Thoughts on the Boston bombings
Thoughts on the Boston bombings: Today, when I rode into the city from Queens, I was aware of the potential danger we all face. I noticed so many backpacks, I looked around me, I paid attention to anything “unusual” …what does one look for, exactly? And when I got off the train, a man was in front of me and the heard of people, slowly walking up the stairs. And I thought, “JESUS. Move it!” And s…tarted to huff and sigh… then I stopped.
Maybe this man is disabled. Maybe he is just sick or not feeling well. And maybe it doesn’t matter, at all, why he was slow. Because he is a human being, and I am a human being, and let’s all be human beings together for our short time here in this exquisite and beautiful experience of being alive and calm down.
Whoever the perpetrator of these murders is, you can be certain that they are angry and filled with hate. And that comes from somewhere. Look around you. Look at the television you watch. Think about the tabloids that stare at you in the supermarket and every news stand. Think about the movies that make the most money. From Hell’s Kitchen to “Let’s attack this woman for being fat!” to Oblivion, to any random comment thread on Youtube, the culture of violence is our culture.
Even Anonymous, an organization I have a certain amount of respect for, has chosen an arsonist as its symbol, and all of their videos are pretty terrifying. They choose the language of violence “We’re going to destroy you,” etc.; fighting hate with hate. Feeling powerful and badass is more of their M.O. than justice is.
The death penalty. Period.
And think about the violence in ourselves. Think about how often you use the word “hate.” Maybe you’re a peaceful person to others for the most part but you are angry with and unkind to yourself. Is there violence of some kind, in your life?
For my part, when I had that angry thought about the stranger this morning, I thought about these things, and thought I should share them. Terrorism and mass murder brings up many important issues, such as gun control legislation, mental health research and assistance, and when the authorites hopefully find those responsible, we will learn more about other important areas of public policy that may need our attention. But one thing I know for certain.
As we are on alert, as we know to observe and watch for suspicious activity, let’s watch and be on alert for the violence in our culture and in ourselves and rebuff it.
As we have seen first responders, blood doners, and so many acts of kindness be a healing and powerful force of good against murder and destruction, so can keeping kindness and compassion in your heart. These things add up, and they matter. You never know who someone standing in front of you, blocking your way to wherever you are going, might be. Be present. Calm down.
I just got a call from a telemarketer. I was nice to her. It’s a shitty job.
Compassion,
Livia
Maybe this man is disabled. Maybe he is just sick or not feeling well. And maybe it doesn’t matter, at all, why he was slow. Because he is a human being, and I am a human being, and let’s all be human beings together for our short time here in this exquisite and beautiful experience of being alive and calm down.
Whoever the perpetrator of these murders is, you can be certain that they are angry and filled with hate. And that comes from somewhere. Look around you. Look at the television you watch. Think about the tabloids that stare at you in the supermarket and every news stand. Think about the movies that make the most money. From Hell’s Kitchen to “Let’s attack this woman for being fat!” to Oblivion, to any random comment thread on Youtube, the culture of violence is our culture.
Even Anonymous, an organization I have a certain amount of respect for, has chosen an arsonist as its symbol, and all of their videos are pretty terrifying. They choose the language of violence “We’re going to destroy you,” etc.; fighting hate with hate. Feeling powerful and badass is more of their M.O. than justice is.
The death penalty. Period.
And think about the violence in ourselves. Think about how often you use the word “hate.” Maybe you’re a peaceful person to others for the most part but you are angry with and unkind to yourself. Is there violence of some kind, in your life?
For my part, when I had that angry thought about the stranger this morning, I thought about these things, and thought I should share them. Terrorism and mass murder brings up many important issues, such as gun control legislation, mental health research and assistance, and when the authorites hopefully find those responsible, we will learn more about other important areas of public policy that may need our attention. But one thing I know for certain.
As we are on alert, as we know to observe and watch for suspicious activity, let’s watch and be on alert for the violence in our culture and in ourselves and rebuff it.
As we have seen first responders, blood doners, and so many acts of kindness be a healing and powerful force of good against murder and destruction, so can keeping kindness and compassion in your heart. These things add up, and they matter. You never know who someone standing in front of you, blocking your way to wherever you are going, might be. Be present. Calm down.
I just got a call from a telemarketer. I was nice to her. It’s a shitty job.
Compassion,
Livia
