State of Unrest

As a psychotherapist, one thing that I often encounter is the misconception that there is no place in people's lives for anger.  As a normal human being, I frequently struggle with that inside my own mind and soul as well.  Of course I get angry, and often too easily and over trivial things.  At the end of the day, when I'm trying to analyze my own responsibility for my actions and reasons for my feelings, I can't help but ask myself, "What would the world truly be without anger?"  There would have been no American Revolution, no Civil Rights Movement, no Women's Rights Movement, and on a daily basis in our ordinary lives, no display of infuriation over someone victimizing the innocent.  That's exactly what, in fact, the concept of "Creative Extremist" means to me.  As we look around the world at the overal state of unrest (which is in many cases a tremendous understatement), we see the benefits and the toxicity of anger encompassed. 

To once again quote Dr. King, "The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be...  The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists."  Extremism is admittedly one of the most dangerours things that can be embraced.  The word itself is used today to describe some of the most horrific acts of terrorism that have been experienced.  When taken back to it's original definition without the colors that have been painted over the word almost to the point at which that word becomes unrecognizable, we can again look at Dr. King's quote with more simple objectivity.  I can't help but believe that a certain amount of anger exists within his idea.  The trick is in how to direct it.  When used "creatively," that is to say, in an effort to honestly problem solve, we are able to "create" solutions.  I am certain there are times to stand up and clarify that things are being done that are absolutely unacceptable and harmful.  When doing so, this is often called having "passion."  This passion, when accompanied with respect for self and others, is the true catalyst for positive change.

I look around me in my own life, in the lives of those with whom I come in direct contact, and in the lives of those I don't even know throughout the world.  Today I reflected more than usual on how very difficult things are for so many people, of course to varying degrees and circumstances.  It's that fire of passion within us that motivates us to make improvements and to, piece by piece, day by day, change the world.  Making the biggest impact, ironically, happens when we seek out ways to change our own lives and to make change happen for those in our communities first.

...And As the Week Goes By.

Sometimes all we can say is that there is good (and therefore hope) out there yet.  Maybe I shouldn't go so far as to say that... People always seem to find plenty to say.  Hence the discussion all over the media for the past few weeks.  I'm as guilty of this as many others.  The current discussion has admittedly been held on varying levels of maturity and open-mindedness.  Where does freedom of speech have reasonable limitations, if any?  How precicely do actions separate themselves from language and thought? 

This week the sadness continues in our country beyond, unfortunately, the traumatic situation in Tuscon to other issues including a physician who has been suspected of conducting an incredible number of late-term abortions in the most brutal manner and a laundry list of other charges.  We will wait to see what the investigative facts show, if shared with the rest of us.  We have also, on the anniversary of JFK's innaugural speach, been able to witness at a distance a historical move against organized crime in the country.  China and the United States also had a meeting that I believe may have an impact on our lives beyond what happens in immediacy.  Vindication very ironically lives alongside deep sadness and loss in all these examples. 

I grow more aware each day that there is a very fine line between the "good guys" and the "bad guys" and that most often, we are each capable of being either.  It is our actions, which spring out of origin frequently from our words, that matter most.  We need (and I use the word "need" with purpose) to see our fellow Americans on the other side of our own personal opinions as worthy opponents in dialogue and problem solving.  With this naturally comes respect, willingness to discuss alternative and viable options, and compromises.  Compromise is not weak, but requires a multitude of minds and hearts, and courage to put one's country and countrymen/women above their own best interests at times.  Have we learned to apply nothing from the speech that JFK so notably made 50 years ago?  We enjoy so much listening and reflecting on his noble words, but if we do not put into action what he and others since him have advised us to do, we are simply acting in ignorant laziness with blantant disregard to our neighbors, and in effect to ourselves! 

When the conversation in the media involves issues such as the rhetoric between political parties being as "harsh" as some feel it is on both sides, or that symbols have been used to show certain political districts in their "cross hairs," we have already lost a very essential level of self-respect.  It's not an issue in my mind of freedom of speech at this point.  I would personally like to (and make an attempt to) hold myself to the standard of using words, along with actions and gestures and interactions of any kind, to promote kindness, class, and respect for myself and others.  Should we all at least attempt to hold ourselves to that standard, I believe that the vast majority of these issues of rhetoric and fear would become null and void.  This is not to say that I or anyone else does not, nor can not be expected to fall short!  When we do, sincerely showing regret for our words/actions/rhetoric would be of the utmost importance in building (and hopefully eventually maintaining) respect above and beyond differences in opinion that may exist.  In this type of environment, I would like to believe that differences in opinion may not only exist, but be expressed with kindness and respect and completely void of fear and resentment.

Creative Extremist on Her First Day

"The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be... The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists." The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On the same week that many of us are celebrating the life of MLK Jr., we also mourn tragedy and distrust in our country.  Listening to the national and international news is deeply unsettling.  Not to say that this is in any way comparable in intensity to the times in which this quote was made.  I was not alive then, and therefore can not assume to know such moments of experience.  I can merely suggest or assume and reflect on those that I do have experience with since that time.  On this point, that being humility and open-mindedness, I hope to always show my tendency.  Should this not be the case, please honestly and respectfully provide your observances.  I will consider them.

So what about me?  I am a graduate student working on my second graduate degree, mother, wife, daughter, granddaughter, psychotherapist, and future school psychologist.  I am in my early 30s and am at the stage of my own personal life at which I am both passionate about issues and willing to consider viable and reasonable options to the state of our world.  Please speak your mind and expect that I will in turn do the same.  Such is the beauty and the regality of living in a democratic society.

And finally, what about this blog?  This blog will likely be most often about world and political issues with a noticeable undertone of healing and consideration.  I urge you to think and feel with me about the many issues facing ourselves and our youth today and in the future.  That's where I encourage myself to look, for certain...  In the moment and in leaning toward the moments ahead.