Seems one of the incredible things about nature is the feelings it can evoke. Every feeling from peace to pain can be created by placing ourself in a specific natural setting. That is one thing National geographic does very well.
My friends 7 year old brother was raped the other day. A 16 year old boy from his neighborhood.. trouble, lonely, angry - had lost his mother to a terminal illness at a young age. It doesn't excuse his behavior... a DISGUSTING number of people are sexually assaulted, thousands of children lose a parent and not Everyone reacts by raping a small helpless little boy.
But some do, apparently.
My friend was distraught. Angry - disappointed... he felt responsible. We talked, he cried. And then we went outside and sat down. It was a peculiarly beautiful day - especially given how ugly the world looked to my friend at this moment.
I was stunned... I felt completely relaxed and peaceful. I harbored no ill will towards this 16 year old. In fact, I felt compassion. I found myself wondering what happened to him, why he was lashing out so inappropriately. But from a place of curiosity, from a desire to understand what made him feel entitled to hurt someone else.
The sunshine and warmth were overwhelming and quieting. I thought about it for a while and then let the peace move over me... it was incredible! I felt whole. This may have been the first time I didn't let emotions over something I cant change affect me. What would I have gained from becoming upset? I can't help my friend feel better if I get angry... one of us needed to be the grounded one.
I like to get in my car and drive - windows down, music up. Especially when the sun shines and the sky is blue. It's the closest I come to flying, I suppose. In my head :-)
There is solace to be found.
M
How can I love you if I do not know you? How can I not love you, even if I know you?
ReplyDeleteThis is precisely what I cannot answer. On some level, I understand what you mean, and yet if I know you... must I love you? How can I grasp the viewpoint that everyone is not only deserving of love but deserving of MY love? And no, I don't think I'm better than anyone, I just think some people are better equipped to love certain other people. And just because I love you doesn't mean you will return it, appreciate it or even realize it - and this doesn't mean I stop loving you but it does mean if I continue to put the same faith in you I am asking to be disappointed. You say "The problem with the unenlightened is they cannot distinguish between pure love and all the imposters, like lust or selfish interest, which are many times the basis for relationships," and I'm beginning slowly to agree with you. So how do you love those who cannot distinguish and often trade on your stability, love and support for their lustful or self-serving interests?"
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