BALANCING FREEDOM

We cherish our freedom as Americans and recognize the importance of maintaining our rights as provided by our constitution.  Yet today, more than ever before we are faced with a pandemic that is presenting us with a personal health issue that is really life threatening. Why? Medical science has provided a safe way to protect us from serious illness or death by using vaccination. In a paradoxical sense, to be vaccinated or not is placing some of us in a frightening dilemma for a multitude of reasons. Some of us are faced with anxiety or beliefs as to the possible infringement on our fundamental freedom of choice. Others feel that the choice is such a personal matter and it is our fundamental right to make any decision regarding to be vaccinated or not. Some of us have no confidence in the advancement of medical science.

The interesting observation is that no one is ultimately denied the choice to be or not be vaccinated.  However, we have responsibility to maintain health habits that help protect other citizens and themselves from exposure to the virus. That means they have responsibility to see that their own health habits are maintained.

                   

 INTENSITY

\Whether we like it or not,\the world is changing in front of our eyes. Regardless of the pandemic ,some things can be overwhelming.  Just look at the sky, seas, mountains, the cities, and our social relationships.  Each is taking on new dimensions far beyond what we might expect.

 Sometimes, in a matter of moments we are astounded, amazed, surprised, that they all occur so unexpectedly or with such an impact.  We are not satisfied with what we see. For example, we have, in fact, reached the moon.  But that’s not enough. Now, we are searching for ways beyond the origin of our universe.

Our social relationships have blossomed into new culture patterns that introduced new patterns of art and music that leave us momentarily impassioned with new and exciting fervor, emotions, and excitement. We are impacted with the new "Moyne de Vie" way of seeing life.

Such intensity can serve as a catalyst to help us meet our feelings of rapid change.

                                 “Life does not block our ability to change.”

 

 

L00SEN THE  GATE

    No matter where I look, there is evidence of the impact of the pandemic.  It is evident that we face it almost every day and even feel it when we try to direct our attention to pleasant thoughts. It seems to be haunting us.   Yet, how do we cope with the misery that preys on us?  I believe it’s a matter of taking steps to make conditions less severe and intimidating.  I suggest we try to mitigate what we encounter.

    To mitigate is to take steps to reduce the severity of a pandemic atmosphere. To mitigate is derived from the Latin roots mitis,” soft”, and agree, “to do/act,” which add up to “to soften.” It is often used with words that indicate an outcome or something harmful.

    I am aware of situations where I notice some people tend to be unduly critical and even condescending in their relationship with others.  Such an attitude or behavior only distances one person from another.  I sincerely believe each of us can mitigate; that is, take steps to reduce the probability of serious estrangement of one person to another.

“It’s never too late to loosen the gate.”

 

ANGST

This term may appear somewhat strange to see but it carries a remarkably interesting meaning.  It first came to my attention many years ago when I was in graduate school and has lingered in my mind.  The word was introduced into English from the Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, and German word angst.  It has been evident since the 19^th century in the English translations of works by Soren Kierkegaard and Sigmund Freud.  Their early ideas carry a specific conceptual meaning used in English to refer to a profound and intense feeling of apprehension, as “dread “or “anxiety”. This deep-seated condition is guided solely in non-human animals by instinct.  Human beings enjoy a freedom of choice that is found to be appealing and yet terrifying.  It is the power of choice that, at times, becomes a real challenge.  Anxiety can occur with a feeling of worry, concern, apprehension, or consternation.

Another way of understanding anxiety is comparing it to fear.

The object of fear is clearly identified.  If one is fearful of dogs one can avoid them.  However, anxiety has no direct object.  It is an emotional condition in which one experiences uncertainty, worry, unease, or tension.  This condition can be very disabling for one to function easily and resolve an issue.

“It has been said that there are three sides to every issue”.

“Yours, the other side and the truth.”

 

OUR VENTILATING ARENA

Murray Gellen

    A message is usually defined as a short communication sent from one person to another of a central idea.  Often, in a residential community, messages are transmitted and displayed on an electronic message board that are displayed for any resident who has access to it.  Given this vehicle, one who receives a message is free to respond to the sender.  Interesting to note, it means that any resident who has use of the message board may respond to the sender or introduce additional information to the original sender or other residents who are free to view such a message.  The nature of the message board provides an open arena for just about any topic that comes to one’s mind.  However, in our community, there are guidelines that attempt to protect and monitor messages transmitted to assure freedom of expression and, at the same time, protect viewers form derogatory commentary. The message board is the place to welcome opinions and a variety of viewpoints,

    One may note that the message board receives messages for information as to where one might contact a plumber, a doctor or where to purchase a particular window or refrigerator company. But, then there are opinions regarding the community Board’s considered recommendations or decisions.  It is still the right of residents to offer opinions regarding issues facing the community. It appears that many of these matters of the Board would be better served if members of the message board addressed their concerns directly to Board members than to each other. Yes, it is a free ventilating arena to express one’s opinion regarding a Board’s actions or decisions. However, it appears that more often it agitates message board senders toward each other over issues. Matters of community governance need to be directed to the Board than to each other.

