The Sweet Hereafter

      The notion of life after death is pivotal to the belief structures of most religions. To them, without it the purpose of life is difficult to comprehend. Millions lead their lives in the expectation that having shrugged off their respective mortal coils they will be magically transformed to a magical place called Heaven. For the majority, this ultimate venue is seen as a reward for having lived their lives in obedience to the tenets of their chosen faith (or more likely one that was chosen for them!) where they will once again meet up with their “pre-deceasers”. Then, happily once more rejoined with previously departed family and friends -and with what had been their terminal pre-death circumstances fully eliminated they will party on in a state of bliss for eternity. On the other extreme, the destination of those who didn’t make the celestial cut will be the fire and brimstone tortures of Hell. This little scenario over the ages has been utilized to control and subjugate the sinful, intransigent masses. Better education and scientific evidence has made the above an increasingly unlikely explanation and an increasingly poor refuge for those who are determined to stick with it.
      Those who take the trouble and have the fortitude to think the process through will find the concept difficult to embrace. Should there be an afterlife, what form does it take and where is it located? Certainly it is not within the astronomic range of current telescope technology. The Hubble instrument is able to probe millions of light years back in time towards the very origins of our universe and as far as locating any possible heavenly location has drawn a complete blank. It has been suggested that there is a parallel universe or alternatively another dimension outside the scope of our mortal purview which will explain everything -if we only understood what it means!
      Anyway, let’s follow an example through. Human relationships are physical as well as spiritual. A husband/wife relationship (the successful ones!) contains a strong spiritual component (or should do) but there is also a strong physical element too. Te wife sees in her husband a collection of characteristics which she has come to strongly associate with him, many of which are physical. Even knobbly knees, beer belly, balding head a distinctive walk; his good and bad habits all form an amalgam of characteristics which collectively constitute “him”. Similarly the husband will retain an image in his mind as to what originally attracted him in the first place, much of which would have been physical. All her physical and sexual components would have played a significant part in addition to her personality characteristics. As time goes by, less tangible characteristics will replace the physical component by a spiritual element of the relationship and will hopefully enhance it. What then would be the form of the loved one in the afterlife? Would it be as it was when they were in their physical prime? It surely could not be immediately prior to death. That could be most painful to say the least.
      However, the point of all the foregoing is that in our terrestrially-based thinking, such a spiritual manifestation cannot be without at least some of the physical form since that, throughout life it has been an integral part of what defined the individual. With this scenario it is extremely difficult to envisage how it could ever work. How would my mother appear to me? As she did when I was 5 or 45, the latter being my age at her demise? Would she appear as she was when they were married and physically in her prime (-five years before I was born); or in her depleted state before she died. How would she appear to my father? Would she be as when they were married or just before she died at 75? How would my father appear to her? When they were married or prior to his death as a frail old man of 91? Could she appear differently to us both?
      Since throughout mortal life physical phenomena played such an integral part, the fully mature post-life spiritual identity must include some acknowledgement of it. As an crude example, the notion of Whitney Houston as purely spiritual would lose all of what constituted her vocal achievements and physical attributes!
      For this reason I find great difficulty in grasping the fundamentals of how the afterlife would work. I cannot envisage how the complete separation of the spiritual from the physical could be satisfactory from any aspect. The notion that we all float around merely as ectoplasm or spiritual entities (whatever that means) seems preposterous. Whatever spirit form is taken, to be identifiable to others in the same predicament, it would need some form of a recognizable I.D. or be a facsimile of an erstwhile flesh and bones person as they were at some point in their life and certainly before the onset of terminal decay. In particular consider the harrowing last stages of an Alzheimer’s sufferer.
      Because of these considerations it is difficult if not impossible to accept the terrestrial concept of the hereafter with the simplistic wisdom of the dear departed “looking down” (-looking up in the southern hemisphere!). In the distressing case of the departed being a child who now has become “one of God’s angels” another terrestrial intrusion occurs. The mere concept of angels implies an atmosphere; otherwise their wings would be superfluous. Even hellfire assumes the presence of oxygen to support the conflagration. To perpetuate such notions can be of little consolation to anyone taking the time to think it through. Without some form of physical prompt, how is one to know who or what are we dealing with. If we are unable to “see” or “feel” what senses would we use for identification and communication,
      Maybe some of the ancients were right after all and that paradise is simply heaven on earth! This would perhaps be a fine thing if all its positive features remained and all the negatives were eradicated. However, with all humanity milling around since the dawn of time, space would become a consideration. More likely is to be something much more profound, possibly involving some form of “collective consciousness” containing the quintessential essence, not only of the departed individual, but all of those who have gone before. Could we develop some form of all-embracing “spiritual awareness” which would transcend our earthbound senses? Once again, we find comprehension of anything outside our earthly lot difficult to imagine. Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics and the general acceptance that the cosmos, far from being a vacuum, is a seething mass of electromagnetic waves or particles, variously referred to by such nomenclature as “The Field” or “The Matrix” leads us to believe that we are all connected. As I previously suggested, we could all be part of a shared consciousness.               

