Something about sitting alone sipping on a martini, people watching and listening to my own thoughts, stirs my curiosity and arouses more questions than answers . . .
When I tune in to listen to a President of the United States speak, whether current or former – I have always had the expectation of hearing words which inspire and instill a higher vision of hope for the future of our country. But now, in our current state, sadly for me that expectation is gone. Perhaps it is my own filters of what I find inspirational or maybe I am exhausted by the daily barrage of negative tweets and taunts and have a tainted ear. I don’t know exactly. Am I wrong to have such lofty expectations?
When I think about it, I guess I have always expected a higher standard of social behavior from those who constantly quote the bible and proudly wear the Christian label on their sleeve than those who have no religion. But over the past few years, seeing nasty, disdainful exchanges from folks who love to point out how horrible “the other side” is, my expectations for “born again Christians” have been reduced to zero. In fact, when someone uses their Christian faith like a removable bumper sticker on their car rear window – I feel my inner skeptic rise up. If someone’s faith or version of Jesus gives them a narrative of rightness, superiority and pompous piety with which to judge everyone else who doesn’t share their view – their words have no power to persuade me. Am I wrong to expect more from self-proclaimed “good” Christians?
For over fifteen years my girlfriend and I shared a deep friendship, sharing private turmoil and family conflicts as well as small joys and celebratory occasions. In many ways, we were more like sisters than gal pals. But then she moved away so our conversations and opportunities to hang out were much less frequent. But still, because of our history of love and friendship – when we came together it was as if no time had lapsed since our last visit. We always ended our talks with “I love you.” Then I moved further away. And that is when the communication stopped. I reached out by text, by voicemail, by messages sent through her children . . . but nothing. She went dark. I don’t know the protocol on this – how many times do I reach out before I give up? It is so bizarre to me because this type of behavior is foreign to my DNA. Without a crystal ball, I am only left to wonder “why.” I simply don’t understand. Whether silver or gold . . . all friendships old or new, in my mind are worthy of nurturing. And if I am responsible for an offense I am completely unaware of – am I not owed an explanation? I wonder, am I wrong to expect more from a once beloved friend?
The bottom line is I think I expect more out of those who have been given more because I expect it from myself. I expect more from people who should know better – people who have the opportunity to be a beacon of light and a mouthpiece of love rather than a voice of division, chaos and conflict. That is how I feel. That is who I want to be. I just expect more. Am I wrong?
The Zen Den
Hello and welcome to The Zen Den. My name is Alison and while I am passionate about many things, my most inspiring driving force is human connection. Blogger, content writer, orthopedic exercise specialist, motivational speaker, international yoga pro, published songwriter, avid poker player, mom and wife are just a few of my titles. But when I do my job at NASA, I am known simply as “The Fairy Zenmother” a role I deeply love because people invite me into their space to help them find their center, relax and stretch their muscles and destress their mind. Here in the blogosphere version of The Zen Den, I invite you into my world where I will explore ideas for creating a better tomorrow and a kinder today. And hopefully, with insight, authenticity and humor; my words, observations and experiences will help you feel calm, centered, intellectually challenged and spiritually enlightened. Alternatively, if you have something you would like to see covered in The Zen Den, just let me know. Your feedback is welcome and valuable to the success of this blog. Finally, my heart is filled with gratitude to have this opportunity to share with all of you.
