Well, I can't say I will never write another political post here but a break from it might be a good thing.
Just this morning, I became aware of how absorbing it can become ~ and the feelings that come along with it are overwhelming. Aggression. Either/or thinking. Winning and losing. That's so completely what I am not about that my center feels sideways, even though these issues are very important.
In my deep, dark and distant past, I was so politically involved that it consumed most of my life and energy. It didn't matter what it was, as long as it was political. It felt exciting. Thrilling even. Anticipation and expectations. Believing we could change the world, one by one. We did. We changed the world. But there was a cost.
Now it exhausts me. I care.. but it's important to keep all of this in perspective.
Today I have a strong desire to be some place like this:
A place to collect some good thoughts, some good energy and maybe even some good food.
....some good music... and certainly a good book!
Just a reminder to all of us to keep focused on the things that are really important. In the end, all of this political stuff comes and goes. It's just dukkha... samsara. As my old grandma used to say, "In 50 years we won't remember any of this."
So.. for those of us who are so caught up right now, I hope we'll honor our inner peace as well. It's just as important as trying to create peace externally.
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As an aside, I am open to book recommendations right now. I have an appointment upcoming at the DMV. A book will be essential company.
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Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Pocket full of peace....
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18 comments:
I would have liked some comment on what is happening in Thailand.
Yes, I keep reminding myself of these things too. Do what I can, but then remember that I don't control the outcome, so don't let it consume me. Instead, keep doing all the other essential things, loving my friends and family, doing my work assignments with quality and integrity, serving others. Those will still be part of my daily life no matter who wins in November.
As the final month winds down, we are inundated with constant pressure to choose and take a stand, recorded political messages on the phone and the media is in a frenzy.
It's hard not to get caught up in it.
I was involved in some of the changes that took place in the 60's and was changed by them, but with some age and perspective comes the realization that political systems, like human lives, come and go, that everything happens as it is supposed to even if we try to fight undesired outcomes. As individuals, we do count, but only as a drop of water is part of a wave.
There is some relief in that.
It's easy to take off on politics. We all think we're so right and that others are so wrong. Of course, in my case, I am always right ... even if I lean to the left.
I find myself writing (and caring) less about politics as time goes by. I see politics more as a symptom than the disease. George Carlin said (and I'm paraphrasing here) that the reason we have a selfish, violent government is because we are selfish violent people, and that government won't change until we do.
And I bet everyone is thinking of the same Ghandi quote right now. :)
I'm reading On The Road by Jack Kerouac. I've read about the book before, but never actually read it myself. It's different than I expected.
I don't have a book recommendation for you. I'm about to start Grace (eventually) Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott.
I do share your a recognition that I'm losing some balance and need to refocus on local, domestic matters: my work, my marriage, my family. The evil afoot in the world at national and international levels daunts me. I have to achieve some small steps toward peace and justice to boost my hope and optimism.
You're right. I've been volunteering here and there and plan to be doing A LOT more in the last few weeks that are left so it's hard not to let this whole thing dominate my thoughts and emotions. I think we get like this because it feels like crunch time(and it is!) plus we have the 24hour news cycle pounding us with all this.
Right now I'm reading "Do You Speak American?" by Robert MacNeil and William Cran. It's about American English and how it has changed and keeps changing. I found it at the library. I think PBS did a show about it. It's a nerdy read I know, but I love words and accents. I also checked out a book by Joyce Carrol Oates called Wild Nights but I haven't got to it yet.
Perspective is EVERYTHING! Good for you Chani. Be good. Be happy.
I feel very much like going into hybernation. It must be the weather.
I want to go have a good cry in that forest
Yes... And those who are too caught up in this election will be looking around on November 5th, wondering what to do with themselves.
Ahhhh... I like this place. I've seen you around, I know, but it's nice to finally meet.
I, too, have drawn back from the stuff going on at this time. I still participate when it's right for me - like the rally that I'll be attending today. I'm just trying to let go of attachments to the outcome.
I hope that all of the beauty you shared in this post fills your day this beautiful October day. I don't have any book recommendations for your time at the DMV. It looks like you've received some good ones, though. Sometimes it's fun to just "be" and watch the people.
I was just talking to my mom about how the true solutions in this world aren't really found in purely political decisions but are more the result of people changing their hearts and their actions to reflect our spiritual natures instead of our animal ones.
And I'm reading Dracula for the umpteenth time. Love it.
C, thanks for asking.. but the readers of this site are mostly American and European. They wouldn't be interested. :)
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Ruth, that's the most important point. We can't cling to the illusion that we control all of it. Still, it's easy to get caught up in the fervor of it.
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Susan, yes... I hold that belief, too. I've never believed for a minute that I have anything to say about it.. or that what any of us say matters in the end. It will unfold as it is supposed to .. which may not be the way most of us want it.
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Anvil, naturally I think I'm right, too. LOL Dump the whole culture and build a new one. Now how soon do you think that will happen????? :)
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Thomas, that's a very good point. Very good point!
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BE, luckily my hope doesn't depend on US politics, in which I lost faith many years ago. But still.. I like the community that develops with likeminded others during a time like this. It increases my hope to know that not everyone has that horrid cultural viewpoint that brought about the likes of McCain and Palin.
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MsPea, that sounds like an interesting book~ I've always thought use of language is very important. I hope you'll post your thoughts about that book.
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Erin, yes. .. perspective. I especially have to stay balanced because I do get *very* angry at this culture.. and it can consume me sometimes.
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Leann, a combination probably of that.. and the constant bombardment of either/or politics.
I mean.. yay, Obama.. but sometimes this feels like the gladiators.
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Flutter, I wish you could.. and I'd bring you tea. I hope you feel better about things.. very soon!
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Sarah, yes.. that does happen. When I was politically active, we were all bereft after it was over - whether we got our way or not.
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Carol, glad you came by. Your site is extraordinarily beautiful.. and your writing is great! I used to live in Colorado so I recognize a lot of those pictures. :)
No attachment to outcomes. Absolutely~
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Liz, all I can say is....
AMEN!!!!!
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My political thoughts are similar to yours. I try to keep apathy and cynicism at bay and sometimes I succeed.
Ian, it's hard for me to be apathetic, once I've been sucked in. That's when I have to make such a deliberate effort. :)
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Chani, we've all had enough - the media is wearing on my last nerves. The economy is crumbling before our eyes - I worry about everything - my daughter at Wachovia headquarters - a family at work ready to foreclose...
And then we need to hear name-calling and party bashing. It's too much.
That's why I like the birds and bees.
Hugs,
Mary
I've just come to a similar conclusion. I shot my health before I got there, though. I'm having trouble finding good books right now, so I might not have any suggestions.
What kind of book are you looking for?
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