*P
Designations, and an exploration of 'Providence'
So, we finally get to the proverbial ‘big one,’ the question I get asked more than any other when it comes to the ‘Pages’: “Why do you use the word “Providence”… and why is it always in parentheses?
Before we move forward, however, I need to make one thing crystal clear: I have no interest whatsoever in dictating to anyone how they should view “God.” I respect people’s rights to define the Divine however they wish, based on their own unique experiences, so I offer no explanations as to what ‘Providence’ is… or is not.
Which is kind of a preview to what is below… so let’s get to it.
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First, we will start with the ‘why,’ I use this word.
It has been my experience that people become attached to their concept of that-which-is-greater-than-ourselves, no matter how they see It. Said-concepts are oft projected in the designations they use for It, and adherents to the various systems can be quite protective - even defensive - about those designations.
As such, with the path about which I have been writing I have faced challenges. Every one of the available concepts already has an expansive belief system - and with some designations, dozens of systems - already baked into them. These pre-determined ideas (oft the result of cultural, spiritual, and familial backgrounds), combined with personal experiences, can cement what a designation means to an individual before it is even applied.
In the most obvious example from the Western world, the word ‘God’ is rife with different understandings, even within faiths which worship through the same collection of texts. Beyond that, there are diverse ideas about It across the myriad of cultures around the planet, and even once-neutral designations like ‘Source’ or ‘the Universe’ have taken on preset ideas, based upon their connections to certain New Age and metaphysical paths.
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So I needed - for ‘the Pages’ - a designation which was genuinely neutral, something which encapsulates the overall concept of that-which-is-greater-than-ourselves without appearing to ‘play favorites’ toward one system of another.
Since (as mentioned above) I have no desire to even suggest how you should view something so vast and complex (a concept which is way beyond my proverbial paygrade), and since I am not founding - nor have any desire to found - a ‘religion?’ I decided to go with ‘Providence.’
In my mind, ‘Providence’ is a word which projects an overall concept, but does not lean into any one system or set of established beliefs; it carries no definitive absolutes, nor spiritual baggage, thus I can use the word while remaining respectful to each individual’s perceptions of It. Like Providence Itself, it simply is, and up for each person to define for themselves.
Before we first move forward to the ‘Page’ itself? I want to add one note to help enhance your reading of it: *P is the abbreviation I chose (well, created) to use for ‘Providence,’ and when reading it I pronounce it ‘Pi.’
And yes, that is deliberate choice; very deliberate.
FYI: I discuss - in the ‘After-Thoughts’ segment below - why I chose to use Providence-with-parentheses in previous ‘Page’ drops; there were no spiritual motivations at play with that, I did it more for practical reasons. And one more reminder: This is a ‘Page’ pulled from the upcoming book, and thus is personal canon.
The interpretation of it, of course, is entirely up to you…
PAGE OF *P
The entirety of the All - in every form and on every level - is without beginning and end. As the perfect circle is eternal so too is the bursting cycle of creation and re-creation; it ignites, it creates, it expands, it retracts, it collapses, it ignites... timeless and flawless and relentless.
Providence is the All, the Creator and Creation … the *P eternal. A supreme power beyond absolute temporal grasp, *P is the living energy that permeates every aspect of existence, the natural vibration that maintains order, guarantees balance, and assures the continuity of the All. Offer your sincere reverence for *P, by whatever means you deem as sacred, and presume not beyond that.
Conceive of *P as you are driven, without arrogance or timidity, trusting that what wisdom you receive is right for you… and you alone. Whether viewed as God or Goddess or both, Spirit or Pantheon or Masters, Source or Nature or Universe, trust where you are being lead. Being grasped through religion or philosophy or myths or science, blood or culture or will, trust yourself and the insight *P has granted. Trust, assuming not that others do, or will, or should, believe as you.
Revere and attune with *P as you desire, allowing not the superstitions or fears of others to deter you. Be it through belief in angels, in ancestors or other ethereal entities… follow your inspiration. Be it with meditation or prayer, chant or utterance… follow your passion. Be it via utilizing natural elements or sacred rituals or stirring music … follow your insights. Be it by all of these, or something other, or none at all… trust yourself, with Faith that *P is guiding you.
‘Faith’ is the key, for it is only through Faith that we grow and evolve. Faith, that no matter what transpires you are never alone. Faith, that no matter what others may say or do your perceptions of *P are right for you. Faith, that no matter how great the obstacles Natural Law is absolute. Faith, that no matter how electric or tranquil or grim the air may be… all will unfold as it should.
Through gratitude and humility revere *P in act, thought, and word, as the eternal All and the fount from which all felicities spring. With forgiveness and patience, that you may fully appreciate blessings when bestowed, have Faith that *P is… always.
After-Thoughts
Let us now discuss my previous use of ‘parentheses’ around the word ‘Providence.’ Simply put, as I had not explained what *P represented before releasing those previous drops? It would have been confusing to use that designation without ANY context whatsoever.
So, where I use *P in the upcoming book I had replaced it with (Providence) here on the ‘Page’ entries, with the aforementioned parentheses included to identify it as a ‘replaced’ word.
Hopefully… that makes sense.
And now, the usual boilerplates: As my commitment to brevity is ever-steadfast, this ‘Page’ is - with deliberation - written in a terse, baroque style. I find this method allows for inspiration and interpretation without abandoning core ideas, which I think is - with subject matter such as this - absolutely vital.
And regarding the book project from which the ‘Pages’ are pulled? It continues to move forward, with my goal to have it released in 2024 being very likely - and sooner rather than later. While I am very much looking forward to this being completed, I anticipate there will still be a few new ‘Pages’ posted here soon.
For now, however, let us return to our regularly-scheduled shenanigans; thank you for reading…
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Notes…
-- Unless otherwise credited, all images were created by the author, using Substack’s AI Image Generator.
It is not so easy, to write on the topic of "that which there are no words for" -- only experience, and at best, poetry. Yet you have done an incredible job here. Very clear, very... yeah I think CLEAR is the right word -- which is extremely challenging to do when tackling the largest "topic" there is since... time immemorial i suppose. Well done friend.
To sum up my feelings: I can’t wait till that book is out! Brilliant as ever, Stone 💙🙏💫
There is a synchronicity between what you wrote and what is happening right now.