      Furthermore it might be that for their allotted life span, every person is provided with a particle of Matrix to which they impart their individual characteristics and behavior based upon a similar sounding word –conscience. At their demise, this portion (their soul?) is then returned to the Matrix for assessment, retention or recycling into a new physical body. As to how or by what criterion this grading would be made I have no idea. Finally, one wonders what activities the departed would engage in for eternity. Away from the earth and its operating envelope, there would be no circadian rhythms, no day or night or seasons. Just a continuous, eternal awareness, stretching into infinity. Assuming that such phenomena as tedium or boredom are not applicable in the celestial realms, what the heck would we do all this time?  

      Because of all the foregoing, whilst keeping an open mind, the existence of the popular concept of the sweet hereafter seems highly improbable. If it does exist, I am sure that it will be a far cry from the simplistic and wildly unlikely notions that we will all be at heavenly peace in the arms of Jesus -along with the 30+billion other existing residents. With the religious doctrines losing credibility, to persist in these fanciful notions, a better educated and informed populace will progressively be alienated from their particular belief fantasy. However, the residue of early mind indoctrination and superstition might still remain -despite the amount of evidence to the contrary, and result in a superstitious “what if” concern that they just can’t shake. 

      Although the actual process of dying is understandably something to dread; having completed the process many seem to be afraid of death and overly concerned about a possible hereafter? They were not alive in 1800 and didn’t miss it. Why worry that they won’t be alive in 2100? In the event that there is no afterlife, this is the worst scenario. The oblivion prior to their birth will simply resume. Come to think of it, most people were oblivious of 4am last night and glad of it!



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The Status Quo; a sombre assessment.

           Now firmly established in the new millennium, it might be appropriate to conduct some form of global audit to reflect on where we are and how the past one hundred years or so has shaped our present predicament. This has been a period during which more has happened in all areas of activity than in all of recorded history. In the Western world in particular, progressive thinking and advances in political and social structure of many countries, has bestowed undreamed of improvement in personal freedom and quality of life. The efforts of many visionaries and revolutionaries in many countries have resulted in a much more equitable distribution of wealth and benefits. In the more democratic countries, income levels have increased enormously. Indeed, until quite recently the concept of disposable income was something known only to the privileged few, the vast majority having to be content with maintaining themselves solely at hand to mouth subsistence levels.

            With the widespread collapse of the Communist system, there was even reason to hope that the benefits currently enjoyed by the western countries would progressively be extended to a larger number of countries around the globe. The technological revolution has been even more explosive, and is completely transforming the way we live as well as our relationship with each other and the environments in which we live. Initiated by the harnessing of electricity and with it the enhancement of creature comforts, the vast increase in mobility brought about by developments in mass transportation and more recently the colossal impact of computer driven communication and information for all are astounding.

