Greetings from the great white north

[CuAllaidh]

Hello,

I am a new member from Fairview AB. I am a fairly new EA, hopefully raising up to second degree later this month. Just thought I'd check out this forum see what it is like.

 

[crono782]

Welcome from Texas to the forum brother. Good luck on being passed to the degree of FC.

 

[CuAllaidh]

Thank you, I have enjoyed my education thus far, and look forward to continuing on the path. A little nervous about the upcoming ceremony, my memory isn't wonderful, so trying to memorize my lines is a real tough task.

 

[crono782]

Yeah, it is challenging, but we've all been there in the same shoes. Regularity is the key! Keep plugging away at it and it gets easier the more you work at it. It'll be like you always knew it one day.

 

[KSigMason]

Greetings and welcome.

 

[Brother JC]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[CuAllaidh]

Thanks for the welcome brothers

 

[dfreybur]

A little nervous about the upcoming ceremony, my memory isn't wonderful, so trying to memorize my lines is a real tough task.

The memory work is yet another way that we make good men better. Some believe they can't memorize and when we walk them through the process they break through an internally imposed limitation. Others know they can memorize and when we walk them through the process it's like weight lifting exercise for the mind. Either you you can do it and will come out mentally stronger for having done so.

The nervousness is also another way that we make good men better. To go through the first degree it is necessary to step out in trust having faith that the friend to recommended you will take good care of you.

These two lessons can be very beneficial later in life. When faced with a challenge and opportunity you will know you have already been able to step out in faith to handle the unknown and that you have already been able to break through self limitations. In the world of "nothing ventured nothing gained" we brothers have already experienced venturing at lodge so we are better able to handle it in business.

 

[CuAllaidh]

Thank you dfreybur, that is an excellent explanation of the reasoning behind the initiation ceremony and the memorization aspect. Part of my motivation for joining the Masons was to improve my memory, I knew there was a lot of memory work involved in the degrees and in the ceremonies in general, so I was/am looking forward to flexing that muscle and improving things. Doesn't make me any less nervous about my abilities though

 

[cog41]

A hearty Greetings from East Texas!

 

[cacarter]

Welcome brother!

 

[CuAllaidh]

Thanks for the welcome folks

 

[Bro. Stewart P.M.]

Welcome aboard!