​ 
Sunday Musings – March 21, 2021
 
Today the calendar used my many, the Gregorian Calendar, says it is the first day of spring.  On the Christian liturgical calendar, it is the 5th Sunday in Lent.
 
For far too many in the United States it is the first Sunday following the death of loved ones.  This is the case for the families and loved ones of the eight people killed by 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long.  Most of these were Asian women.  One Caucasian man was killed and another man was injured.
 
Mr. Long blamed his action on his sexual addiction.   Some interviewed psychologists were quoted as saying that some individuals from conservative religious backgrounds incorrectly label even a little sexual behavior as a sexual addiction.    
 
The church of which Mr. Long was a member quickly disowned him.   In an Associated Press article by Luis Andres Henao, Garu Fields and Jessie Wardarski of Friday, March 19, 2021 quoted a statement released by that church staff as saying that “it plans to remove 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long from its membership because it ‘can no longer affirm that he is truly a regenerate believer in Jesus Christ.’”
 
A stark contrast to that statement was a statement by John Michels, brother of Paul Michels one of those killed by Robert Long as saying, “Although this is a tragedy, I forgive that man and so will Jesus Christ…I cannot hate him for it.  Prayer for his repentance.” (Elinor Aspengren, Ryan W. Miller, Christal Hayes, USA Today, March 18, 2021)
 
There are many religions and many different beliefs about what the god of a particular religion considers justice.  Within the Christian Church there are many who hold tight to what some would say is an Old Testament concept of “an eye for an eye”.  There are others in the Christian Church who maintain that the central or core doctrine of the church is their understanding that their primary teacher, Jesus Christ, taught the concept of Grace which is often interrupted as unconditional love.  Interestingly, this view is consistent with what we continue to learn about both the strength and the fragility of the human brain.  We keep learning that the brain can withstand or survive enormous trauma, but that the balance which permits a shared reality or what some could call a logical or cogent thought process which is able to access and make decisions based on a set of core beliefs is very fragile.  The chemical balance, the ability for sequential firing of neurons and a host of other factors including brain diseases and other medical condition such as a “simple” unitary track infection  can affect what commands the brain gives one.   Does Robert Long have a sexual addiction or a heightened sense of guilt about sexual feeling or urges?  What other factors could have led to his decision or decisions?  
 
The frightening question.  The existential essential question is not what he was capable of, but what factors affect the thinking of each of us.  Whether one believes Jesus Christ was a wise teacher, a God, or both, he clearly understood and accepted the nature of what it means to be a human.  Us humans are capable of being kind, empathic, creative, creators of amazing beauty, and are equally capable of being hurtful to ourselves and others.  We are just beginning to have a rudimentary understanding of the complicated nature of what allows or prevents one of having a single cogent or so called logical thought.  When Jesus challenges the disciples “let him who is without sin throw the first stone” (to stone to death the woman prostitute) they all put down their stones.
 
John, the brother of Paul Michels , clearly accepts the teaching of grace.  Sadly the church staff of the  Crabapple Baptist Church does not accept this teaching and are in a position to decide who is deserving of unconditional love.    
 
Disclaimer.   I am not condoning the killing of another human. I am suggesting that Mr. Michels  needs loving support and help with whatever is affecting his inability to respect the sacredness of others.   As Christians approach Easter I am also questioning what constitutes a Christian concept of justice
 
Written March 21, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
 
 

​The gift of the pandemic


Increasingly, psychologists and other social and medical scientists are exploring the emotional, physical, economic and spiritual toll covid-19 has taken on the individuals, families and communities.


Many, such as psychologist Christine Runyan, are paying particular attention to how the direct and indirect symptoms of living with covid-19 affects the nervous system.  (Dr. Runyan is the guest on the March 19, 2021 podcast of On Being with host Krista Tippett.)


Some of the most thorough studies of the effects of chronic stress have been done for and with those serving or living in a combat area for sustained periods of time.   Being on hyper alert on a continuous basis step by step interrupt and eventually destroys the body’s ability to continue to function.  One will see similar physical reaction to those who live with the continuous danger of racism. other forms of oppression, and with an active addiction (self or loved one).  Living in and with a pandemic has some similar effects on everyone, but more so on those whose body has a history of chronic stress.  For example, every black mother will tell you that their children, especially their male children, are taught to be on high alert in public and often even when home.


