Confusion and Conflict
The morning air again is in the low 40's fahrenheit; the skies are neither cloudy or bright. The energy of the day: slow but full. Jump in and see what happens. It is Thursday, and the day has a meaning: Its name is in honor of the Thor, the god of Thunder, the day of betrayal in biblical lore, and in other traditions it is a day of productivity - to take care of things that have been postponed.
Where are we this day? It seems we are sitting at the center of conflict and this is where all of us exist today, whether one can feel it or not. For the world, it is reflected in the innumerable crises, both natural and manufactured by human beings. For communities, it is in the continuous discovery of problems that might arise in connection with people who are unhoused, water that is potentially poisonous, air that may carry toxins, earth that has been spoiled. For individuals, it is reflected in the fact that we live in parallel universes. It comes through in disputes that bring together the ones who hold a measure of power and the ones who have none. Stories are told in the daily news updates that many consume and it creates its a kind of paralysis and/or numbness.
Like dancing with the energies that come from both planned and unexpected events, conflicts and confusion are a part of being in the world. The skill needed to move through the conflict is rarely taught as part of life lessons. The role of ego is never addressed, maybe mentioned but not really examined for its effects. The existence of multiple philosophies about human existence (and departure) creates a barrier to caring about the whole rather than self - it is the "me/us/mine" that keeps separation in place.
Somewhere in the dance, there is a sweet spot. That is the place where clarity can come and offer the possibility of stability. It is the spot where an opening can be seen to get through the morass - and one who sincerely wants to end the confusion and conflict - can do so. The way to get there might appear (or be described as) weak, cowardly, or uncommitted. But it takes much more strength, courage, and commitment to yield, to walk away, to submit. The way to peace, less harm, and more harmony is to find the sweet spot, and also move with certainty to the next moment. Sometimes it is asserting and other times, stepping back or around.
Awareness of the tendencies is key. Whether is to maximize (for self) - saving or paying money, expending or using more energy, sharing or not sharing critical information - all of which come into the resolution, is determined by each one of us. Admittedly, there is a certain beauty to the chaos, and perhaps there is something of harmony in it - but how long can it last?