An Inviting

     As inviting as it is to dialog on external events, and clearly there are opinions to be gleaned, particularly during the political gearing up for presidential elections right now.  I prefer to stay more focused on my circle of influence versus my larger and less defined canvass of concern.  Because of the intricacies of the external matter, most of the details that elicit an emotional reaction are provided to perpetuate a story beyond my personal experience, or ability to test the falseness or truthfulness of outrageous claims.  I find that at best I am a voyeur and at worse living a fabricated opinion of 'if it were me'.

     What matters most at the moment to my sphere of 'control'  as that is loosely defined, are facets far removed from the situational issues affecting people I don't even know.  Circumstances that have direct relationship to my perception are not related to affective values of moral, ethical, or integrity choices made by people who are living and perpetuating a drama far from my personal-daily-experience.  

I've little to add with respects to the evaluation of world process; which is akin to witnessing a stampede.  We can agree or disagree with the direction of the head long rush, but stand clear as to rationalizing what caused the ruckus and most amusing, convince ourselves we can actually do anything significant at the moment to silence the rumbling chaos.  

I had a professor once mention that in situations where the limitations are known and agreed upon, then violated anyway, well then the only option is to come see her when the grades are posted and "we'll be sad together."

     I consider the premise of what benefit does discussion of an abstract third party do to the quality of anyone’s lives?  I wish to share those events that have a more intimate effect on my decision making than those that may influence my comfort in beliefs as being validated or resisted.  Perhaps that may smack of indifference, but it strikes me that being a spectator is more a preoccupation of our times.  Being a benefit is about inclusion, discussion of external events feels like an energy leak; a misplaced focus.  How does feeling sad for general populations outside of personal influence effect the quality of your life in the here and now?

    I'm not advocating isolationism...far from it.  I am questioning our discipline in discerning what we spend ourselves on? And the genuine interest in effecting health and wholeness, or the insatiable attraction towards drama as entertainment.  No matter how sublime, doing so is a replacement to actual involvement.  Awareness starts at home, and in those real issues of interaction with the people we know, love, and wish to include in our daily navigation of living well.

Who are these strangers that occupy my living moments?