Anyone who has lived with an active addiction or another person who is actively addicted knows the worst part is not ever being able to relax. Even if the addict is not at home one cannot predict when he or she will suddenly make an appearance.  They may be in a good mood, a violent mood or just not emotionally present. Their mood can change in a split section.  The active addict will tell one that one never knows when their supply is going to dry up, when they might get some contaminated drugs or when the dope dealer or other person to whom they owe money might suddenly make demands they cannot meet.


Asians in this country have had to be on especially high alert since some in this country began to blame China and, by association, all Asians for covid -19.   Those who have been trafficked as sex workers also experience constant stress.


All of us experience some day to day stress, some of us more than others, but usually with some time to relax and recharge.  


When the body senses danger the autonomic nervous system is triggered and there is a fight or flight response.  When the danger is past or the mind decides that one had a false alert one’s parasympathetic nervous system or the relaxation response kicks in.   If one is no longer in danger, but the brain has learned to pair certain triggers one can learn mindfulness; be very intentional about letting oneself know one is not in danger.


With covid-19, not only has the message been danger, danger, danger to covid-19, one is also assaulted with messages such as the virus is a hoax, the vaccine is not safe or the whole thing is a conspiracy or .....   There is a host of conflicting messages  which also causes or increases the anxiety.  Added to that is a decrease of incoming positive stimuli such as normal, healthy touching, economic security (or illusion of same), rituals such as weddings, funerals, birthday celebrations, and the absence of positive or negative facial cues because of masks. For some not being able to lip read is stressful.  The politicalizing of the pandemic has also added to the stress


As Dr. Runyan so clearly points out naming the reality of the stress is a step towards healthy coping.  The response of one’s body is a normal, healthy attempt to respond to the active stress  and is combined with the reduction in incoming positive stimuli.  Listening to each other, validating the reality of the stress, and honoring it without letting it consume one is a step towards surviving as healthy as possible. Sadly, the response one gets from some politicians, and some other “extremists”  increases the triggering of the autonomic nervous system.


Covid 19 is real.  The danger is real.  This danger is on top of the danger of a centuries of oppression, addictions  and other chronic stressors .   The gift of the pandemic, if we are willing to welcome the gift as a graduate course, is learning the systemic price of the chronic stress of all forms of oppression, addictions and other dehumanizing conditions.


Written March 20, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org

​Recreating the abusive family
 
Individuals often notice that a person who ends up in an abusive relationship does so multiple times. One might have noticed this with oneself or with someone they know.  Sometimes one will hear someone say that the abused person seeks out the abuser or in invites the abuse.  
 
Murray Bowen, family therapist, theorized when we are verbally and/or physically treated as if we are less than we begin to internalize (to firmly believe) we are less then. Unconsciously or consciously, it may then seem as if the only person who can change that belief if the person who implanted it in our brain – the abuser.  Thus, one may keep returning to the  same abuser or the same abuser in another person unconsciously hoping they will give one the affirmation or positive feedback that is needed to heal.  Of course, unless the abuser has themselves healed from the wounds which has resulted in them being an abuser, they will continue to be the abuser.  They cannot give to another what they cannot give themselves.   The abuse affects the entire family unit.  Murray Bowen and many other subsequent family therapists would say that we recreate not only the abusive relationship but the entire family dynamics. 
 
When the abused does finally leave the abusive relationship he or she will often do for the children but not for themselves.  It is not unusual for the abused to then choose another person who will abuse them.  One believes, at some level, only a person similar to the original abuser can give them what they need.   Of course, the abuser does not consistently abuse.   As Lenore Walker and other therapists have pointed out there are cycles in the abusive relationship. In the beginning the abuser may be charming, complimentary, and seemingly only interested In one’s welfare.  That behavior continues as long as there is the illusion of control and peace.  When “normal life” begins the illusion of control is gone and the abuser may attempt to restore control by controlling (physically if felt necessary) the family members.   Eventually this escalates into even more damaging physical and emotional abuse.   The abused may then threaten to leave resulting in the abuser pleading and make promises he or she really wants to keep.  They will manage to maintain for a bit. This is known as the honeymoon period. Soon, however, the attempt to maintain wears out the abuser and  without new, effective tools the abuse resumes. 


