The Center Holds
We have Forgotten How to Stand Still
Our modern society is rapidly ramping up the pace and cadence of movement and with the rapid pace of change, we are challenge to make a statement or claim lest we be rushed out into “irrelevance”.
Naturally, we have taken the bait. No person does not want to feel seen or heard. To quickly get a word out is to quickly say the first thing that comes to mind without even thinking. What’s worse, a quick reaction is no longer the bare minimum into acceptance. No, now we have learned to spat off quickest thing in the most abrasive ways in order to get a few extra thumbs up.
The Pendulum Problem
The Pendulum Problem is an analogy/thought process that I have used to illustrate how dangerous this new anthropology position of reactionary behavior has become.
Every week, or even day for that matter, it feels like the world discovers a new “emergency”. We wake to an endless feed of outrage, moral crisis, and side to join.
Whatever the subject matter of the moment is, it can be applied to the Pendulum Problem.
Why a Pendulum?
A pendulum has a fixed point at the top (our subject or topic of the discussion)
Suspended from this fix point is an object. (you, me, groups, organizations, cultures, nations) you get the idea.
Now without any external force, gravity keeps this object rested at the center below the issue at hand. It is still and perhaps it is somewhat peaceful. In this position, rational thought and dialog can take place. I like to call this a response. To me, response means at least some effort of thought was taken before an action occurs.
However, when our gaze becomes focused on what could be two left or right of the pendulum (physically not politically). Because there is no time to think, a reaction occurs and an external force is applied.
The issue above in which we dangle from is no longer what has our attention. The object (humans) begin to run toward one side or the other.
Soon enough, the pendulum is swinging further and further away from its calm, nearly motionless position at the center.
Reaction begets reaction and the pendulum swing all more violently back and forth leaving a wake of destruction in its path.
Why this matters
The human brain is phenomenal at establishing thoughtless reactions based upon repeated exposure to something. This can be both positive or negative. Ever been attacked by a dog, your disposition towards man’s best friend might make you more of a cat person. Without thinking about it, our minds put us into ruts of neurological pathways that can be nearly impossible to get out of the more repeated that experience becomes.
Our reactionary culture war today is no different. With each post, political argument, new story or blog about the latest issue, most of us fall pray to get a word in before we miss the chance. Typically our reactions fall into the same position on similar issues and outrage is the fastest way to get another reaction out of someone else.
This neurological pathway is particularly dangerous because it erodes away at the imago dei (image of God) of the opposing person(s). And I fear, it has gone beyond this generations opportunity to get out of it. But maybe, if we begin to start establish a new way of interacting with the world and even our neighbors, we can tilt the tides in favor our children and grandchildren.
So what now?
I want to use this blog to challenge our way of thinking. Not, everything will be based solely on the Pendulum Problem but will also include deeper or potentially philosophical thoughts that I am wrestling through in my own journey right now. I would love to take you with me, and learn from you as well. In hopes that we can learn to be compassionate & deep thinking individuals that find our rest in the center.