Albert Einstein's definition of insanity - repeating the same action and expecting a completely different outcome - seems to be the theme for the holidays this year.
Thanksgiving turned out to be ok - which was good. The energy vamp chose to surf the 'Net after dinner, simply avoiding all contact with us, so that meant the rest of us chatted and enjoyed dessert and relaxed a little.
At one point during the evening I looked around at the faces, all familiar, all part of a complex family drama and personal evolution, devolution, growth and aging. The young ones are growing up, and will be moved away in a few years. The older ones are getting even older, and mark their days by managing chronic pain and choosing how to focus their resources, which are less than they were even a year ago. And every one of us gathers to celebrate each holiday, to reconnect on whatever level works at that moment, and hopes for some significant easing of tension and angst and underlying dysfunction.
We are insane, then. We hope for, and strive for, a completely different outcome (happiness, ease, relaxation, lightness, joy) which we come together for each event and bring the same tools each time. We hope for change, and change does not occur.
I'm not sure what the answer is, or if there really is one at this point, but I for one would like to bring some slightly different energy, some different expectations, some gentle force that may help push the gatherings into a slightly more joyful, relaxed and warm direction.
Time to meditate on it, and then let the Universe provide some direction, even if stillness is the recommendation that presents itself.
Stevie
Thanksgiving turned out to be ok - which was good. The energy vamp chose to surf the 'Net after dinner, simply avoiding all contact with us, so that meant the rest of us chatted and enjoyed dessert and relaxed a little.
At one point during the evening I looked around at the faces, all familiar, all part of a complex family drama and personal evolution, devolution, growth and aging. The young ones are growing up, and will be moved away in a few years. The older ones are getting even older, and mark their days by managing chronic pain and choosing how to focus their resources, which are less than they were even a year ago. And every one of us gathers to celebrate each holiday, to reconnect on whatever level works at that moment, and hopes for some significant easing of tension and angst and underlying dysfunction.
We are insane, then. We hope for, and strive for, a completely different outcome (happiness, ease, relaxation, lightness, joy) which we come together for each event and bring the same tools each time. We hope for change, and change does not occur.
I'm not sure what the answer is, or if there really is one at this point, but I for one would like to bring some slightly different energy, some different expectations, some gentle force that may help push the gatherings into a slightly more joyful, relaxed and warm direction.
Time to meditate on it, and then let the Universe provide some direction, even if stillness is the recommendation that presents itself.
Stevie
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