the problem

11.28.21

      Out for a run, I come across several signs on folks’ lawns about Black Lives Matter with a slew of other writing in smaller script below  I wonder about these signs.  Why put them out on the front lawn?  Who are they addressed to, and for what purpose?  Does the sign’s owner feel the public at large needs to be reminded of its message or is this the person’s mea culpa for past indiscretions in thought or action?  What is behind this virtue signalling?

      Suppose there is a problem, and you know, you’re just waiting to fix it.  I’ll get to this later, you say.  The problem feeling igored begins to metastasize.  What a nuisance, you think.  You first noticed it in the bedroom,  Lying there with nothing to do until sleep, the problem crept into your mind and wouldn’t leave;  A bit of stress about it because it interfered with the sandman’s visit.

      It’s a sure enough problem that needs attention.  Who made this mess?  If you ignore the problem long enough, it starts to grow on you.  You decide to own it, sort of.  Yes, there is a problem and it is the other guy’s fault.  What an S.O.B.!  Part of the problem’s weight is now being shared. 

      It settles in the livingroom where it can be discussed.  It’s real, it’s obvious, it cannot be denied.  And you have reached the stage where on some level the problem has become your companion.  You talk to one and all about this problem.  Of course, not acknowledging your role in creating it.  The problem has become something to which there’s a certain cachet attached to having discussions about it.  The problem is an evil thing which has been brought about by corruption at the top.  The individual who first noted the problem late at night has completely disassociated from it.  Divorce.

      The problem now takes to the streets foisted on the world at large.  Are you relieved of this burden, able to sleep at night?  Yes, it is like the heavy sleep of the dead.  Somehow you’re not that rested when you wake up.  What’s up; what’s up?  The problem you foisted on the world has made you an unhappy person who thinks ill of others, wishes them harm.  You are unaware of the bad karma seeping from your person every day.

      You must go back to bed, examine the problem closely, accept your responsibility, determine how to resolve it, and play your part in the solution.

The favorite post this month has been the podcast, Luhrenloup’s Path