The abuser also, as Ms. Walker and others domestic violence experts point out, attempt to holds the abused captive by convincing them that they are not capable to taking care of themselves.  This becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy because the abuser does all he or she can to sabotage career, friendships and other supports.  Ms. Walker termed the results learned helplessness.
 
One often sees the same dynamic played out in religious institutions, some work places and the body politic.  These groups are very adept at attracting the vulnerable and promising them tangible and intangible rewards if they are devout or loyal believers or supporters.  The politician, the CEO’s and the clergy person will convince the vulnerable or those who have been denied an equal stake in the resources only they care about them; only they or their god can help them or save them; only they understand their pain.  CEO’s or their lackeys may pay the employee just enough to convince them they have no other viable options.  We see this dynamic with Amazon as they do all they can to prevent warehouse  employees from unionizing. If one goes to Amazon’s headquarters during non-pandemic times one will see employees free to walk around and work anywhere with their laptops and often accompanied by their beloved dog.  The environment is pleasant and peaceful.  At the warehouse which the public might not see it is a different story.   The pressure to perform so that the customer can get their order in record time is enormous.  Employees get short breaks  most of which is used up in the time it takes to walk to and from the bathrooms.  For this grueling, high pressured work they are paid a minimum of $15.00 an hour- just above the average but not enough to pay for any luxuries.  At the same time the CEO amasses a fortune of billions.
 
Domestic violence rates are not decreasing.   Preliminary studies suggest that both the the political dynamics of the past few years and the pandemic correlate with an increase in domestic violence. Perhaps it is time to explore how we as individuals and  as collectives are consciously and unconsciously nourishing the climate which rewards the use of controlling power to gain self work and self esteem.  We know that abusers can heal and change their behavior when they accept they have intrinsic worth; worth which is not dependent on being more powerful than, better than or superior to; where success is defined in terms of relationship with self and others based on equality and equity.
 
Written March 18, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
 
 
 

“The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”


Reading the morning news on KTUL webpage in Tulsa, Oklahoma I was reminded of the epic movie, “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” starring Clint Eastwood (the good) as Blondie, Lee Van Cleef (the bad) as Angel Eyes band Eli Wallach, (the ugly) as Tuco.


The reason I thought of this movie and especially the title is because every day the news is a mixture of the ways we humans often come together to help each other as well as the ways we can justify hurting each other.  Among the news stories this morning was the fact the city council of a small town in Oklahoma invited a Hindu priest to lead the opening prayer.   The City Council members wanted to show that they are a community which celebrates diversity.  Some objected.  Personally, I am not convinced that any religious prayer is an appropriate way for the body politic to demonstrate diversity.   The community includes religious as well as non-religious people. I do think the intent of taking a moment to call upon the best of each of the members is laudatory.   Perhaps one does not need to invoke a particular god to accomplish that purpose.  If one must invoke a particular god by all means invite leaders of various religions.


There was also a story of funds being provided to assist struggling individuals and families to pay their rent or for landlords to pay their mortgages. This is sadly a much needed program especially designed for those whose finances have been adversely affected by the pandemic.


Another story concerns an invitation to the National Rifle Association by state lawmakers to locate its national headquarters in Oklahoma.    The state senate  has already approved the “Second Amendment Sanctuary State Act”.    Senator Warren Hamilton is quoted as stating, “This measure builds a wall of protection around our Constitutionally-protected, God-given, blood-bought rights to keep and bear arms.”    Personally, I am not convinced the second amendment provides that protection. I do think it provides for a military force which can be used under the direction of the United States Congress and the President.   I am also not convinced that our historic use of violence, our support of the use of lethal weapons by other groups or countries to whom we sell or give weapons or our reliance on lethal force by police, much less by private citizens, is in the best interest of anyone.  I am not a vegetarian and cannot claim to be against the use of guns by those who hunt for food for themselves and their families.


Another positive article detailed plans to expand the access to covid-19 vaccinations.


There was also a story about a farmer who defends cockfighting saying, “You’re simply testing and competing the game cock, to test it for the natural genetic traits that God put into the creature, when he created it.”


it is obvious that  many in Oklahoma seem to have a particular god on speed dial and can easily verify what his, her or it’s thinking or will is.


