The Journey of Introspection
On a quiet morning, I found myself lost in thought, pondering the intricate dance between my life and the larger forces shaping our world. Introspection, I realized, is not just about examining oneself; it’s about understanding our relationship with the world and the events that mould it. How does my life intersect with these larger forces? What is my role in this moment of time? Am I the hero, the villain, or perhaps the bystander who turns away? Or am I the one who reaches out with a helping hand, the bard, the poet, the songster, the jester, or the scribe?
The Call to Action
When situations in our world become dire, we are called to either act or remain passive. That is our choice. If we do nothing, if we allow events to unfold without our involvement, we become complicit in whatever happens. I refuse to be complicit in the erosion of rights and freedoms. While I may not have much influence over what’s happening in America, I do what I can because what happens there affects the entire world, including here in Australia where the same factors that caused the situation there are at play here – and in almost every Western democracy. With America seemingly sliding further into dictatorship, I ask myself, “What can I do?”
Embracing My Strengths and Limitations
We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and any action we take is dependent on them. I don’t have a lot of face-to-face friends, nor do I work in an industry where I can talk to many people. My influence is limited, and I accept that. But I can amplify the words of others on social media, supporting those with a greater reach. I may be an applauding bystander, but I’m also an author. Writing is my skill, my major strength. I may not have written a bestseller, but I can write, and I have my own perception of the world to share.
Finding My Path
As I considered how to draw my disparate interests together, I realized that my love of nature, creativity, story, and my fascination with mind and spirit were already interconnected. My art has always aimed to express spirit, my writing to convey it, and my love of nature to connect with it. This realization led me to pursue forest bathing and art therapy courses, so I can offer these experiences to others when my tiny house is ready. My aim is not to make masses of money but to be of benefit, to help people with their mental and spiritual health through nature, art, and story.
Affirming My Role
No matter what happens in the world, my role is to share anything that will help people in their mental and spiritual health. The more I affirm this path, the stronger I become in it. I recognize that while many talk about the events, few discuss how to cope with them or heal the deep rifts in our society. When I’m around people, I moderate my autistic urge to expound on my ideas and instead ask questions. Then I listen to others’ stories and acknowledge their lived experiences, in the hope that though we may disagree on some things, they can recognize the humanity that unites us all.
Confronting the Reality of Evil
In my introspection, I’ve come to accept that some human beings are indeed evil. I used to think evil was the realm of story, but history has shown us otherwise. Figures like Hitler and Goebbels, who committed atrocities during the Second World War, exemplify this. Trump, Vance and all those behind Project 2025 are the same; they are all evil men because they have no empathy, no compassion. They care only for themselves and their power and money. The people who still think they are wonderful are either don’t know what the regime is actually doing or they are also beyond redemption and destined for hell. They are being lied to, and if you want the truth, you have to search for it. They will gradually come to realise that their freedoms and rights are gone. The atrocities of the Trump regime have only just begun. As with Hitler, incarceration without trial starts small with people few care about, but it grows until the whole population is in danger of disappearing without any recourse to justice simply for disagreeing with the regime. Recognizing this reality is part of understanding the world and our place within it.
We have to accept what is before we can change it.
Through introspection, I’ve found my role in this complex world. By embracing my strengths and limitations, I can contribute in my own way, helping others find peace and connection through nature, art, and story.
This is my story, and I know this: Outrage will only take us so far.
In one of his most famous sermons, Loving Your Enemies, Dr. King preached: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
How do you see your role or roles in your life and society at this time in your life?
Sign up to my email list to get a free copy of my metaphysical fiction novel Worlds Within Worlds, and email notifications of blog posts.
