Virtual Horror

A feeling of horror, of injustice -- elicits shock.  Any sense of rightness, safety, or wellbeing is shaken when there is senseless killing, violent attack, or disruption of ours or others' lives.

Thoughtful observance brings even more deeply chilling information to mind . . . that is, the latest seemingly random act of brutality could have origins which may be connected to all of us.  To eager, absent-minded, even mild acceptance of virtual depictions of gruesome, angry behavior -- as entertainment.   What in actuality entertains the mind when viewing bloody destruction of other people, animals, or property . . . and how does this qualify as worthwhile use of anyone's time?

If intelligent, thinking people occupy their time and minds with increasingly brutal, shocking representations -- high resolution, full screen, deadly fantasies -- why then be surprised when these impact our own lives in living color?

Looking the Other Way

Observation of violence or abuse perpetrated on another person or living creature is strangely layered . . . we seem to be able to detach if brutal acts are inflicted on those in another country, during a war, or a riot, even a demonstration.  It is simple to believe that we are far removed from the action taking place, that it is not our business, that we could do nothing to help anyway.

Few of us have actually been present while a person was beaten, molested or robbed, or killed.  It would be a terrifying experience, but most would do everything to try to help or find assistance.  It is beyond understanding, therefore, when a parent or a priest, a teacher or coach is allowed to prey on those who are vulnerable and unable to defend themselves while people who are near, many who are aware of the acts of violence, remain silent and do nothing to protect the victims.

So . . . is this evil which is being inflicted a crime of one person only or are the people who are aware of what is taking place, who could help prevent the damage by speaking up and reporting it, also guilty?   Looking the other way, pretending that it isn't the moral responsibility of every person who has knowledge of a crime to take action to stop it, is reprehensible.  Justice must include holding those who commit crimes, along with those who by cowardly inaction allow and encourage them, liable.

Simple nurture

Sit today and make a short list - of some actions which bring you satisfaction or joy.  Dancing, singing, listening to music, walking on a nature trail; biking, team sports, personal pampering, the ocean, close proximity to water.

Just two or three notations, written so they may be read each day, will bring happy thoughts.  Knowledge of what drives you, anticipation, that feeling of excitement which arises from looking forward to something.  Remain aware of thoughts which divert you from pleasant ideas, reject them immediately.

Framing the mind's wanderings with positive, uplifting support is the first step toward lucidity, that 'wisdom which passes all understanding' -- and will provide peace and serenity, along with contented acceptance.  All is as it seems . . . this happens solely in one's own domain.

Self-preservation

Using the 'absorb and diminish' technique when faced with inconsiderate, cruel or thoughtless behavior from those we love is frequently ineffective; more likely, an approach containing a combination of clear thinking, using few judgments and no criticisms, could be a step in the right direction.

Modifying our own behavior has miraculous effect on people who are in combat mode.  However, tolerating anything other than respect and kindness from others will pretty much ensure that this type of treatment continues.

Give some thought to watching your own reactions.  When hurt or mistreated, it is efficient to acknowledge this fact -- no whining allowed -- and state an alternative quickly, before the moment is lost.  Intercepting another's tirade is more simple than we may believe; sometimes all it requires is a clear, unwavering gaze and a short silence.

Remain calm, state as honestly as you can how you are feeling, and put some distance between you and your perpetrator.  Attempts to enter an unequal, contrived fray will do nothing more than put you squarely in a bullseye of illusion.  Keep your head, accept nothing less than pleasantness, and stand your ground.

Life identities

Are we forming identities which we admire?  Have we succeeded where we may observe that others have failed?  Why do we think that a life image is necessary anyway?  Clothing, vehicles, homes, what we like to term "lifestyle" combine to put it all out there . . . that 'looking good' mentality -- constructed mainly for others, it seems.

 

Individual style.  Aspirations go in this direction . . . from designer labels to manner of speaking, the projected self.  It is, without doubt, a lot of effort -- work, a constant stream of tries to get it right.  Envy and jealousy are often viewed as reassuring feedback. 

 

Feeding an image requires an element of superficiality - fakery.  That mask is worn increasingly well, it can easily morph into a version of humanity all its own.  Turn the soul's bare visage to the sun, the clear light of day.  At least try it occasionally, to temper the headlong rush.

Evolution

Of late, thoughts of becoming another person entirely have flitted into and around, inserting themselves into mind at odd moments . . . more often, even insistently.  Beginning with a blank slate, for lack of a better way to see it.

Learning a new language, maybe two; acquiring the skill to prepare pain au chocolat; meeting others completely differently, approaching life with all filters down, using every bit of willpower to be open and loving while seeing all around with clear eyes and ears.

Discarding old response mechanisms, forgetting all currently held ideas, holding only to ethics, values and compassion.  Reading, writing, thinking, loving sunsets, bird sounds in the early morning, the blissfully serene state of silence.  Free from a chattering, clattering mental condition, superimposed on sanity.

Really SEEING and HEARING -- giving up on control, power or manipulation of events pointlessly designed to achieve  . . . what?  Get another life.

Ethics

Ethical behavior.  That manner of functioning which is consistently honorable no matter who is present to observe it.  Falling short of this desirable state of mind is familiar to most of us.  A purely ethical mind tracks nothing which is basely directed; that is, 'keeping to the high road' governs all thought and action.

Often, our admiration of another's ethics is misdirected.  When this occurs, we feel betrayed . . . as if our own honor has been impugned.  It is reasonable to ask ourselves why we trusted that particular someone -- what 'filters' were at work which obscured his/her true character -- and/or why we feel that our opinions and ideas should take precedence over a personal choice of anyone else.

Values exist in many forms, and we know principles vary, across cultural borders . . . even within families.  Human life may be more precious to some than to others.  An act which will be considered undesirable by some is commonly acceptable to others.

Sticking to a life purpose which hurts no one, harms nothing living and breathing, considers the environment, places health and cleanliness as high priorities -- seems a great first step toward truly ethical living.