I read a very well written and beautiful post recently that really made me think. Of course one of the reasons I related to the post is because I’ve felt like Megan many a time. And I’ve been at the other end of the spectrum unable to see someone’s point of view.

For example, unlike some people I know, I don’t get angry at the thought that some people are registered to vote under a different part than my own. I don’t get angry based on their choices on who (whom??) they vote for. I don’t get angry that my local politicians are behaving in a manner that I’ve come to expect of politicians - I am not let down. Basically politics bores me to tears. I think its like that debate over the FICO credit score…we have to pretend we care so we can do a bunch of nonactions while doling out time and energy and money. I see it as a nonissue…not worth getting annoyed over. And its odd how I’ve wound up with this state of mind. I remember practically frothing at the mouth nine or so years ago after reading the latest from Molly Ivins or The Nation magazine. However, I do get angry when people abuse children and/or animals. I do get angry that so many people drive and own cars in such an incredibly walkable city such as Philadelphia. And I get really furious when people play crappy music and subject me to listen to this crappy music.

I get very, very upset when people I respect pooh pooh my attempts to get rid of plastic in my life. It is apparently a very extreme measure not worthy of pursuing. Another person I respect decided to use Roundup on their yard and grow vegetables in that same yard. How could I articulate my thoughts, concerns and responses in a manner that wouldn’t alienate these people? How do I ask people to conserve resources, money and be kind to the planet when their biggest concern is which politician is going to be the next president or how their job is sucking the life out of them or how they’re going to afford their next ski trip?

When my friends get upset at the latest atrocity committed, why am I not as outraged? Well…I do get upset which is why I really limit my exposure to all forms of…current media, but does this mean I don’t care? If there is one thing I know about myself, its this: if I keep up with every single tragedy that happens on a day to day basis, I will not be able to function in society. I will get so depressed that I will be unable to do anything: eat, sleep, work, etc. I wouldn’t like myself to be that unfunctional person, so I choose what I read and what I see (to a large degree).

So in a nutshell, the way I can deal with these concerns is by letting go of my attachment (Buddha was quite wise), and Megan summarized her feelings as follows:

My less-than-stellar performance showed me that if I really want to fulfill my mission, I have to grow. We all do. If we want to create something new, we have to let go of what we think we know. That beautiful, elegant future we dream of? It lies outside the borders of the easy and the familiar. It is a brand new place whose gates won’t swing open to us until we learn to see and create in brand new ways.ﾠ

The question is: Can we lay down everything we think we are sure of and travel to that unknown land together? Are we willing to try and fail and try again?ﾠ