Diluting the garbage

I go to conference tomorrow.

I feel happy that you are craving healthy, life sustaining foods...you want to find health.
I think the image of diving in and pulling the plug is a good one...
but, what if we aren't supposed to wash all of our life experiences down the drain?
What if they are meant to be a part of our tapestry?
What if we pull a plug that is blocking the life-giving, fresh natural spring water from entering the swamp? That will be oxygen and nutrients to restore the balance of life. Then the water will no longer be stagnant. It will no longer be dead. It will eventually dilute the garbage and make it tolerable...perhaps we may even find a lesson buried in the muck once we can see through the water. Maybe the little girl has been that plug because she was afraid of living that brought unacceptable pain. Maybe the little girl was just trying to hold onto what little stability she knew, even if it meant accepting a dark swamp for a home.

I think that fear of the unknown is more paralyzing than anything else. If we can identify the threat it is possible to face it, to find the courage to conquer it. But when we hide -scared and helpless- life is unbearable. Learned helplessness is a terrible thing but it has been taught to children for generations ...you are too stupid to do this by yourself...why can't you do anything right?...all of those negative messages that we have heard over and over again. I was walking out from a football game and a toddler was trying to take off her sweater, it was chilly but not dangerously cold and her father kept trying to put it back on. He finally gave up, turned his back and loudly told her she was such a worthless brat. all of that because she was trying to make herself more comfortable. It broke my heart. I caught her eye and smiled at her, she smiled back. I don't think it was the first time she'd ever heard those hurting words.

I am studying for my licensing exam in 2 weeks. I read the developmental psychology section tonight and was hit by how many times psychologists stress the importance of strong bonding and unconditional love from parents...and yet many are unable to deliver that consistently. No wonder we are a distrustful, self-reliant, ego-centric, narcissistic society. And to think it might be different if parents, families, and communities supported each other and valued their children.

I am glad that your tears have stopped for now...perhaps mine will come soon. I am afraid that they won't come for years...when I finally have time to allow them to come. I truly hope not.

Love and Light.
Enjoy the simple pleasures of your day,
Maggie