We live in a society that seemingly trusts less and less. (1) The Good Samaritan (2) who is shocked by a heart-wrenching story, only to find later that the episode was cleverly concocted just to elicit funds, has made the public increasingly feel gullible and naïve. (3) Societal reaction has been one of deep cynicism in regards to human goodness. I too, most disappointingly, was recently influenced by similar thoughts.
Not long ago, I spent a day in the mountains conversing with God and his handmaiden, nature. It was truly a magnificent morning. As I walked along with my companions, the trees swayed softly in the breeze and undulated upwards to heaven. I became introspective and thoughtful and, ultimately, at peace. Why then, I asked myself later, did we have to stop for lunch? I travel with a group of like-minded individuals: attentive, solicitous, and kind. We all bring our own individual lunch and then an additional bowl of fruit, vegetables, or nuts to share. On this particular day, I brought succulent apples, cherry tomatoes, and Chilean raisins for a sense of the exotic. All was wonderful – our discourse was not profound, but sensible – some would even say boisterous. Everything was fine until I realized that I was the only one who had brought metal forks to share the snacks with others.
My compatriots had brought along implements of plastic or of wood. My initial reaction was one of pure pomposity and arrogance. I was the one with taste and decorum. That was until a dastardly thought came to me: “Did they know something that I didn’t – was there a thief amongst us?” Now, suffice it to say that these forks were not made from Sterling silver (4) or were antique remnants from my grandmother’s tableware collection. These were simply cheap cutlery pieces purchased from a local discount store. The primordial self, (5) however, didn’t seem to care. My mind stood at attention: The British Museum was about to be robbed! I totally lost interest in lunch and began to track the whereabouts of each tool. One of my traveling companions kept constantly exhorting the other members of our small troop to enjoy the repas – ensuring that it soon became impossible to ascertain where the fourchettes had gone and who the offenders were.
This led my eyes to furtively dart from one veiled suspect to another — their pandemic coverings making everything more ominous and sinister. “Who was guilty,” I kept asking myself. My gaze dropped to the good-looking woman sitting opposite me. She had one of my small tridents clenched in her manicured fingers. Were there others hidden under a plate — behind a bowl? Was she attempting a mass abduction? My head swirled with scenarios and the apprehension of what would become of my forks. My pensées had reached a crescendo. I was just about to make a last-ditch plea for their return.
But, quite suddenly, everyone stood up. Lunch was concluded and, in the next few minutes, all were returned. My dashed belief in humanity restored, we all marched home. I was embarrassed and angry at myself for succumbing to the nihilism of our time. This is not truly how mankind is, we are kind and thoughtful and honest for the most part. I must learn to trust more I reminded myself. These thoughts are attributed to President Lincoln (6): You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.
A closing thought: It is important to realize in our digital age that this wave of information flowing over us is simply meant to stimulate – negativity being the most profound. It is not asking us to reflect or contemplate. It is blatantly just a force, a power. Human nature is such that it responds to fear more than pleasure. (7) It is, therefore, incumbent on everyone to realize that people are mostly good – The Common Good. As a society, we could not function unless this was true – trust being a necessity, from the aspect of personal safety to the information we receive from our teachers and mentors.
We should, however, be vigilant to isolate ourselves from this maelstrom of information “gibberish.” One way is to not access the Internet for the first hour or two in the morning – no Google searches, no emails, and no news. This allows the mind to relax and reset. We quickly realize that life is good and we live in a wonderful world. But my perception is totally up to me. I, alone, can create my reality. The question is, “I am brave enough to face the challenge?”
To sum up: This week, we spoke about trust and the danger of this element being removed from our daily lives due to our pernicious and punishing civilization.
To be noted: From the painter and writer, Walter Anderson, (8) — We’re never so vulnerable than when we trust someone – but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy.
Just for fun: The Dream of the Red Chamber
For reflection: Jean-Michel Basquiat’s ‘Untitled (Skull)’: Great Art Explained
This week on your energetic walk, please question your own level of trust.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: All truth emanates from within and facilitates my connection with God and the universe.
Footnotes:
1) https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/sep/19/why-cant-we-agree-on-whats-true-anymore
2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_Good_Samaritan
3) https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/15/nyregion/homeless-man-couple-gofundme-scam.html
4) Koch & Bergfeld – Fine Silverware | euromaxx
5) How To Become Whole (Carl Jung & The Individuation Process)
6) Abraham Lincoln – U.S. President | Mini Bio | BIO
7) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-main-ingredient/200909/the-most-powerful-motivator