Fake Plastic Trees

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIPgMkFDwng

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIPgMkFDwng

 Nothing like a great Radiohead song to inspire and motivate. This song found me as I was thinking about certain dynamics amongst people, and how they seem to be culminating on this journey I'm on. I'm confident that these dynamics have always been there, but I suspect that I am far more aware of them these days. Recently, it was noted from someone who had not seen me since this big change began in my life, that I appeared to be at peace, and generally happier. I agree, and I think that this peace is exactly what is opening my eyes to so many different things.

 Now, this new found perspective has its disadvantages too. I am quite a bit more guarded, and vulnerable to the shady side of life. I try my best not to be a cynic, and my biggest struggle is to not judge others, despite how I interpret their actions. I certainly have my share of faults, and I'm probably my own biggest critic about how I should live my life, treat other people, etc.  What I am discovering, is that having so much consideration can very much leave a person vulnerable to those who who lack that same consideration. I don't mean to say that they are inherently evil and will seek you out, but I think that if they don't sense an adversary, they get very careless about what they throw your way.

 Ok, enough ambiguity! I guess what has triggered my little diatribe on here, is that in the past few weeks, I have observed what I view as selfishness thrown at me from various sources at an alarming rate. I don't feel as though I am in the greatest position to process that right now, so it's making me a little grumpy, lol. I mean, anyone can have this sort of thing as a course of regular life, I just noticed that I got a extra helping of it lately. Not all of these scenarios affect me directly; some are beating up people close to me as well. I have quite a number of examples that for the sake of this writing, I will keep very generalized.

1. Intention.  Ever notice how many people have a killer poker face? These are the people that come under false pretenses, act as a friend, then BAM! Now you get to find out what they were really after; a romantic relationship, perhaps a financial opportunity, an escape from something in their own life, whatever. Not a nice thing to experience; it really puts a dent in a persons ability to trust anyone.

2. Respect.  I could probably go on for days about this. It's a broad, sweeping term, but it needs to be said. Respect is something that often gets thrown right under the proverbial bus, simply due to selfishness. I recently observed at my sons school, that a modern tactic is to have a child control behaviour by viewing their actions as a measure of respect to themselves, their teachers, peers, etc. Thank god for that! I suspect some adults should spend a little time back at school; respect used to be, and should continue to be a valid reason to treat others well.

3. Honesty.  People, honesty really is the way forward. One of the most noticeable things that is bringing me happiness, is the ability to put my cards on the table. It's actually very liberating to be forthcoming, and it really is the only way.

4. Consideration. I guess what triggered my thoughts on this, is it's total absence in a lot of areas. It's kind of a culmination of the list above, and it's something I strive to use as a guiding tool in my life. You don't need a reason to be nice to people, to be honest, to try and be good. It's just considerate! In recent weeks, I very much feel like I've suffered the effects of others inconsiderate behavior, and let me tell you this: It really sucks! For people that can't be bothered to think about the result of their actions, I can tell you that the stress, pain, and scars that it can leave are not to be taken lightly. It's a cancerous trait, and yet is so easily remedied.

So, ranting almost over! I guess I'm a little hyper-sensitive just by the sheer volume of crap I've noticed lately. It's nothing new, and I'm positive it will level off over time. The real reason that it prompted me to write, is that it genuinely hurts to see, or be a part of these short-comings. In the shell of me that remains of my former self, I am desperately trying to become what I crave from others, and lead a truly happy life. I have no room in my heart anymore for spite, judgement, and scorn for others. It's a real test, but I am pushing with all my strength to live well, and with love. The big challenge, and the connection to the song that prompted the post, is that I find most people not reaching deep from within, and are spiritually lazy. I am not trying to be critical, but it really does seem that a lot of people are plastic.