One of my favorite teachers in school was Jim LaSalle. He taught computer science (which at that time included binary programming then pascal). He always started his year with the acronym “GIGO”
Garbage
In
Garbage
Out
He would write on the board. Whatever you input, is what would output.
I think this is the best way to describe what is going on in the world.
So much garbage. Watching this whole year pass by has been a very telling social study. This, folks, is directly related to how we’ve cultivated our children. Cultivated/educated.
With these blatant murders coming out on videos, by police officers (who are supposed to be helping citizens, not bullying them and/or killing them) there are many of us in complete shock, anger, distress. I see the whole world up in arms, trying to “do” something about this horror of injustice.
You want change, be change. Gandhi practiced that. This practice is not about voicing yourself, it’s about becoming more aware of yourself. Because what you put into the world is what comes out. Be aware of your language, your thoughts, your actions. Instead of rambling on and on with mental commentary, or the constant fishing to find what you’ll say next to the person you’re having a discussion with…just shhhhhh…turn the volume down and truly listen. If you cannot listen to your self, then how could you truly listen to someone else? Turn the volume down on the rage and upset, and turn your mind towards practicing a peace-filled attitude towards yourself and your life.
This is where many people just turn away. How could being peaceful be helpful to this insanity? Posting a black screenshot on your social media isn’t going to transform this world. It’s nice to see people are unified on a concept, but it’s even better if we cultivate this peaceful concept with a deeper awareness of our individual selves. This practice can unite us all in a calmer more open global society.
If everyone felt peace inside then there would be peace. If an individual is conflicted and far from peace, then he/she must first transform conflict into peace through practices of stillness…stillness is free, but most people have no time for this practice, so busy are we with our business. One minute of breathing deeply will ease the constant whatever happening in your mind. Practice for a minute. Practice for another. Anytime you think of it, breathe deeply and relax. Eventually the mind quiets, and new things can enter. Awareness deepens and that is the practice of being peaceful. Finding peace is part of the practice, but it is maintaining a peaceful practice in your every living moment that is the trick.
Obviously awareness levels vary from person to person. That cop was not aware of himself (or the man’s requests) and he killed him. Right in front of us all. What a seriously unpeaceful situation. And so sad for everyone involved.
That this kind of awfulness is perpetuated by unawareness is the saddest. How can a human be so cruel? It is perpetuated. It is one’s upbringing as well as social relationships and most importantly, our education, which could be teaching children to think and question and be aware.
May we all realize our capacity for peaceful attitudes towards our lives and others, one breath at a time.