Disturbing is my word of the day! Reading or watching the news... listening to people as they describe their COVID experiences... wondering about our future together...Disturbing!
In addition, I have been watching the Ken Burn's documentary, The U.S. and the Holocaust. Watching and listening to the world of the 1930s and 1940s and comparing to the language and actions of today... Disturbing!
 |
| Do you expect or want others to agree with you? ~~ Click on image to enlarge ~~ (Photo credit: Blondie, Dean Young and John Marshall, February 6, 2021) |
It seem that our human intellect can rationalize and protect almost anything... even harm to others. One redeeming quality that we possess is Choice, that ability to watch, listen and choose another course of action.
I wonder what it will take, though, to motivate us to change our current choices? If wars, climate change and pandemics can't awaken us to other possibilities, what can? When will we shift our attention from the events and devices that entertain and distract us from what is Real?
 |
| How often do you give undivided attention to others? ~~ Click on image to enlarge ~~ (Photo credit: Zits, Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman, November 1, 2020) |
As I listen and watch -- even when I interact with others -- I am trying to practice an exercise of asking myself questions:
- Was that an assumption or opinion?
- Is that conclusion closing off dialogue and possibilities?
- Did I just hear facts and data about that person or event?
Listening more carefully and learning to analyze the information I am absorbing, has helped me to see how many decisions are based on assumptions, opinions, and expectations. When I slow down and peel away the information and its source, I see reactions and unfounded or untethered messages biased by competing perspectives.
 |
| When do you feel empathy for others? (Photo: La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain, Larry Gardepie, 2019) |
It is disturbing to realize how much of my life has been on autopilot or reactionary. Reflecting on these thoughts, I remembered a situation in third grade. Our teacher, Mrs. Ruby Woodward, was the first Black teacher in our school. I noticed her skin color, true -- but I loved her look on life and her enthusiasm. I hadn't absorbed the lessons of discrimination or differences at that point in my life. One day, as I was opening our classroom door outward, the door hit her young son, Timmy, in the face. His glasses broke and his forehead began bleeding from the cut he received.
Through dialogue this week may we stop or hinder disturbing trends and move towards choices of kindness, empathy, and compassion. May we distinguish what is real as we accept our common humanity.
 |
| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
Larry, I have shared your thoughts more than once. Sometimes I find it hard to believe the statements made by others, seems mor and more lack care or concerns about others.
ReplyDeleteI used to be embarrassed by my grandparents after we watched the civil rights movement go forward in the 60’s. Both of my grandparents were raised in the south and very prejudiced towards anyone of color. In restaurants they refused to be served on by a person of color. I can remember wanting to crawl under the table when going through this type of event with them. It’s sad to see so much of what I thought was a thing of the past being a part of the present. They say history repeats itself, and so many things today in local, National and international settings seem to be going backwards. Hope things change for the better soon. Linda
Linda... it takes each one of us to ask these questions... and wonder if the world can be better served with kindness, compassion, and empathy. My prayers and hopes focus on my willingness -- and at times my failures -- of trying to change what I can. Maybe the ripple effect will be felt by others as we consider, act, and acknowledge that we can always be better.
Delete