While reading these and other stories I was reminded of the movie, “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” because it is easy for this human to self-righteously read the morning news finding examples of all those whose opinions are wrong or “misguided”.  It is equally easy to read the news though the lens of my Pollyanna glasses seeing only good and ignoring issues which I need to more thoughtfully research or publicly address.  I have been guilty of summarily labelling and dismissing individuals or groups as good,  bad or ugly doing both them and me a disfavor.


Us humans are all a Heinz mixture of the good, the bad and the ugly.  We are all less than gods and more than the worst of the behavior we sometimes demonstrate.    We have much to learn about how we take care of or ignore each other.  We would do well to often “keep it simple stupid” and do all we can to be grateful that we have the means to ensure that we can humbly and gratefully share resources and the talents of each of us.


Written March 16, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org

​Sunday Musings – March 14, 2021
 
As readers know I am now living in Tulsa, Oklahoma.   Oklahoma is noted for its conservative stances on many issues. This conservative stance is obvious with our choice of national representatives and state representatives.  Already this year, the state legislature has introduced bills to further limit abortion rights, allow the state health department to override local health departments, phase out corporate tax, block courts from stopping evictions, decide that federals laws or executive orders are unconstitutional and tighten protest related penalties. 
 
 
Many who advocate some of these and related measures sincerely believe that their approach is best for the majority of citizens.  On the other hand, those who advocate more liberal or so called progressive policies believe their approach is best for the majority of citizens. If not careful each side not only espouses a particular approach but does so in a way which discounts the possibility that there is only one right answer.    Sadly, rather than having a fact based debate, all too often the goal is to use existing prejudices to discount the person or persons with whom they disagree.
 
Such a situation occurred in Norman, Oklahoma this week when some members of the girls basketball team “took the knee” during the playing of the National Anthem.  In recent years this has been a way for some to  attempt to communicate that systematic racism continues to leave most people of color not experiencing being considered full citizens of the United States.  Sadly, one of the announcers for the game was overhead using racist language including the N word to criticize the action of the girls who took the knee.  Many others have disagreed with the practice of taking the knee during the National Anthem without resorting to racism or racist language.  Those attending the games overwhelmingly condemned the racist attack and supported the right of the young women to protest racism by taking a knee. I and many others were very grateful to the people of Norman  Oklahoma for overwhelmingly acknowledging and condemning racism. 
 
There may still be many who think that the protest of racism should be separate from their loyalty to the symbolism of the National Anthem, but they did not demand that the young women agree with them.   Hats off to the students and all the adults in that community who were able to see that the issue was racism and not disloyalty to the National Anthem of the United States.  Personally, I think the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem only have meaning if and when we are serious, as a nation, about ending racism and all forms of oppression; making a serious commitment to being a nation where equality and equity for all are manifest reality.  Clearly, the people of Norman, Oklahoma think that ending racism needs to be a priority.  
 
My use of labels, including the labels of conservative, liberal and progressive, to paint a group of people or even one person is not helpful.    I am guilty of using such broad brushes to paint individuals and groups.  When I do it is never productive.  Debating particular approaches to living together is a duty of all of us.   My understanding of debate means a willingness and commitment to  listening with an open mind to the opinion of others.   Discounting the sacredness of others has no place in a civilized community.
 
Written March 14, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
 

Race and other social constructs​

This morning I was listening to a conversation on Vox Conversations between Vox’s Sean Illing and the author of The Sum of Us, Heather McGhee about the cost of racism in America. I urge the reader of this big to listen to that conversation and to read Ms. McGhee’s book.  The conversation stimulated a lot of thought and questions, most of which I will not address in this blog.   I want to focus on one issue which Sean mentioned.  The issue or the question concerns what to say when someone says that the fact that they got an education and jumped through many professional hoops should mean they deserve much more than the person working at a job which does not require as much formal education or other preparation.  This response usually is made in response to a suggestion that the minimum, wage should be raised to at least $15.00 an hour.

To the person who has worked hard to get an education and jumped through professional hoops it may feel unfair if they do not make significantly more than the person for whom training and education was minimal.  This sense of unfairness is based on some long held beliefs some of which are false.  These include:

•     Everyone has the same opportunity to get an education.
•     Opportunity is not limited by cultural factors such as race, talents or ability with which one may be born, family support, or other encouragement or responsibilities.
•     The person arguing again the minimum wage may be paying off huge school loans and, perhaps has a spendable income at present which is not much above the proposed minimal wage.
•     The person who has an education and jumps through professional hoops has to make up for the income loss while in school and training. 

