Field Notes - Two
It seems that this moment in the world is the greatest period of suffering that I have experienced in my lifetime - as world crisis, human distress, climate angst, polarization, depression and anxiety abound.
It also seems that we have a desperate need to help, find solutions, cry out at injustice and take a stance - yet, find ourselves powerless in the face of so much world-wide suffering and adversity.
As I look back on world history and civilizations that have come before - circumstances, events and societies might have been different, however, the fundamental issues that humans are grappling with do not appear to be unique. We live in modern technologically advanced times, yet the human being is still a prisoner of its’ primary emotions and reactions.
Listening to an interview with Fran Lebowitz, her statement that “the world needs more knowledge and less opinion” resonated with me as a reminder that if we learn about our past, we can shape our future into a more equitable, just and inclusive world. This reshaping however, will not happen by willing those who hold the power to change.
For those of us who live in relative comfort and safety, I sense anger, fear, anxiety, restlessness - even hopelessness. So what can we do? If there is one thing that I know to be true, it is that conflict does not get resolved through polarization - whether it is at a global scale, in our relationships, or within ourselves.
Ultimately, the only “thing” we have control over is ourselves, therefore the work starts within.
We promote anti-bullying in schools, diversity and inclusion in the work place, love and benevolence in communities - all noble concepts - but do we really embody these values on a personal level? In our daily interactions?
We often speak of loving ourselves so that we can love others, but do we really take the time to go within, dive deep into the places that make us uncomfortable, examine our ego hooks and triggers? Only by doing this difficult work will we be able to break free from the self-denigrating monologue that so many of us experience. Not until we fully expose ourselves to our own self and acknowledge our shadow parts can we make peace with our humanity and move forward as ambassadors of peace, equality and justice in the world.
By offering grace to ourselves, we will then be able to offer grace and a generosity of spirit to others.
I propose that the anxiety, anger, and/or sadness that we are feeling, is an invitation to acknowledge the division within ourselves, and is an opportunity to reclaim the parts that we find unacceptable and move beyond existential fear..
As my teenage son questions me on how I think this will stop world conflict, I answer - it will not solve the world’s issues but it will start a healing process, one human being at a time.
In 2015 during a trip to Rwanda we visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial and I was struck by the exhibit recounting the many genocides that occurred throughout history. After every genocide, the words “never again” are espoused, and as strong as human intention is, we seem to FORGET with the passing of time.
I think it is TIME to start remembering - and I have faith in humanity.
Everything is part of everything and multiple viewpoints can be true at once.
Let’s start the dialogue - first with ourselves, so that we may then engage compassionately with the other.
💛 Lisa xx
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