Examining Our Relationship to Cruelty

The notion of writing a post about bullying has been flitting around my mind for some time.  It is such a huge, important, topic. And now that cyber-bullying is becoming so prevelant, it seems that bullying in general is finally getting more mainstream attention.

It truly seems that the cyber-world is providing a new dimension for cruelty in our relationships.  A therapist I consulted with recently called out "textual abuse" in a couple she was working with, who were sending abusive texts back and forth throughout the day.  If this is what adults are doing, what in the world can we expect of a 13-year old?

I read a story about middle-school bullying the other day that was so heart-breaking I began to cry.  I won't repeat it here, to save others from having the same experience.  Or maybe I am afraid of talking about it, and am trying to protect myself.  Suffice to say, it made me want to contact every person I was ever cruel to between the ages of 10 and 18 and say, "Good God.  I am so sorry."

I think about people who were mean to me and what it would mean for them to acknowledge that at this point in my life.  Their lack of acknowledgment certainly isn't keeping me from being happy, but I do think a few "Boy, I was a real asshole to you in high school" 's, would hit somewhere deep inside.

The Living Soul

Eleonora Duse

"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive."

This quote is by the Italian actress Eleonora Duse, who was a contemporary of Sarah Bernhardt's, and an innovator in the theater.  

Her words speak to the experience of presence, and to the meaning of being in relationship with the Earth and yourself.

To seize the day is to live it on our own terms.  To find our own terms, we must question our assumptions about happiness, satisfaction, and what is important in life.  It is this process that leads us to mystery, light, and love.

As we struggle with problems and trying to solve them, it is easy to forget that life is made up of days, and that the quality of our life is made up of the quality of our days.

Hope you have a lovely day.