How does one respond to these arguments or feeling?

•     Many factors determine who is able to get an education or get a well-paid position without an education including physical ability, child care responsibilities, health, quality of early education in grades 1-12, talents, and the demands of economy in particular areas and time periods..
•     Racism, family economics, innate ability, luck of having or not having a mentor, family expectations and responsibilities all play a role in who gets a formal education beyond high school.
•     Some of us choose professions which we know will not pay a great deal above some proposed minimum wages. Social workers, counselors, teachers, and some clergy know that they are choosing a profession which may not every pay significantly more than a minimum wage although most get at least slightly above that amount.
•     It is also true that many individuals are paying off huge school loans and which accumulate significant interest.  Some will quickly make enough money to pay off loans and to live above the medium income.  Many will not. In other countries the cost of school is considered a public investment.
•     It is true that some spend many years in school, residencies and internships.  Fortunately, many of these positions are now well paid; above the average proposed minimum wage.

It is also true:

•     At $15.00 an hour, post taxes, Medicare and other deductions the average take home check a month is slightly over $2000.00.  Unless one is living in a communal situation and sharing expenses it is difficult, at best, to do more than scrape by month to month.   One unusual expense will quickly destroy the budget. 
•     If one cannot afford the basics to stay healthy one cannot continue to work.  If one is ill and unable to work then one is not only unable to pay taxes and put money into the economy but must use some other public resources and/or be considered a walking dead drain on the economy and/or what many consider a throw away person.   No one wins.

It is important to have an income large enough to cover the basic bills including healthcare. Emergencies and some luxuries.  Anything larger than that does not keep one warm at night, bring one chicken soup when sick, or provide comfort when grieving or celebrating. Anything more than that might bring temporary pleasure from the things one purchases, or temporarily inflate one’s ego, but in the end life is 10 minutes long and we most need the comfort of each other.

Race, income disparity and other issues are not only social constructs but social and political ploys to keep us divided and, thus, to prevent us from joining together to build a society with works well for all of us; to prevent community.

Written March 12, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
 
 
 
 
 
 

​Any second
With the stroke of a pen

14 becomes 18 or 21

A judge or grand jury decides a child who cannot
make the simplest choices

about school, sexual behavior, or how to live his or her own life is an adult.

Yes, recklessly driving a car, being chased and causing an accident may result in a tragic

death.
A moment of passion with a gun

ends forever the lives of one’s parents or someone else.
Another decade for the brain to mature

Yet, with the stoke of a pen we will sentence a boy or girl to a lifetime of prison.
We call it justice and for a moment perhaps those grieving feel better.

At what cost this momentary pretense of justice?

What cost to lose the potential of this person?

What cost financially to incarcerate someone for many decades?

What cost to indulge ourselves in the delusion that this could not be our child?

If 14 can become the age of consent please allow the 14 year old to:

            make their own decision to quit school
            obtain a driver’s license
            have sex with whom they choose.
            drink alcohol
Justice?

What difference from my thoughtless behavior which nearly resulted in the death of someone?

What difference from my split second miss?

The absence of a functioning gun?

The kitchen knives all sent out for sharpening.

We would like to think we would never ever.

That somehow we are different.

            Kinder

            Calmer

            Always rational

            Always part of the solution and never part of the problem.

The truth is we could have been labeled adults at 14.

Our son or daughter could be declared instant adults.

The remaining decades of lives given for the illusion of justice

We could

any second now.

Any second.

The word de jour

The word de jour is agency.

Euphemisms are a sort of mask

It seems as if we are particularly fond of masks these days.

Masks not only to protect I and thou from covid-19.

Masks to protect us from knowing we have more than our share.

            Food challenged = hungry

            Housing challenged = homeless

            Income challenged = poverty

            Welfare = assistance  = physically or emotionally ill

We have the agency to be poor?

The agency to make choices?

The agency to not choose mental illness, addiction, hopelessness?

The agency to seek hope when it has all been stolen.

Can one choose the agency to be food challenged?

To be homeless?