            With this array of material benefits available to so many, it might be supposed that mankind has finally come of age and that over time with these multifaceted improvements available on a global basis. we will have finally arrived in the fabled land of milk and honey.  Within this earthly nirvana, it might well be supposed that there is no longer any need to concern ourselves with other than material matters.  Already, many of the ancient religious beliefs have come under critical scrutiny. Many previously held “truths” have been shown to be misconceptions. Science has explained away much of what had been believed to be directly controlled by divine intervention. In particular, medical sciences have transformed and in many cases saved the lives many for whom a terminal prognosis had been the case. Allowing the blind to see, the deaf to hear and the lame to walk as well as many distressing physical and mental infirmities, are a few of their cornucopia  of successes. In some cases, some of the worst of afflictions such as polio and smallpox have been virtually eradicated.

            From a history of hardships at subsistence level, mankind now has the time to reflect on life in a new way and hopefully to adopt a more altruistic attitude to those still condemned to lives of penury and suffering. Were this to be true, the world would certainly be at least a more compassionate place where selflessness and concern for mankind at least for those for whom financial security -if not affluence, has become an accepted part of their lifestyle. However, whilst these worthy objectives are practiced amongst naturally caring individuals, sadly for the most part, closer examination reveals that a great number of us live their lives in contrast to the benevolence of the minority.

            Overall, what impact has this brave new world impacted on how we feel about ourselves, our interaction with each other and our relationship with the earth; the very core of our existence. Over humanity in general, a listing of the outcome reads less like an enhancement of the human experience and more like a litany of symptoms and sicknesses including  words which 100 years ago were unknown.

1. Personal:

Stress

Anxiety

Depression

Suicide

Addictions

Eating disorders

Cancer

Heart disease

 2. Societal:

Failed relationships

Divorce

Spousal abuse

Abuses against children

Cyber bullying

Violence

Cynicism

Apathy

Indifference

Pornography

 Greed

 Corruption

Corporate avarice

3. Environmental:

Global warming

Air pollution

Ozone depletion

Toxic waste

Acid rain

Clear cutting

Depletion of flora and fauna

Depletion of non-renewable resources

            What a devastating indictment of the modern world! Is this the cumulative result of thousands of years of “civilization”? More remarkable is the likelihood that none of the above will come as news to anyone. It seems that we have firmly embarked on a course which will lead us progressively down an alliterative descent of despair, despondency, depression and finally, death. What is worse, there is no sign of any turn round without which the prognosis for future generations gives cause for serious concern. Even if and when this is accepted and there is the will to halt the decline, with the best will in the world, the situation will take considerable time to reverse.

Much of the above dismal list has been aided by some of the  technical contributions to the modern age. Some notable innovations, things that should be of a positive nature such as communications technology -which includes popular entertainment and social media have in many cases been distorted. Responsible for the “dumbing down” of substance into style, distorters of facts into fiction, spinners of political agendas, and shapers of public taste (or lack thereof), the chief offenders are beholden to and faithful servants of the giant corporations without whom they would cease to exist.

Therefore it seems high time to stand back, take a deep breath, and with a clear mind, look at the big picture. It is vital to take objective stock of the status quo and to review, re-examine and question many of the long accepted fundamentals of “civilized” conduct and belief structure.

 For some this will be difficult. For example, it targets the mindless acceptance of primitive and arcane dogmatic superstition which for many has for too long been accepted without question. It demands the disposal of all unnecessary philosophical baggage to clear the mind and by sensible and logical reasoning get a more rational feel for what life is, free of any inherited predigested crutches, chemical dependency or cosmetic cop-outs.

Perhaps the best place to begin is with our relationship with the extraordinary and beautiful world around us. This is our home and the essence of everything we experience. Earth, air, fire and water is all there is, from which our bodies emerge and to which they will ultimately return. Sadly, our increasingly urban-based societies are moving progressively towards a man-made environment. Instead of embracing the world and its wonders, the trend is towards insulating ourselves from it.

