The joy of getting up each Day, pouring a libation in my yard to all the Gods, Spirits, Heroes, Deified Mortals and Ancestors of ancient Greece, feeling that Divine Connection first thing in the morning, and preparing for another enjoyment of life, is an irreplaceable sublime, to say the least. When you have felt the Presence of the Gods, you know how terrible you would feel without it. You cannot give it up, nor do you want to.
But there are core truths in my life as a Hellenist. Hellenism changed my life in so many profound ways, and in this post, I would like to outline several of the top ones. How Hellenism changed my life.
1, Honesty. I used to live life thinking that there was nothing wrong with lying, especially if it was to get yourself out of something. In other words, refusing to take responsibility for yourself. I did not know the inherent value of truth and honor. But now, I take measure to keep my word, to be truthful, and to own my actions. Simply the value of being a good and decent person.
2, Care and Compassion. I suppose the best way I could describe this is by using the ideal of Xenia, or Sacred Hospitality. The value of helping those in need, and showing courtesy and love toward your friends and family members, not only honors the Gods and make those in your care feel hopeful and supported, but it elevates your feeling of self-worth. You realize, in one way, that you are a good man or woman.
3, Self-love, and respect. I'm already enough. I don't have to be anything I'm not, or don't want to be. The Gods made me a wonderfully unique person with my own talents and potential, and I have every right to pursue those. Additionally, the world, as well as yourself, is made a better place if you let the goodness of the Gods shine through you, and build your own kindness with those around you.
4, Self-happiness. This is where I came to two of the greatest realizations of my life at this point. One, if you let other people tell you what to believe, you will have 0% peace and 100% anxiety. Two, you have to be brave enough to make your own decisions in life. The key to happiness is choosing your own roads of destiny. There are many before us in life. Choose the one that makes you happy and gives you fulfillment.
5, Moderation. Especially in my younger Days, I had a big problem with overindulgence, mainly when it came to food. Moderation does not mean to give up the things you like or that make you happy. It means to find a healthy balance with them. Overindulgence and starvation are both equally destructive. I learned that true happiness and enjoyment in these things comes from finding the balance because you can't enjoy anything if you're sick. The middle is where you can experience the most joy in actuality. Moderation has helped me stay healthy.
6, Inherent beauty of life and the world. Ever since I was a boy, I can remember loving life and the beauty of the world around me. But that was amplified when I became a Hellenist. The wonderfulness in everything in and around me, became always apparent. I became able to look past the "mundane" as it were. Or even find the beauty in the mundane. I see inherent worth in all of life and the Universe.
7, The Gods are always good. I realized my inherent worth to them. There's no way I can fail the Gods, because you cannot fail those who already have everything and do not need anything from you, and my humanity is not inherently broken; I am blessed, by the Gods and by life. The Gods are always good and always do good, and I am part of that good.
8, Religion and science are not opposed. I have no need to choose between scientific knowledge and my theology. In fact, science strengthens my belief in the Gods, partially because of the immense complexity and direction that is clearly revealed within life and the Universe. But in the grand picture of things, there is no battle between the two concepts. Who do I thank when the doctor gives me healing care, some might ask? I thank Apollon and the doctor. Apollon for showing, revealing and teaching the arts of healing to mankind, and the doctor for dedicating themselves to the practice. All good things come from the Gods. Apollon gives the medicine and the knowledge, the doctor performs the services.
9, Wonderfully diverse spirituality. I love the fact that Hellenism acknowledges so many levels of Divinity and Ascension. Gods, Spirits, Heroes, Deified Mortals, Ancestors, and the Blessed Dead. There is nothing in my life, nor any issue I can face, where there is no one to help me, teach me, guide me, protect me, bless me, or whatever it may be. The Powers of the Universe take an immense interest in human life.
10, Individuality and Inherent Worthiness. I don't have to be someone I'm not. In fact, the Delphic Maxims say, "Be Yourself." Hellenism does not demand that I adopt a belief or a lifestyle that is contradictory to my own human nature and my own peace and direction for my life. I can decide who I am, what I want to do, and go that direction in the pursuit of Virtue and excellence. I am a worthy person and a necessary part of the Kosmos because I am here. The fact that the Gods created me shows that they consider me a beautiful part of the world.
11, Let go of blame. Epictetus is my favorite philosopher when it comes to blame, because he has helped me let go of so much bitterness and resentment, especially from my past. He spent 30 years as a slave, and when he was free, he did not spend his life blaming and hating. He moved on and became one of the most well known Greek philosophers. He said, small-minded people blame others, average people blame themselves, and wise people know that all blame is foolish. It accomplishes nothing for the good in us or the people in our lives. It only prevents us from peace and achievement. Besides, we are all human and doing the best we can with the knowledge and resources we have. In short, life is life, and there's no need or productivity for blame.
12, Self-Mastery. Finally, I would say that I have learned a good deal of self-mastery in the sense of controlling my emotions and reactions to other people and my life circumstances. People can only provoke you if you give them the power to do so, but not only that, the value of controlling how I see myself, what I allow to take place in my life, and how I control my own life.
In the Goodness of the Gods,
I'll see you at the next Herm down the road,
Chris Aldridge.