Perhaps agency is a blue light special at K Mart
Perhaps agency is  stocked near the cash register at the local convenient store

We righteously give to the less fortunate

We do not want to know that we know that we are one paycheck from

            hunger
            homelessness
            property
            desperation
            illness

We do not want to hear

Black Lives Matter demands agency.

Me Too Movement demands agency.

Immigrants fleeing financial, social and political violence demand agency.

Without masks we are in danger of not only covid 19

But the disease of knowing.

The real disease is the discomfort

of knowing.

Of knowing that we know.

Of hoping we do not see beneath the mask of euphemisms. 

We do not want to know that agency equals freedom.

That freedom is claimed and not often given

to other than the chosen few.


Written March 9, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org

​Sunday Musings – March 7, 2021

The beauty and the beast
 
I am living in Tulsa, Oklahoma where there are many examples of amazing structures, some designed and used as houses of worship.  The Boston Avenue Methodist Church, The Tulsa Fire Alarm Building, The Tulsa Club, Philcade- an office building  -and a host of others give evidence to the ability of us humans to create beauty, sadly often made possible by the wealth created at the expense of expendable workers.   In Tulsa much of the wealth was created with revenue from oil on land often stolen from Native Americans.   For example, generations ago, the American Indian Osage tribe was compelled to move. Not for the first time, white settlers pushed them off their land in the 1800s. They made their new home in a rocky, infertile area in northeast Oklahoma in hopes that settlers would finally leave them alone. (NPR.org - April 17, 2017
 
In New York city railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt created one of the most beautiful railroad terminals in the United States.  In Pittsburgh and across the country Andrew Carnegie is best known  for the libraries named in his honor as well as the famed Carnegie Museum.   Henry Phipps’ money established the first mental health center in Baltimore and the beautiful Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh which is a leader in exploring environmentally friendly buildings and operations.   Henry Ford to whom we are, in many respects indebted, sponsored an anti-Jewish newspaper and is alleged to have earned the right to have his photo adorn the office of Hitler.   
 
From the stories of the lives lost to build pyramids to early Romans and other rulers who lavish lives were supported by so called loyal subjects to those who instituted and make manifest the caste systems in many countries, including in the United States, as detailed in Isabel Wilkinson’s book Caste, we humans  create beauty; often to hide the ugliness hidden in the secret passages; secret passages housing the lies covering the justifications for the current and historic one percent; the same justifications used today to keep the masses  in their place.  These practices are responsible for the success of many including the Jeff Bezos’s who are fighting the unionization of Amazon workers as well as the pharmaceutical companies who hire the beautiful young people to peddle their wares using a host of lies and near lies paying the “reps” just enough  more than the average to temporarily seduce them.
 
Recently I was reading a novel by Sawyer Bennett (Discoveries of Secrets and Fate) in which the chief character can see beneath the costume of humanness to the underlying creature from another place - some kind and some dark and evil.   I was reminded of the joy I take in the beauty of amazing Architectural creations while, at the same time,  feeling an internal sense of dread and grief because I know in the basement one can hear the cries of the workers who were expendable.
 
I love Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water house created by wealth as a vacation house for the Kaufman’s of Pittsburgh.  
 
There is, of course, uncomplicated beauty with which Mother Nature surrounds us. There is the beauty of love when two or more people practice equality and equity.  There is the beauty of the operation of the human body when we attend to what it needs and not what the latest profit induced advertisement suggests.
 
There is beauty in the carvings of the fish hooks, the canes, and the totem poles, or the  beaded creations of many so called primitive people or Natives.   Whether for ceremonies or for everyday use these creations were designed to be enjoyed as well as used.  No one was expected to sacrifice their well-being for the benefit of beauty; not even Mother Nature.
 
I have many pieces of art adorning my walls, none of which was created at the expense  of another.
 
Us humans are creatures of insecurities and contradictions.  We do all we can to earn what we already possess; to be more than we are so that we can be acceptable as we are.  Yet all wise teachers know that all we have to do is to care for each other; to consider the lilies of the field; to consider the art which is created just because we can and which is not at the expense of anyone’s health or happiness.
 
Always I am reminded of the first rule of growth; to accept the reality of my contradictions while re-examining whether I have the courage to look into my basement.
 
Written March 7, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org