“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt
As the covid 19 situation lengthens (and may seem never ending), I am noticing a pervasive fear that seems endemic in our society’s world view and subtly (sometimes not so subtly) colors our outlook, thoughts and feelings, and sometimes spills over into our actions, often without our even recognizing the source.
This is important for us to acknowledge because, without our being aware of these influences, there is little we can do to alleviate them.
It has been said that it’s the stressors that we are not aware of that are often somaticized and may turn into physical symptoms.
T’ai Chi, by helping us to become more aware of our physical condition (tensions, etc.), may thus be a very useful therapeutic tool. We can do very little about those things that we are not aware of.
It is the nature of fear, or generalized anxiety, that when experienced, it may often make one irritable, cranky, or more simply put, “not at our best”.
Mindfulness exercises may help at this point, and sometimes, until we regain our composure, inaction rather than inappropriate action might sometimes be the wiser course.
Much can be done to make things better. Fighting violence and bullying may, unfortunately, not be as effective as pushing forward towards positive change.
Unfortunately polarization often begets emotional, not always rational responses. It can trigger responses that may not be in our own best interests as a party, country or world.
Make no mistake, we do need to immediately try our best to make our world better, through peaceful means. Just as in T’ai Chi, much can be accomplished when all the parts work together.
This can be a slow and difficult process to retrain muscles and less effective habitual patterns of movement.
It is possible just as it is within our own bodies, to utilize and support, encourage and promote a more sane and inclusive way to move forward.
When it comes to polarized violent thoughts, feelings and actions, perhaps we might, as Timothy Leary once said, “Tune in, turn on, and drop out.” I am not talking about drugs here, but about being mindful, whatever your political persuasion is.
As my mom used to say, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
Frank Herbert, in Dune, writes something you might find useful, (From the teachings of the Bene Gesserit, a fictional religious sect):
Litany Against Fear
I must not fear.
Fear is the mindkiller.
Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.
With Hopes and Prayers for a Brighter and more inclusive New Year,
Daniel
