Empathy and Community29thMarch
Posted by Tony Deis on Mar 29, 2009 in Survival Philosophy
To often we are forced into the tactic of extremes. This person is good or bad. This idea is right or wrong. This principle is left or right. I value moderation and attentiveness to the complexities of our relationships. That does not mean wishy, washy atonement and forgiveness for every supposed egress. Instead it means that we don't react with such a hard line. Even when we are setting clear boundaries. There is boom and bust for so many trials in our life. Let's cut down on some of the perceived drama and focus on the epics that actually feed our families.
A Trackers job is to look at details. Is that person trying to screw me over? Are they bad? Likely not. These questions don't necessarily reflect attentiveness to the nuances of reality, they reflect the relationship lacks real depth. We take so many things out of context because we no longer live together in a village or family. We no longer have the benefit of day to day reflection on the trials of others. I may do something that seems completely odd to others yet it make rational sense to me and my experience. Empathy dictates that it works the same way for my supposed opposing force.
Does this mean I'm a master at avoiding conflict. Heck no. I still work on that. I simply grow exhausted with the cycle of demons to angels and all of their analogues. I still get mad, hurt and frustrated but it never lasts to long. I just find sadness afterward because I know someone knows something I don't.
