"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. - Martin Luther King, Jr.
It is a bit discouraging to see on the news, regarding the death of Bin Laden, the encouragement of rejoicing over fallen "enemies" (no, I'm not a fan of his!) I can understand the rejoicing behavior and have to admit that I have participated in the rejoicing of seeing "what comes around, goes around" to those who I felt betrayed me. However, with the recent images seen on TV of the "rejoicers", It strongly reminds me of other TV images of similar rejoices in the past by "the enemy". Everyone is acting the same (on TV). Are we really any different? Is history repeating itself?
Is this behavior of "rejoicing" basic human nature? I don't think so. I think it is learned behavior.
My point and discouragement is related to an awareness of a basic underlying, universal principle (which obviously I had forgotten in my moments of rejoicing)...what we do to another, we do to ourselves.....and it sometimes seems we are perpetuating and feeding the cycle of hate, ignorance, fear, often unknowingly, unconsciously and, unfortunately, encouraged/exhibited by the media. The media is, and has, trained us well.
"Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that"
Do I love those who I felt who have done me wrong? No, not really, that feels pretty "out there" to me, but I try (notice the operative word is try) to gain an understanding and appreciation of whatever the uncomfortable/hurtful situation is and to understand why I am feeling the way I am. I think where the love comes in is from a love of self and humanity and a desire for a better world in which to live. It is this love for myself as well as humanity that I put forth this effort of understanding. If I can transmute a situation from one of unconscious reaction to one of mindful reaction for myself, I am not only helping myself (as well as others), but I am not contributing to an unconscious hurtful energy.
Thankfully, I can say that I have successfully taught myself to appreciate the learning experiences I have had from betrayal...and yes, it does take time and contemplation to get to that place of appreciation. Fortunately, the appreciation come easier and faster the more I practice. Consciously practice, consciously practice, consciously practice....
It is a bit discouraging to see on the news, regarding the death of Bin Laden, the encouragement of rejoicing over fallen "enemies" (no, I'm not a fan of his!) I can understand the rejoicing behavior and have to admit that I have participated in the rejoicing of seeing "what comes around, goes around" to those who I felt betrayed me. However, with the recent images seen on TV of the "rejoicers", It strongly reminds me of other TV images of similar rejoices in the past by "the enemy". Everyone is acting the same (on TV). Are we really any different? Is history repeating itself?
Is this behavior of "rejoicing" basic human nature? I don't think so. I think it is learned behavior.
My point and discouragement is related to an awareness of a basic underlying, universal principle (which obviously I had forgotten in my moments of rejoicing)...what we do to another, we do to ourselves.....and it sometimes seems we are perpetuating and feeding the cycle of hate, ignorance, fear, often unknowingly, unconsciously and, unfortunately, encouraged/exhibited by the media. The media is, and has, trained us well.
"Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that"
Do I love those who I felt who have done me wrong? No, not really, that feels pretty "out there" to me, but I try (notice the operative word is try) to gain an understanding and appreciation of whatever the uncomfortable/hurtful situation is and to understand why I am feeling the way I am. I think where the love comes in is from a love of self and humanity and a desire for a better world in which to live. It is this love for myself as well as humanity that I put forth this effort of understanding. If I can transmute a situation from one of unconscious reaction to one of mindful reaction for myself, I am not only helping myself (as well as others), but I am not contributing to an unconscious hurtful energy.
Thankfully, I can say that I have successfully taught myself to appreciate the learning experiences I have had from betrayal...and yes, it does take time and contemplation to get to that place of appreciation. Fortunately, the appreciation come easier and faster the more I practice. Consciously practice, consciously practice, consciously practice....