Being Right

 

I was on a podcast the other night talking about one of my books on UFOs and Religion, and the host asked me what I thought was one of the most pressing problem that we have as a species when it comes to all of the turmoil going on with the planet right now. I told him I could not narrow his question down to one specific problem. He pressed on. Finally, I did confess that most of humankind's problems, at least to my mind, were of a spiritual nature. That is to say that when we are healthy in our emotional life, secure in our inner journeys, we will manifest a more peaceful world. The host asked me what that would look like. I answered that the human tendency to have to be right would reduce a significant amount of tension if somehow we could lessen its effect. This is not the only answer to these complicated and layered challenges to life here on earth, but it can help.

 

There are many conversations going on these days about many things. Racial justice, wearing of masks, presidential politics, economics, women's rights, etc. Perhaps you have been involved in some of these topics or all of them. Hopefully, you come to realize that there are some people who you are never going to be right with. No matter what you say, or how you say it, what you do or how you do it, there are people who are going to find something wrong with everything. This includes you. There are some people who can take what you say and twist it into something you did not say in order to be right. By the time you realize you are fighting a losing battle it is too late. They are right and you feel wrong! You see, the challenge with being confronted by an I-gotta-be-right person, is that they have a way of bringing out the I-gotta-be-right in you.

When you have the smallest glimmer of I-gotta-be-right in your eyes, people detect it. Even when you couch your need in care or concern, those you approach recognize in you what they know about themselves. In response, they can become as determined as you. They have a need to be right, and they are not afraid to sacrifice you in pursuit of their own needs. If you have the same need, somebody is going to go down hard.

The need to be right is nothing more than the need for external validation. The conflict created when one need-to-be-right person locks horns with another need-to-be-right person is really a blessing in disguise. The one who can back down first, without feeling they have lost anything, is the one well on their way to self-acceptance, self-forgiveness, and self-love. Perhaps you may not have known that you still have a need for self-validation. We all do at times. But just for today, surrender, take a deep breath and ask yourself, is this worth it? You do not have to always be right and when you are you will know it. You don't have to attend every fight you're invited to. Nothing is worth giving up your inner peace to prove you are right.

Peace and Robust Health To You!

 

I think a lot about the health of the Earth, and how emergent the fate of the environment seemed to me as a child. I remember vividly being a frustrated 6th grader who could not understand why all the adults I knew weren't up in arms over the fate of endangered species and dwindling forests. I don’t think we were referring to climate change yet, but I know ozone damage and “global warming” were on my radar.

 

In college I took Sociology and Political Science classes on Global Justice Activism and Economic Policy. I learned a lot in those classes, but I still feel, in many ways, like a disheartened tween, but now I’m dismayed with myself as well as the (other) adults around me.

 

I know about collective action problems and “Activism Fatigue” and must recognize I (at least occasionally) embody both. I’m on the mailing list (real and email) for a large number of causes and I confess sometimes the sheer volume of information is so overwhelming I can’t even bring myself to read them all, much less take action beyond the most basic “slacktivism” efforts.

 

I consider myself an educated, and passionate advocate for the Earth, but I’m also a Mom, and I’m busy, and I’m tired. I’m trying to raise my kids to be aware of their impact, and not too addicted to instant gratification, but it’s a struggle.

 

I understand a bit better now the lack of urgency in the adults I knew as a child. I understand too the great fire felt by teen climate activists.

 

What a terrible injustice that those with the will to make sweeping change, and the free time to dive deep into social action efforts have not the political means to make changes. I ask myself , “What am I willing and able to sacrifice today for future generations?”

 

I’m still working that out. What will my children have to forgo just to survive on this planet? Time will tell. 

 

 

David Reid channeled Elton John with his whole heart!

 

Of course the UUCSV choir gave us some great songs!

 

... as led by Linda Metzner!

 

Deb Evenchik strummed her electric guitar for background for...

 

 ... Rochelle Broome with wonderful melodies.

 

 

Thank-you, and congratulations to everyone involved in any way in Sunday's fundraising concert for our new American family. We didn't let an afternoon thundershower dampen our spirits (see below where it's streaming off the roof by the leftmost column.)

 

 

We raised $3245 and had a splendid time doing it. We continue to need circle members who can help with transportation, teaching, shopping, childcare, etc. Let Katherine know if you are interested in joining the circle.  katherinet@gmail.com