Which Way is Up?

Have you ever stopped to think that the direction we call 'up' is a relative term? If you point 'up' at the same time someone in, say, China points 'up', the two of you are pointing in opposite directions. 'Up' in New Lenox is not the same as it is in Beijing.

Perhaps we need to redefine 'up' so that we're all talking about the same thing and pointing in basically the same direction.

Here's what I propose: that we define 'up' as a direction inward rather than outward, and that we seek to ascend in our hearts. Not only would we be pointing in the same direction (inward), but it would be a common experience that would help us realize that we are not much different from each other than we first thought.

Now, here's something to think about: what would this new paradigm mean for the practice of prayer? Instead of thinking of prayer as sending radio frequency signals to outer space, it could be a way to go deeper within ourselves and touch the core of something that is very profound. Praying this way could change us instead of trying to change God. I think there are people already doing this, so please don't consider this an innovation on my part.