I am having one of those “What’s the point?” kind of moments. And truth be told, this question has come up a few times recently. I guess it is something I need to pay attention to!
Let me give you a couple of current examples. The presidential election, the DAPL (Dakota Access Pipeline), mandatory vaccinations, immigration and climate change.
Each one of these topics and events are pressing and visible in our country right now. Each one is polarizing. Each one has people taking sides. There are multiple perspectives that exist along an extensive continuum. Both for and against. Pros and cons.
And I am just like everyone else! Trying to get my voice heard amongst all the noise and drama. Adding my two cents into the mix, trying to slide the weight of the issue toward the side of the spectrum that feels most aligned with my personal view. Trying to influence others around me toward that which feel ‘right’ to me.
But why? What is the point? Do we actually shift or change the outcome of these situations by defending, promoting or stating our opinions or perspectives? Is anyone actually even open to shifting or changing perspectives? Or are we all just tooting our own horns to hear ourselves speak? To know, confirm or remind ourselves of what we already believe.
There is a HUGE part of me that is afraid of what the outcome of these situations means for humanity and the planet. That by being quiet I am contributing to the demise of our human and personal rights, the planet and our sustainability, and our seeming commitment to violence, war, and separation. That by abdicating my voice I am accepting an outcome, even if it goes against many of the things I value.
And who knows which direction these things will go! But I can feel the fear. I think about how history continues to repeat itself. How the pendulum always swings to the extreme before it changes course.
In this lifetime I have seen the change in how we discuss, interact and negotiate with one another. I remember when negotiating and compromise were valued skills. Where facts were more valuable than lies, innuendos and opinion.
But it seems we no longer value these skills or abilities. It is an all or nothing game.
And the worst part, when I think about this.., is that I have bought into and I am doing the same thing!
I read an article about ‘bias’ this week (by Buster Benson in Better Humans on medium.com). One of the things that really resonated with me was this: “There is just too much information in the world, we have no choice but to filter almost all of it out. Our brain uses a few simple tricks to pick out the bits of information that are most likely going to be useful in some way.”
His supposition was that because we are so inundated now, that we have to use our bias as a way to quickly process all the information. Otherwise we become overwhelmed. I am sure you’ve probably heard that there is more information known and discovered in the last 75 years than in the rest of recorded history. We have had to develop new coping mechanisms.
This makes sense to me… But it also points out two things. 1) Allowing my bias to automatically filter and influence my response is in conflict with one of the things I value most… Intentional Living. And 2) Fear sucks as a motivator.
Now I need to focus on being more intentional while also staying aware of when fear is lurking in the background! Man – sometimes this trying to stay conscious is a lot of work!
With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles
I hear you and feel your pain, Charles! As a Buddhist practitioner (and student of Hinduism, Science of Mind, Kabbalah, etc.) I know that the practice of non-attachment is really best with respect to all these things you mention. And no matter how hard I try, there are times when the attachment to “my opinions” or “my” way of thinking intervenes and pulls me off center. If it is a question of science, reading both sides of the issue is always good, then use your “scientific” side to come to a conclusion. But as we all know (and as even Einstein said) there is never anything “settled” about science — it’s an ongoing process that results in findings we never knew existed. Or we can look at the motives. In journalism school at ASU, a seasoned journalist and a professor told us once: “follow the money.” There is money — a LOT of money — behind many of these issues of which you speak. Then come back to your own center — back to non-attachment — and pray for the highest good for all knowing that in every case ALL IS PERFECT because it is the life we have collectively, as well as individually, created. Namaste
Thanks Clare. I really appreciate you sharing your insights. I think the thing that continues to surprise me is that I keep reverting back to this habit of taking sides… Which is in and of itself, creating separation. I go from holding a higher or more distant dream or perspective.., to getting caught up in the minutiae. I guess it is going back to the practices that keep me out of the mundane and not getting hooked by fear!
Morning Charles…..your blogs are so important….and I feel your thoughts are prevalent with others out there now. But stay out of fear…fear begets more fear… I can tell you this…that ONE PERSON can make a difference because you add your energy to so many others. I have been a political activist for 10 years and fight with 15 groups for wildlife, domestic, farm. the birds and bees, the environment, GMO, and I was part of the Dakota Pipeline fight. It’s hard work but we have made a difference. Activists are a huge reason that McDonalds and WalMart will only be using eggs from cage-free hens..this is HUGE!!! The Dakota Pipeline has been halted by the Army Corp and they will be including the Indians in their discussions…even though a Court refused to halt the construction (some say a miracle).. I have been fighting for wolves since the 80’s. Some of this work is heartbreaking…but there are victories and that’s a HUGE feel-good…that one person can make a difference.. SPEAK UP for what you believe..your voice is powerful and will be added to others….and energy can definitely shift! That is the point!
Thanks Donna for your perspective and sharing your background. And you are so right about fear begets fear! Something I should know by heart at this point in the journey!!
I am all for championing good causes, but I think that some/lots of what is going on is deliberately meant to polarize the population. It isn’t so much the cause because we can throw any cause in there, but if they keep us at each other’s throats and against each other than we can be controlled more easily. If we weren’t so busy looking at who is wrong and who is right and come together then we would probably stand up to the establishment and right the wrongs. We won’t be able to do this until we can stop choosing sides and collectively come together….that is where our power is! We are all in this together,lets focus on coming together. Have/Choose faith, not fear.
So much truth to what you are saying. It is not that I don’t know that choosing sides creates separation… It is that I keep slipping back into it! We are so HUMAN! Live and learn! :-). Thanks Mary
Ah, the world seen through human eyes. I heard a wonderful talk by Michael Rice – http://www.whyagain.org – who spoke about what Yeshua (Jesus) really said by translating Aramaic into English. In doing so it was discovered that everything we see through our physical eyes are our creation based on our perceptions and the energy they generate. So our perceptions, or miss perceptions, are what attract what we see in our reality. So all those ‘things’ you are seeing and feeling the need to react to are your own issues being acted out for you to shift that old belief (miss qualified energy) that was/is out of alignment with love. Therefore, as always, the answer to all our issues is LOVE. That is the only reason why anything is created by your soul to be seen. LOVE what you think you dislike/hate and watch it dissolve before your eyes. Not loving it is only provides it more energy for its’ existence.
Thanks Joseph! A good reminder! Which sometimes I need a few of them!
I have gotten so caught up in this election, It has even caused me health problems. I am returning to my Yoga ,Meditation, and reading uplifting and more spiritual material.
The addiction to watching the talking heads on political tv is a mind and soul suck, taking a long break and blessing my country and the good people in it and believing all will turn out well.
I am 65% there and working on it. As an artist I have a wonderful outlet to create in. I so loved what Joseph said, res
inated in my soul, and thank you for starting the conversation Charles.
I guess if being emotionally upset, angry, frustrated, shocked, dismayed, fearful, hopeful and disappointed constitute health concerns.., I am right there with you Allura! I am glad you have your art too! Thanks for sharing your comments!