SEPARATION ANXIETY

BY: JEFF S TURNBULL

The reason that so many of us are anxious about our lives’ and the future is that we are living in a culture where tribalism and nationalism are becoming the norm.

Instead of fostering a sense of community and fidelity we are secluding ourselves into our own tribal enclaves – mentally, socially, and emotionally. The distrust of the other is saluted and encouraged. When what the World needs now is Love Sweet Love; we are pushing each other further and further apart.

Our politics have become a reality show. Our news is entertainment. Our healthcare, education and prison systems have become revenue sources for the rich and powerful; yet the least of us have nowhere to turn.

It is no wonder that dystopian and apocalyptic futures are the basis for a lot of the movies on the big screen. Because the youth of today more so than any other time feels like perhaps there is no hope.

Symbols are powerful and speak volumes. When Nazi and Confederate flags are waived to insight condemnation from a group of people we have a problem. When rainbow flags are flown to celebrate a group's freedom some are outraged. The difference is one is representative of hate and other is love and acceptance. One pushes away and the other encourages inclusion.

The shadow is a person’s inner battle to wage. However, we are a collective of individuals. Just like infinity is a chain of finite moments, the community is comprised of a group of individual souls seeking unity. The collective, universal soul and shadow represent each one of us.

If you hate someone or a group of someone’s’ asks yourself why. Perhaps there is something about what you hate is a subconscious, unconscious issue that you have yet to deal with?

Fragmentation leads to chaos, and not the good kind. It just creates uncertainty and dysfunction. Nothing works and we do not move forward; as a species, an organization, or as an individual. What we do not understand we fear. What we fear we hate. We create suffering for ourselves and everyone. What we understand we value. What we value we hold dear.

Take time and do some self-discovery. Open your mind, your heart, your lives, even your homes and invite something new in and try to understand it, it could change your life, your community, the world.