Today I awaken conscious that I must be aware of the part I have played in the events that occurred in Tucson, AZ this week. While I do not live in Arizona, do not own a gun and would hopefully never harm another, I have been frustrated with life. Oftentimes in recent years, I have been frustrated with the government and the economy. While unemployed, I despaired of how to find a job. Whose fault was it, the government's because of abuse of power or those who would not consider me because of ageism? Fleeting moments of insight pointed me to consider my part of the problem. When those moments of self-reflection pointed the mirror at me, I did not want to look. I was too hurt, angry, and afraid. Helplessness battled with despair and I knew I would not put myself in such a place...or would I?
As human beings, we all make mistakes. This is not said as a way to gloss over the tragedy and wrong done by Jared Lee Loughner. He is responsible for his actions and should be held accountable. What has been bothersome however is watching the rest of us point fingers and blame. While it is true that we sling dangerous words around like gun slingers out of a bad western, what we forget is the truth in this statement, "When you point at another, there are three fingers pointing at you."
My life is blessed with wonderful people who are Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and Independents. Of the people I call "friends", and even the ones who are close acquaintances, I feel I can truthfully say that none of them would shoot another person regardless of their anger and frustration. Those who are Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Green Party, and Independent who are ALSO kind, compassionate people must take a balancing stand. What can we do to add the weight of mercy and compassion to the scales of justice? How can we speak to remind our country and the countries who are watching us, that not all of us Americans are willing to kill our own in a fanatical shooting spree? Where can we walk the walk of dignity and respect that each person is valuable regardless of her viewpoint, regardless of his vote on a political issue? When does this need to happen? Now. Now is the time for you of beautiful heart to stand up with dignity and respect.
My reflection this morning shows me that while I have not chosen to be violent with words or in actions, I must also be careful not to fall prey to the despair, anguish and hate that is filling the air, the airwaves, satellite dishes, radios, papers, etc. As a person who believes in justice and freedom, what can I do to assure that my actions and choices do not feed the frenetic feeding fury of the sharks in our waters? There is not one pat answer because we all live in different places and in different circumstances. The place to begin searching for the answer however is not out there, but in the mirror. Regardless of how kind I might feel and want to be, I must look at myself and be determined to live a life that reflects wisdom, kindness and mercy. The goal must be to find ways to walk, talk and respond so that we do not feed the hatred. We must stop pointing fingers.
This is easier said than done because when it all comes down to self-reflection we all are face to face with issues we do not like. Perhaps we had a hard childhood or made bad choices in our past that continue to haunt us. Some face addictions that are affecting life in ways that are devastating and damning. To choose a better path (not necessarily religious), means that changes have to be made. Truth points us in a way that we often do not want to travel and yet we hear all the time, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32)
Today I reflect not on how others have created this tragedy in Arizona, but what part did I play. In a world that becomes smaller through our ease of communication, I am as easily connected with Arizona as I am Australia. In the course of five minutes yesterday, I sent a message of condolence to a friend grieving over the tragedy in her town and then was able to contact a friend in Australia to make sure she was safe from the floods. We are more alike than we are different. We are part of each other by being a part of this world.
"...does the root of a flower influence the flower as something fundamentally different from it? No, surely the root and the flower are one process and like your head and your feet it all goes together. In that sense then, the universe, and what you or I do, all goes together, and so that picture of the universe is really a picture of you."
from Still the Mind: An Introduction to Meditation
by Alan Watts
Comments
I think we all need to take time to reflect a bit as you have. It's easy to get wrapped up in our differences and forget that we have similarities too. Our nation has become politically polarized and in some areas, religiously polarized as well. We need to take a step back and take our emotions down a few notches. While many feel that it's their right to voice their opinions as vehemently as they do, they forget to exercise respect and sometimes common sense. They forget that they're not the only one with rights...sometimes, that they're not the only one period. Your reflection here provokes thought and self-inspection for your readers in a way that is not condemning nor condescending and we need more reminders in society like this. All of human kind should take it's message to heart; for we all remain human, but seldom remain kind. Great job!
Adrienne, I love that last sentence "...we all remain human, but seldom remain kind." Sure hope we can change that back to humanKIND!
"The goal must be to find ways to walk, talk and respond so that we do not feed the hatred." Yes, and sometimes I think of "hatred" as some clearly defined evil... when in fact, judging others in *any* way can fuel hatred, within self and within them. To focus one's thoughts (and words and actions) on exuding kindness as often as possible seems to be the practice that turns our attention to the positive, rather than upon reacting to the negative energies in the world. To focus attention on the negative thoughts out there, including self-righteousness in ourselves and others, feeds that negativity. I choose to feed the practice of kindness, moment by moment. At the end of the day when looking into the mirror, the question will be: Did I choose kindness today?
Thanks, Robin, for a positive note within a most confusing and baffling situation that affects all of us.
Thanks for this excellent commentary Lindiajoy!
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