Facing social issues tends to cause more cramping and discomfort than constipation for many. Therefore, denial becomes the medicine that is fed by those who themselves fear evolution of the human spirit from intolerance to acceptance. I think these same individuals would certainly still shout that the earth is flat because it was so written- if it were not for the brave, adventurous souls who dared to prove them wrong. To them change is dangerous, as it opens the doors of freedom of thought and discovery…away from the safety of rote thinking.
I admit there is some benign comfort in hiding behind blind traditional beliefs. Recitation and rituals of psalms and pledges- even if one does not take the time to understand the meaning behind the words spoken. Tradition is comfortable and soothing with little responsibility of individual input and thought processing. Our morals and values dictated to us from those before us. The ways of the world mapped out already and the road ahead marked for us with directional signs clearly pointing which way we shall travel and how we shall think. We are assured that to follow along is the road to redemption. But is that really what traveling through life is all about? Only taking a glance at a detour sign when you hit a bump in the road. Only turning off from tradition when you are personally affected by the journey ahead. The desire to further question only then appears as a viable option…and thus one turns down the road less traveled.
Oh the road taken only by those whose journey includes a search to understand humanity, society, morals and coexistence. Those willing to unmask tradition and seek deeper meaning to life beyond the man made boundaries that currently exist. Those who find more hard questions and less easy answers. Sadly, this road is mostly driven on by those on a personal mission for clarity. For the love of another overrides blind tradition and stirs one past intolerance quicker than anything else. Love seeks acceptance for another. Love has brought them here…to the road less traveled.
It is my sincere wish that in the quietest of moments, full of solitude and spirit- more people would dare to turn away from the easy road. Not waiting until a personal crisis pulls them to do so. Our society is pleading for our attention and deep reflection. Turn to the road less traveled and use empathy for humanity as your map. Be brave, consider if you must- how would you feel if personally affected by the issues of today in some other unique way before such presents itself to you to face in your tomorrows ….take the road less traveled.
There is a chance that you and I may never have to personally face many of our societal issues but we must still own them as our own. Less we forget, we are a family of humanity on this planet. Someone else is facing the trials of intolerance, bullying, bigotry and the humiliation of homelessness. Someone else has lost a loved one to a senseless shooting or the abhorrent hold of addiction. Someone else is hanging on- just waiting for you and I to extend a hand without judgement but as an equal. I urge you to think deeper about all sides of an issue….and take the road less traveled.
My whispers in the wind - Charlsey Jane 