Robert Fulghum is a master at finding examples of everyday spirituality. He also has a knack for pulling out colorful stories and anecdotes which poke fun at human grandiosity. Both of these aspects of his writing are evident in his new book titled Maybe (Maybe Not): Second Thoughts from a Secret Life.
Three spiritual slants here deserve special mention. Fulghum, who has been affiliated with the Unitarian church for more than 20 years, celebrates the word "maybe" as "the wisest answer to ultimate questions. A word pointing to open doors and wide horizons." While many would criticize "maybe" as wishy-washy, this wise philosopher sees it as a respecter of mystery.
In a piece about the benefits of ironing his own shirts, Fulghum realizes that this activity is a form of meditation or prayer. Or as he puts it, "Just because you aren't on your knees in church or sitting still in a cramped position doesn't mean you can't be talking to God. Just because you and God are busy doesn't mean you can't be in touch."
In the closing essay in the book, Fulghum pays homage to a cellist in Sarajevo who protested the ravages of war by playing in front of a bombed-out bakery for 22 days. One person can make a difference. Or as Fulghum concludes, "Never, ever, regret or apologize for believing that when one man or woman decides to risk addressing the world with truth, the world may stop what it is doing and hear." So there you have it, more homespun wisdom from Robert Fulghum about mystery, meditation, and making a difference.
And that's not all. There are many bits in this book which give us further insights into the idiosyncratic author including selections on the things he has done behind the backs of his wife and children, his peculiar ideas on gift-giving, his dislike of potted plants, his efforts to fulfill the dream of conducting an orchestra, and most shocking of all, an account of his abortive suicide attempt 25 years ago.