“Love is the only human emotion that consistently generates the most productive and intelligent actions” – Humberto Maturana, Chilean Biologist
Why is it on Facebook that the posts that have animals of different species (including humans) caring for each other, get the biggest response from the public? Why am I moved to tears by acts of kindness?
Why, I believe it is because I want to know that there is good in the world, that human nature is intrinsically generous and kind, and that true unconditional love is to be found not just between parent and child but is there to be awakened in the stranger. I want to know the world is a friendly place and that I am safe in it.
So often I feel I have to protect myself, to not be vulnerable, to pretend or put on a happy and strong face. I believe I grew up to distrust the world because my parents in an effort to keep me safe taught me to be wary. I understand this motivation but I realize too that it can lead to me feeling separate and disconnected.
Recently I came to a new realization. I am very often disconnected from myself. That's not the new part, I knew that already! But can this disconnect have originated in the same cause, wariness of my human nature. If there is danger out there then there must be danger in here. As without so within! The realization that I am often at war or on the defensive with myself has given me the opportunity to practice replacing that with vulnerability and nurturing. I am playing with this idea and so far I notice I am often less tense and less hyper critical, more gentle and compassionate. I will keep you posted as to whether this leads to more productive and intelligent actions as Humberto proposes. And maybe you would like to play with this as well, it can't hurt!
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