The horrors of war and the effects on the body are vividly described and graphically illustrated in the Des Moines Register. When the bodies shown are in the Middle East, it is tempting to avert our eyes and conclude that the situation has nothing to do with us; there is nothing we can do.
exploring the mystery would like to suggest we take a discerning look at how many of our judgments contain the component of violence.
Today at the post office, one of the clerks caught my eye and made a condescending head nod in the direction of a young man he was waiting on. The customer was having difficulty understanding how to enter his name and address on the machine in front of him.
When it became clear to me that the clerk was attempting to seduce me to join him in his judgmentalness, my eyes narrowed as I angrily looked away. Quickly I judged that the clerk was a prejudiced man.
A small part of me wanted to make him pay.
I want to, instead of snapping to a judgment as I did, pause and connect to the physical sensations behind my judgment.
What would these sensations feel like? Tightness? Pain? Anxiety?
When I feel these feelings, what are my options?
Would my bodily sensations give me direction?
Let me know how you handle your judgments. Reply to this message or go to the blog and leave a comment.
Thanks for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall
Photo from Water exhibition. Used with permission.
One more amazing picture from the Water exhibit at Faukoner Gallery.
4 comments
I just have a question to add to your questions – and to ponder: Can we change the reaction that is our first reaction? Some day can we be in the same situation and have a different first reaction?
That is a good question. Often on this I Pad keyboard, when I intend double o's, I only end up with one which was the case here before I changed it but it made me think that perhaps this is a god question. I want to write about the word god in the future. But back to your question, if brain research is accurate, the primitive parts of our brain are responsible for our initial reactions, and it is true that we our brain has plasticity, if we concentrate on forming a new neural pathway, it is possible that we can develop a different pathway that would give us a different reaction.
That's my best response at this time; I so appreciate you taking the time to respond. Have a peaceful weekend.
I think I have at least made it so my second, better reation comes quicker for some things. I guess that is just being aware of my prejudices and judgements and trying to change them. That primitive brain is strong and for some things that is really good – with one "o" or two!
That's the secret, I think. Being aware followed by concentrated effort to change.
The primitive brain is strong in keeping us safe and that is good – with one "o" or two – I agree!
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