Yes, yes! Every little scrap of good will counts!
Hi, Vicki... Jen... and everyone else in this thread...
Vicki, I'm just attaching this to your post because it's the most succinct. "Every little scrap of good will counts." That seems to be the sentiment of many in this thread, however I would like to ask a simple question: How?
Don't get me wrong. I don't necessarily disagree. I'm just trying to understand how hope or good will is going to change anything on a national or global level. Seriously. What is the process by which that change may occur? We talk about love and good will, but even if you, me, Jen, Lori and the rest of us Somans were to go out and "spread the joy", I'm not really sure how I see that it is going to matter except to those of us who are do-ing it. We cannot save the world. We can only effect change within ourselves. And while I see that those of us here are do-ing that, it is clear that "the world" at large isn't much interested. Just what is.
And that brings me to a point that's been kicked around over at TSW on and off for years. Basically, it has really started to appear to me that there are at least two different species of humans on the planet (probably more, but for the sake of argument, let's jut talk about two). There are "the humans" and there are "the seekers" (sorry, don't have a better word for it). They look the same externally, but their inner mechanisms function on extremely different frequencies - so they are largely unable to understand one another. Ever tried talking to a fundy preacher, for example? NOT on the same frequency. Not even in the same world. Ever tried talking to a born-again bliss-ninnie? Same problem - whether perceiving himself to be saved by Jesus or enlightened by virtue of having become a vegetarian, still not in the same world.
So... my point here is that I think we are attempting to communicate with a species that may not be CAPABLE of communicating. It's not just that our "language" is different. The concepts themselves are so at opposite ends of the spectrum that what I am calling a tree, the humans are calling a missile, and vice versa. Communication break-down. No common language.
So we talk about love and hope (both of which I am quite fond of), but at what level of reality can we really APPLY that? And, to be perfectly Toltec about it - is it even our "problem" beyond a certain point? I didn't see don Juan out trying to save the planet by spreading good cheer. *LOL* Not that he would have anything against it, but he focused his energies on those he COULD help - other warriors, people who were making at least some effort toward their own evolution.
So, again forgive me if I'm appearing "negative," but I'm trying to understand HOW hope and love are really going to make any difference, except within OURSELVES. Absolutely - "Love is the reason" - no argument, total agreeement. But trying to communicate "love" to a species that speaks in terms of war and bigotry and hate-mongering and fear-mongering... er... isn't that rather like trying to teach a pig to sing? After awhile, it wastes YOUR time and annoys the pig. So... what is really gained?
Now, with that said, I'm not a nihilist. But I DO think there comes a time when we need to focus on what we CAN do rather than what we WISH were true. I'm old enough to have lived through the 60s - that turbulent era of peace, love, dope, war, etc. We marched for peace and wore flowers in our hair and ate a lot of tofu, but ultimately the "world" still went to hell around us. Ugly truth. So - my question is simply this: what is an EFFICIENT use of energy in a world where we are essentially not the "dominat" species? Sorry to be brutal here, but do we try to "save the apes" or do we focus our energy on evolution?
Ugly questions. Very ugly. Not my intent to rain on anyone's parade, but I think these are questions that must be asked if we are going to be honest with ourselves. It's perfectly reasonable and rational to have that hope and love within ourselves, and even spread it around to others - but my experience has shown that if we think it's going to make a difference in "the world", we are sadly mistaken.
What it all boils down to? I have come to see "hope" and "love" as positions of the assemblage point - very positive and potentially powerful. But I also clearly *see* that love and hope alone are not going to be enough, simply because they can potentially blind us to the need for action - the responsibility of the Self in the equation of evolution. So, if love and hope are positions of the assemblage point (mindsets), what is the best possible use of that energy in our day to day lives? Are we trying to "save the world", or do we "save the world" by saving ourselves?
I keep going back to the analogy of the plane. If the oxygen masks drop, your FIRST responsibility is to yourself. If you're being altruistic and trying to put everyone else's mask on for them, you run the risk of passing out and then you're useless to all, including yourself.
So, ultimately, my caution here is not to get too caught up in the IDEAS of "love" or "hope". They're great motivators - but being a stalker, I am compelled to ask the next question: how does that translate to ACTION in the real world? I honestly don't think it's as simple as saying "We have to set a good example." That's just too easy, and too much of an abdication of responsibility.
Just some rambling thoughts which probably won't set well with some. Apologies for the intrusion, but at the same time, I feel it is a necessary question if we are committed to the path with heart.
