Out In The Mountains : Views

Whenever I am presented with behavior from another that seems to“over-challenge” my coping skills, it helps to remind myself of thisprism perspective. Realizing we all have many sides is a judgment reducer for me.It makes a great deal of difference to believe in the power of perspectives.

Kindness comes naturally from within our spirits. Violence is an acquired taste.For people afflicted with an addiction fed by anger and mistrust, it is a diet offear. And anger is a hungry addiction, constantly requiring more fuel.Entertaining a notion of a prism perspective toward others can deplete automaticanger and snap judgments. Maintaining a we-they attitude necessitates a narrowfocus and unyielding perspective. It does not lend itself to wider views thannecessary.

Sadly, those who accuse others the most, hate the loudest, and fear the greatestare mirroring out from what lies within themselves. Inwardly untrusting andlacking self love, their outward view is a kind of self-reflection.

Any time a broader glimpse might lead to common ground it is very unsettling.Recalling the “basic need pyramid” concepts of safety, shelter andsustenance, I am continuing my hopeful prodding from last month’s Yule-tidecomments. Here we all are on a planet that is growing smaller and smaller asconsumption increases out of proportion. While there are countries, ours beingone example, capable of sharing enough food, shelter, etc. for those in need…it is not happening. Yes, there are valiant efforts by caring, self-less groupsand individuals. They appear as bright shining pin lights over a vast expanse ofwant.

I understand our need to feel safe and sustained. And it is appetizing to have alife where there is a roof over me, food in me and warmth around me. But I wouldliterally have to become a complete recluse, never letting in the outside world,to be comfortable with only my needs being met. In order to believe in some kindof superiority due to my gender or lifestyle or personal politics, I would haveto close off most of my senses on a twenty-four hour basis. And I have my parentsto thank for teaching me the reasons that I cannot shut down, tune out, and feelcontent by choosing to be ignorant.

If you are anticipating a description of 50’s sitcom model parents Ward andJune Cleaver, it will not be forthcoming. I grew up in a family of angry,frightened people. The need to feed the anger and fear was a daily struggle forthem. They were greatly aided by selective ignorance doled out throughfundamentalist rhetoric, periodically spiced up with misguided prejudices.

Trapped in that asylum of over-the-top hysterics, it was actually great trainingin how not to be. As soon as I could read, I did. Everything available, includingthe religious text so often quoted.

However, after reading it myself I realized that the quotes were in reality,misquotes. That the savior so frequently referred to and prayed at would neverhave been welcome in their home or the church. There were some fairly sane adultsscattered about, and from my parents’ reactions, it was clear how veryunsettling open mindedness was… how unacceptable unconditional love was and how limited their vision remained.

I am sharing this personal glimpse with you and myself equally. It illuminates myinability to pass up an opportunity to see the positive aspects of a moment, thepotential of any initially negative situation or the silliness of schoolyardattitudes

Whether you come from a logical outlook minus intangible spirituality ortraditionally based lives or any combination of views, it is my hope to offermomentary “deep breaths” for us. The freedom to step outside ourselvesis greatly prized by many of us. Otherwise, there would be no demand orconsumption of movies, books, television, radio, music or “extremeactivities of play.” It causes me to pause and consider, “Is our basicneed list truly satisfied by institutionally controlled comparison shopping todetermine our occupations, relationships… beliefs?”

I am still thinking about Christmas 2001. We can all step outside of whateverschoolyard we find ourselves frequenting. We do not need to nurture feelings ofsuperiority to succeed in business, relationships or education. Too often,healthy competition is confused with one-upmanship.

The question has been put to me as to why my writing isn’t focused on GBLTissues in my articles. The overall picture is ever present as I write. Thesewords vitally touch GBLT issues because we are all of us beautifully, complexprisms.

Whether I am always comfortable with it or not, I am connected to the sheetwearers, the narrowly focused, the rich and privileged… the very people whoraised me. Ignoring the interconnectedness does not cause it to disappear.

Because I have a tremendous amount of faith in the future, the prism perspectiveworks for me

Everyday as children play in school, they have opportunities to let go of oldschoolyard tactics, accepting each other more equally. We adults have the abilityto choose higher ground as well. Everytime higher ground is sought, the messagespreads a bit further. Positive energy can effectively influence attitudes. Weall make choices. As GBLT, we work, recreate and reside as members of a largercommunity. Everyday there are opportunities to encourage better understanding.

This month we celebrate “Pride” within the GBLT community. Rainbowswill be more prolific than usual. Prism light has that affect.