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| Chris works at a local grocery store |
“The greatest challenge of the day is: How to bring about a revolution
of the heart, a revolution that has to start with each one of us.” Dorothy Day
Near the end of 2017, I took inventory of my health and
decided I was way too irritable every day, especially after watching cable news
for a couple of hours. I was hooked as I
watched pundits spin political topics around and around the table, interrupting
one another, over and over, while I cooked, dusted, or exercised. It didn’t matter WHICH cable news I watched,
I got angry at “the crazies” who were “ruining our country.”
I was developed an “us-vs-them”
mentality. I could, and can still, see rage in others too – family, friends, and patients in a doctor’s waiting room. Many Conservative Republicans become
red-faced and scowl at the words “Liberals, Democrats or Obama”; the same is
true with a lot of Progressive Democrats when the conversation leans toward “Conservatives,
Republicans, and Trump.” Anger, it seems, was thriving in 2017 and I
caught the disease.
I have come to believe politically motivated cable news,
talk-show radio with goals of agitating their viewers and extreme left-right web sites are mainly
responsible for pounding a wedge into our relationships. Investigators have found that Russia is behind a lot of this discord, especially posting erroneous information on social media. This divisiveness does not harmonize with my
Christian teachings of “loving my neighbor,” and besides, I asked myself, "where
does my true loyalty lie? With a
political party? Or with the Golden-Rule teachings of Jesus?" I decided that I had two choices – I could
contribute to the ripples of anger and discord or extend waves of kindness and
peace.
Before New Year’s Eve—actually a few days after Thanksgiving--I
turned off cable news and refused to read political posts on Facebook for a week and began looking at each person I encountered as individuals. I thought of Mother Theresa's words:
I see Christ in every person I touch; it is as simple as
that.”
Instead of trying to guess if strangers were of the “enemy” political party, I began presenting a pleasant smile and
making eye contact with people of all ages and ethnicities--acknowledgements like the friendly waves people of my hometown give as they drive by. If the person who
checked my groceries wore a name tag, I mentioned her name and expressed
appreciation. I began tipping more
generously in restaurants. I looked for
ways to compliment strangers. The
rewards were instantaneous and joyful as people smiled back.
Most of my past resolutions faded by February 1, but this
one seems stronger today than when I implemented it in late November. In the past three months, I have kept up with
news by reading my local newspaper and by watching 5:30 PM network newscasts that
end with a positive, inspirational story.
Sometimes, I listen to the music of my youth while I “dance” through
household chores. I read more, visit
with friends more, notice sunsets more. Even on days when the
news is infuriating, I think of that smile I received when I complimented the young
man, Chris, who bags my groceries, and I am at peace.
--Grandmother Windsong
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5 comments:
I appreciated your new post. You are right, we have to get out of this crazy whirlwind of politics and focus on something a little more spiritual. Thanks for sharing.
You've said it all in this post! And I love the picture of Chris. When I get discouraged about the world, others, and myself, I try to think of how I can make things better in small ways on a daily basis. I have no idea what the person behind the checkout in the grocery store is going through, but I can hopefully improve his or her day with a sincere smile and appreciative comment. Thanks for reminding me what's important!
I love your approach to bad vibes in the universe around cable news channels. It reminds me to put positivity out there wherever we find ourselves. Loved the picture you used.
thank-you for your inspiration so well written. I always remember a story about a monk that says whenever he sees another person, he pictures them carrying a sign, "Make way for a child of God!" Your story reminded me of this. It was a wise approach to our times.
Dear Grandmother WindSong,
Thank you for sharing “An Elder’s 2018 Resolution.” The two you have put into action are in the top five of all resolutions I’ve ever heard anyone profess. Beautiful! Oh, how much better off we would be if we, both individually and within any group (of any size or nature), would do what you have vowed to practice. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you.
Peace and love, RiverSoul
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