I have an image in my mind of a stereotypical young urban person on the street, smart phone in hand or headphone in ear, their companions all similarly immersed in their own cyber world. Their mountains and landscapes are of steel, glass, and concrete, the rivers flowing between them made of tarmac. For them, stillness and tranquillity paradoxically seem to cause disquiet and anxiety and any silence has to be blotted out electronically either by texting, conversation or music of varying mediocrity. Indeed the presence of the latter is all-pervading and virtually impossible to escape. 

Many are given to question the purpose of their existence and find themselves in a spiritual vacuum from where they desperately attempt to submerge their neuroses in the pursuit of material possessions and corporeal stimulation. In my experience, those who have been brought up to experience the wilderness or at least unspoiled natural environments at an early age quickly develop a love of the outdoors. Moreover, looking back over the many years during which I have engaged with nature in a variety of pursuits including hiking, paddling, camping and cycle-touring, by far the  majority of those whom I have met and shared these experiences have been (-suitably in the circumstances) firmly grounded and almost without exception to be people of good will.          

2012 Tweed riding -Toronto Style!

          My daughter and I recently participated in the 2012 Toronto Tweed Ride. Clad in garments which reflected at least in part the material implicit in the title and riding 1970’s “Raleigh Sports” 3-speed bicycles, with some trepidation and in the company of 300 others,we launched ourselves into the maelstrom of Saturday afternoon urban Toronto. Here we negotiated high density motorized traffic, pedestrians and above all the street cars of Queen Steet, their deadly tracks ready to trap the unwary. Presumably aided by our strength in numbers there were no problems. Indeed my most enduring memory is of the extraordinary good nature of everyone -including motorists who were often held up at intersections, traffic lights etc. Many pedestrians expressed themselves in a very vocal and positive manner throughout. At the group photo on the steps of Old City Hall our arrival coincided with the exit of a newly married couple to find that they had 300 more well wishers than they expected!

          Later in the ride afternoon tea was served in one of the local parks which in addition to freshly brewed tea included an unusually fine selection of cakes and assorted baked goods. It was a most enjoyable event which raised a substantial sum for “Bikes without Borders”, a charity which specializes in providing life-transforming bicycles to rural Africa and other needy regions across the globe.

          In general the theme of these burgeoning worldwide Tweed Rides is (very) broadly to emulate the era of the twentieth century when the bicycle was ubiquitous among the British working class. I am old enough to remember the latter part of those days and indeed was part of it. Tweed rides display a curious disconnect between then and now. The heights of sartorial elegance on global display are a very far cry from the workingman's modest and often threadbare wardrobe. In my youth those able to afford such tweedy excesses would have been more likely to drive a Bentley or maybe “-ride to hounds” and most unlikely to be seen on any bicycle. “Heaven forefend old boy. What a frightful thought!” The class system was alive and well!

          The preeminent bicycling guru, the late-lamented Sheldon Brown, summed it up as follows:-

"For many years, in many parts of the world, the Raleigh "Sports" three-speed bicycle was considered the ultimate in human-powered transportation. These bicycles were not toys, and, despite the model name, they were not sporting equipment...they were serious vehicles. The men and women who built them, by and large, also rode them, as their primary means of transportation...  ...these were designed to provide solid, dependable transportation for the British public, at a time when only the upper classes had motorcars. These bikes were built to last 100 years, with reasonable care."

 Our two Raleigh "Sports"

   

     Despite the cultural anomaly, Tweed rides, in addition to providing healthy recreation to the participants, have become a new expression of charitable activity. They are environmentally benign and by virtue of their high visibility, extremely effective in raising public awareness. Finally, from our experience, the non-competitive social aspect of these gatherings would seem to generate an infectious atmosphere of camaraderie and good nature, which is not confined to the actual participants.   

     Here are a couple of videos of the event. Sadly, but perhaps appropriately in the light of my comments above they concentrate more on the fashions than the bicycles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRX7o1tJD30

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQWGL-6nkgU