Having second thoughts about joining in with a gathering of protestors. Questions that I asked myself had more than one answer as most serious considerations do. What is a public demonstration, really? by Mavis Mathews
(conservative)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
LETTER TO THE ETHERS
After pulling on my warm gloves and taking one last look into the mirror to make sure my wool cap was covering both ears, I reached for the door. Although the calendar says that it's spring, it will be cold out there. My eyes met their reflection in the mirror and those eyes asked me to take a long, deep look into the motivation behind what I was about to do? I was leaving the warmth and comfort of my peaceful home to participate in an attempt to "demand" settlement of the conflict in the Middle East, to stop a war, to rid the world of terrorism.
I had never actually seen a public demonstration before leave alone been a part of one. But I know this is something people do when they want desperately to change something that seems beyond their capacity to change, when they feel utterly helpless. And that describes what I am feeling.
I have never for a moment questioned the sincerity behind a public demonstration. But my reflection in the mirror was questioning me now. It wanted to know, if hidden behind my longing for peace, there might be some anger within my own heart? If my ego is, in any way, seeking gratification by publicly pronouncing my objection to what is nothing more, and nothing less, than group angerpeople taking a stand against other people
Is there a more effective way? If we believe that gathering together for a common cause, publicly demonstrating our objection, and bearing banners can actually have a positive effect on a situation, can we take a look at the larger picture as well? Are we aware of the message that the demonstration itself sends forth? Are we perpetuating separation rather than the peace and unity we proclaim? It seems to me that nothing is ever so black or white as all that; that we can agree with a principle while disagreeing with what needs to be done about it.
Someone once said, "Of course, love is the answer. What's the question?" Maybe love can overcome the anger, the fear, and especially the ignorance that drives people to rise up against other people. Maybe if there were enough love, neither war nor terrorism could exist.
I closed the door, removed my protective gloves and my wool cap. I built a fire in my fireplace and sat down in my favorite chair. After taking some deep breaths and growing very still, I summoned up my capacity to feel love and gratitude. And then I imaged a hate-filled terrorist kneeling before me, pleading for understanding, and I embraced him in this beautiful feeling that was consuming me. I suddenly felt that I was at peace with him and with all that is, and I was reminded, once again, that peace has to begin with me.
XXX
Did you like this article? If you did, Thumb It! 1
thumb so far
The views expressed
in this article are those of Mavis Mathews only and
do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates.
Mavis Mathews is solely responsible for the contents
of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated
with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
Want to comment on
this article? Leave your comment
here. Your email address is required to track your
comment. However, we will neither publish your email
address nor distribute it to other organizations or
persons. The only reason we might use it would be if
we needed to contact you regarding your comment. All
comments are subject to our
terms of use policy.
