Resistance is Futile, Part 2

     In less than a week, our country will have a new leader and a new direction.  I, like many of you, feel a deep sense of foreboding about this change, and have been at a loss about what to do.

     As we discussed last week, resistance is futile because of a fundamental truth:

Resistance breeds resistance.

     So, if we shouldn't resist, what is the best response?

     I see it as threefold: 

• Understanding
• Standing our ground
• Educating through how we live our lives

     First, we need to understand that a large portion of our country, and even our world, feels under-represented by the government, fears the changing demographics in our society, and worries about how the economy of the past no longer serves them in the present.  They worry about the many changes they see, and worry about how they will provide for their families.  These are understandable points of view. 

     Second, we need to learn to articulate our point of view without becoming argumentative.  Remember that resistance breeds resistance, so act with compassion and an open heart.  When we start to engage our emotions in the debate, it becomes a shouting match and both sides lose.  State your position with compassion (not an easy task, I know).  When you hear of a factoid from the fake-news machine, state the truth.  Do not allow falsehoods to go on uncontested. 

     Third, we need to walk our talk.  Do you believe in certain causes?  Then, donate time or money.  (Some of these causes might include women's rights, racial justice, environmental protection, animal welfare, and so on).  Call or write your governmental representative if you see a proposal that you disagree with.  Act with justice and compassion.  Show kindness.  Help in the evolution of society. 

     It takes all of us, each individual, to do our part and show a better way.  We have work to do.

 

Resistance is Futile

     Ever since November 9th, when I read the morning headlines and felt like the air had been sucked out of the room, I've been thinking over how to respond to the news. 

     My first response was dread, then anger.  I wanted to fight back, but how?  I thought of posting several cutting remarks, such as: 

What is the definition of kakistocracy?  Government by the least qualified or worst persons.  Ka-pow!

     Or:

"Remember, when the judgment's weak, the prejudice is strong."  (Kane O'Hara, 1711-1782)  Zowie!

     Or:

 "Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities."  (Voltaire, 1694-1778)  Take that!

     Or: 

"Do we need weapons to fight wars?  Or do we need wars to create markets for weapons?"  (Arundhati Roy, b. 1961)  Hai-yah!

     Or: 

"No drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society.  If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed, and love of power."  (P.J. O'Rourke, b. 1947)  Whammo!

     Or:

"There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been.  The string of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"  (Isaac Asimov, 1920-1992)  Gotcha!

      And while that may feel really, really good, resistance is, ultimately, futile.  Why?

     Because resistance breeds resistance.

     No doubt you have seen people arguing, or even protesters facing police.  This is how it looks:

(image courtesy of pixabay.com)

     Not pretty, is it?  And you can't really tell who is the aggressor anymore, since both sides have completely stopped listening, demonized the other side, and dug in their heels, avoiding any potential for understanding, compromise, or growth.

     So, if we shouldn't resist, what is the appropriate response? 

     We'll discuss this more next week, but before I leave, here's one final, delicious quote:

"Anger is a great force.  If you control it, it can be transmuted into a power which can move the whole world."  (William Shenstone, 1714-1763)

    Yeah.

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a Happy New Year,

filled with happiness, contentment, and peace.

(image courtesy of pixabay.com)

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,

filled with peace, joy, and love.

(image courtesy of pixabay.com)

Be a Gift

     Have you ever had a really crummy day and someone smiled at you or said something pleasant and it completely changed your day?  That was a gift.

     During this stressful time of year, take the challenge to be a gift to someone else.  It doesn't have to cost a thing -- it could be a smile, a kind word, a compliment, or even allowing someone else in front of you in the check-out line.  It could be baking some cookies for a lonely neighbor or smiling through Uncle Jack's re-telling of the same old stories.  It could be picking up some trash or saying a prayer.  It could be keeping a kind thought and a heart of compassion during stressful times. 

     Our world needs a gift.  That gift is you. 

(photo courtesy of pixabay.com)

Merry Commercialmas!

    Deck the halls with shoppers manic, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.
    'Tis the season to be frantic, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.

     Well, you get the drift.  I think we all have a love-hate relationship with this time of year.  There's too much to do, too much to buy, too much to bake or create or assemble or ship, too many people to potentially offend, and so on.  It's just too much pressure!

     May I suggest another way?  First, take a deep breath.  Then, take it
           one
                  moment
                                 at
                                     a
                                         time.

     Yes, we all feel overwhelmed, but that doesn't have to invade every moment of your waking life, does it?  Be aware of your breath.  Be aware of how you treat others, even that surly cashier in line four.  Be aware that if you want peace, it begins with you.  Breathe.

(image courtesy of pixabay.com)

Seasons, Part 6

     The last festival in our Celtic calendar is Lammas.  Lammas means "loaf-mass" and falls during the height of summer, August 1st.  It celebrates the ripening crops and reaping what one has sown.  In Ireland during this time, horse fairs are held.  There were also marriage markets, and in the old days couples could "hand fast," which is to marry for a year and a day.  If the couple didn't conceive or get along, they could simply dissolve the relationship. 

     Lammas is also known as Lughnasa, the feast of Lugh, who is the solar god.  Lugh is also the master of all skills and Lughnasa is a time to celebrate in friendly competition.

(photo courtesy of pixabay.com)