiring this explaination and sorry if it’s butchered.