The tribal tension in our country right now is a perfect parallel to the dynamic of my family of origin- overflowing of remarkable efforts toward rightness and to victory, rather than goodness/kindness. Right in this context, referring to triumph and domination. As if winning and dominating are evidence of truth and goodness. In my journey of recovery guided by daily commitment to spiritual striving, I seek only to practice living and doing with a glad and pure heart. I can be fairly good at that AND do not deny the angry part of my heart that wants to punish, shame, and illuminate the non-goodness which I perceive as being forced upon my sons. I own the reality of that anger and contempt. I hold myself accountable, spiritually– not just to speaking with factual accuracy but for intentionally examining motives for myself, my children and others. This blog is not just to assert my own goodness and virtue in stark contrast to someone else’s badness but to chronicle my journey towards living a more wholesome life– not more wholesome than them- but more wholesome than what I have experienced, witnessed, and done in the past. I am a work in progress.
I am staying close only to those, who, through action, model and teach loving kindness; not to be confused with favoritism or flattery. Kindness is not selective. Kindness just is…anything less—Refer to the meme. It is never to late to amend.
With two young sons to shape and guide, I feel continually assaulted by the horsehsit models of love and goodness coming from the other side. Goodness is rooted in humility. And what I observe and resent, is arrogance and betrayal, dressed up in parties, smiles, well set tables, awkward flattery and favoritism, inappropriate hugs, and the denial. Behaving as if this is what “family” and “love” do. Family does not equal love–kindness does.
By my definition, love and family are honest, they own the harm they do, have hard discussions and share the work of healing and mending. My boys gathered with my ex and his girlfriend, around a table with my sister and mother who have fouled me with lies to me and about me, insults, hardships which they righteously impose–while acting as if all is well –requiring children to dissociate from their mother and themselves is wrong and harmful. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, they are harming children. My ex loves this arrangement, because he feels chosen, special, and preferred(flattery and favoritism totally work for him–the main currency). Like even after all the bullshit he brought down on our little family, my sick family’s enveloping of him is proof of my badness. Their collective sickness is unbearable to me. My wise friend Anna is like, why do you care if they spend time together, it makes perfect sense—yay—the assholes chose each other, of course they did, and do so at your expense. But it is at the expense of my children. The disregard for them is beyond reproach. Their performance as family, having the numbers– to them is a win and proof of rightness. This may confuse small children. I will object for all of my days. Hopefully, with less laser focused dedication, at some point.
What this text meme reminds me of, is the fake humility which for so long defied articulation. In my family and marriage, they will go over the top, apologizing for traffic, burnt meat, forgetting to shut the door or running out of wine. But NEVER acknowledging or admitting to an error in judgment- words spoken or actions taken in haste or anger. NEVER. They literally have never in my experience acknowledged their contributions to tension or havoc resulting from their CHOICES. Either justified or oblivious. #wtf
I have always been the apologizer. The sorry one. In both my family and marriage. Sorry that I experienced bad feelings or behavior and sorry I for causing bad behavior and feelings in others. What bullshit…participating in the sickness like that. I am sorry for other people’s harsh feelings and behaviors, but not cuz I am fucking responsible. Just because they are unfortunate and you cannot help but feel something like sorry, if you have a conscience or a soul. If we learn and grow primarily from mistakes, what does that mean for people who do not recognize themselves as people who make mistakes? Traffic, meat burning, and leaving the tooth paste lid off or toilet seat up are not bad choices—no apologies are necessary or helpful here. How about— I am sorry I said that. I am sorry I said or did that ???
Ranting time of month. Sorrrrrrrrrry. But I simply cannot say or hear it enough: Kindness is not conditional or preferential or exclusive. Masking non kindness in gatherings, gifts, or compliments intended to elevate one while diminishing another is both sick and sickening.