                                          " Yes, it is an open arena." 

                                                         PERSPECTIVE

                                                                      Murray Gellen

     Sometimes, how we look at the world in different ways may influence our whole attitude toward our lives. Undoubtedly, over a year we have been faced with a pandemic that has had a devastating impact on our lives. Yet, there is a unique attribute each of has that allows us to cope with what faces us. I am not sure what that is but despite loss or pain the human being has the resilience to survive. Sometimes. I think it is the never-ending motivation to find a surcease from sorrow or the desire to feel free from feelings of emptiness.

     In any event, there is always some energy to find relief. It is that very energy that becomes the force to move forward and not backward, if one is fully aware that options exist, desperate feelings can minimize. I am sure we have heard that we can see a cup as half-filled or half-empty. Unfortunately, there are moments of desperation that are so high our emotions can block our path to reasoning. Yet, the calm moments we have can be used as fire drills to prepare us for the unexpected. It seems like the pandemic is so impacting that one can feel there is no end. But the arrival of vaccines is the sun on the horizon. They provide the steps toward normalcy.

     There is still a caution to how we accept the process of vaccination given all the variations and alien viruses still prevailing. It is important for us to maintain our confidence in science that provides us with the steps to eliminating infection. We need to recognize that mitigation is still a valuable tool for prevention. Simply getting vaccinations is not eliminating all infection attributable to corvid 19. But, they are excellent for along with the continued effort of all of us to abide by the health rules of protecting each other. That is, maintaining social distancing, washing our hands, even wearing a mask, and avoiding crowds. After all, we never are to forget how easily we can contaminate others.

                            “An ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure.”

 

THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

   When we think about art, we usually admire the picture we see and wonder how the person renders such a beautiful picture. It impresses us to see such creative work.  We tend to think it takes an incredibly talented person to produce works of art. But what we see as beauty is really in the eye of the beholder. When you pick up a pencil, pen or paint brush and you let your feelings flow as you look at what you create there is that moment of pleasure you can experience if you sit back and enjoy what you see. Remember, you are the judge of what you produce. The enjoyment of your art comes from the feelings of satisfaction generated from what you see.  Creativity is the unique identity you can develop. Our imagination is our powerful tool to generate all kinds of satisfaction. Let your feelings flow through painting, drawing and even writing. There are no boundaries for our mind to grow.

   If you allow your imagination to find its way to your mind you can create art that is your own personal picture. What you begin to sketch, draw, or paint you see as something outside of yourself that is emotionally exciting. Why? It is part of you that is a unique mirror as part of you. That is something you have never seen before. Looking at it, allows you to have a completely new experience. The flow of your feelings is exciting and challenges you toward new unknown frontiers of learning and enjoyment that no one else has.

                                            You can do it!

 

 

  LET CONSCIENCE BE YOUR GUIDE

Murray Gellen

    Ever since this pandemic emerged, I have been very conscious about how I think and behave.  There has been a deluge of information provided that offers us the way to protect ourselves from becoming infected with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). I believe everyone, with the publicity at hand, is aware of how easily one can become exposed to it or how we can transmit it. So, what comes into my mind why is the number of cases so high?  Why are so many people infected?  Why have there been so many fatalities?  I confess I have no simple answer. But I do have some thoughts about it.

     Living is too complicated, challenging, and meaningful to everyone that the idea of “lockdown”, “isolation “or “quarantine” is fundamentally contrary to how we want to live.  At least, to many people it is a very aversive condition. Those conditions have a severe impact on people’s survival. To put it bluntly, it is necessary to be able to work and provide life’s necessities. And it is also important to experience social interaction. We cherish our personal freedoms to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Right now, this virus thwarts our freedoms.  

  So, how do we cope with what faces us each day? I think it is the inner feeling or voice we hear that guides us to the rightness or wrongness of our behavior. I prefer to call it our conscience. It’s a guide that helps us make decisions that are fair, just, or reasonable for the best interests for ourselves or others. It is our ethical awareness that is like a moral muscle we have learned to use.  Sometimes there is risk involved if we decide to behave in a way different from our neighbor, relative or friend. But once we do, we live with it right, wrong, good, or bad. Remember, if your conscience is clear you have nothing to fear. Even amidst this pandemic we have the ability to adapt to the safety guidelines of washing our hands, keeping a distance and wearing a mask. 

                                             “Stay Safe”