INFUSIONS AND THE CRAFT- GENTLEMEN PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEATS

Making choices and knowing what choices are possible- such an interesting notion. There are those who take literally, the ideas of our initiation. There are others who think in terms of the metaphor. But the purveyors of those sentiments are not on a collision course, nor are they able to judge which is right. Conflict so baseless interrupts the harmony we share, to our mutual detriment until we embrace fluid choice selection.  I am so curious, to ask both gentlemen what they have absorbed from masonic ritual that has been transformative. Within the Masonic Community, differences that cannot be resolved emotionally and intellectually are often transformed into a safer form- the piques and quarrels that seem insurmountable to some. Control/command and ego are two prevalent safe forms.  Anyone who claims grown men cannot and do not express emotion has ignored the fact that no human of any age can stop expressing emotion. Easier to ignore and make up a false explanation. What varies is the ability to pick up those cues. Look for them. They are ever-present. Given that men express a full range of emotion at all times, is it feasible to expect presence? We were when during initiation. For some masons, what followed was a let-down of sorts; a feeling of abandonment; the mediocrity of routine. They are not wrong. They have tasted presence. Why we change impressive atmosphere to routine practice? Who knows. Over time, timeless arts have maintained the requirement that the audience have presence.  It is only an effort until it becomes effortless. It is excitement brought to the performance, inspired and elicited by artistry. It is anticipation of an event. It is the reputation of the impresario and the players. It is music, the libretto, the room, the sound, the costumes worn on stage as well as in the orchestra and audience. Create the atmosphere that enhances presence and voila. Too old school?