Greg

I believe in the power of chaos and the beauty of coincidence. I think it’s wonderful that molecules have ended up working together as living creatures. It’s fun to be such a collection of matter and I enjoy interacting with other life forms. I know that I am but an organic crystal that came into being because of coincidence among my ancestors. I am just as important as any other cog in the machine of evolution; no more, no less.
As much as I may be a meaningless collection of dust, I value the ability to use my existence how I see fit. Free will rules! I am thrilled to live in a location and time where I am bound by little and encouraged and nurtured by many to seek my own truths and values. I desire play, humor, and enlightenment. My body (including my mind) is the only one I have the right to control, and I am the sole privileged pilot of my body.
Our mind is an intricate web of connections, functioning only to keep itself functioning. I don’t believe that souls exist outside our mind, but I appreciate the concept of the abstract soul as a simplified vehicle for the understanding of more complex, physical workings of the mind.
It seems our minds understand complex physical patterns best through metaphor. That’s probably why we enjoy exploring reality through the filter of myth, anecdote, and religion. I prefer to attempt living outside preordained context – whether commercial, societal, spiritual, etc – by observing patterns of nature and humanity objectively, constantly reexamining my perspective and level of involvement when truths seem to become clear.
In the practical arena, I choose to treat others with kindness and invite them to share their truths with me. Happiness seems to be a common denominator among the goals of most folks I come across. Now for a metaphor to frame my hope for humanity: in the story of Stone Soup, everyone attending a meal brings one soup ingredient to add to a communal pot. Each alone does not have a great quantity or variety of food, yet when each contributes a little, they feast on a delicious stew. If we all bring a little happiness to a life or two every day, joy will spread among us faster than an email chain letter.
Among other values, I affirm and promote:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process in society at large
The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part