Filter and Ignore

     I have always tried to read and listen to all sides of issues, but recently, I've decided to ignore certain topics.
     I rarely watch the local newscasts because they begin with the latest murders and end with sports and YouTube videos.  I refuse to listen to the same stories repeated and prolonged by the media.  I stop watching shows and movies that depict rape.  I find it difficult to view old movies that feature unliberated female characters, so I stop watching.  I also mute commercials.
     I no longer read posts about creationism, anti-evolution, homosexuality and abortion as sin, anti-choice and anti-gay rights.   I refuse to listen to Obama bashing and other prejudicial opinions including FOX News.
     One way to reduce stress is to filter what comes into your mind.  Don't close your mind completely, but don't waste your time on what you consider nonsense.  You wouldn't let people dump rubbish in your living room.  Even when you try your best to present your opinions in a logical manner, some people will have closed minds.  If they don't try to understand your point of view, ignore theirs. 

Can't go back.

     The ability to remember, analyze, and even make amends for the past can help in the present and future, but we can't go back.  Forward is the only direction we must follow.
     Often the landscape changes and our vehicle shows signs of wear.  An occasional tune-up may give a temporary fix, old tires can be replaced with new, and paint can hide the dents and scratches.  The best mechanics can diagnose problems but only do so much.  We all know that we only have one body to navigate our journey.
     As we age, as our loved ones grow older, we realize that even with the best maintenance, permanent damage occurs.  To survive, we must go forward, accept limitations, and adjust our activities.  As long as the old engine starts, we can chug down the road to get where we're going.  We can appreciate the rest of the trip, but there is no reverse; we can't go back.

Leave "R" out of it

     As we think about the conflicts around the world and here at home, perhaps we could think more clearly and logically by leaving religion out of it.   This would be very hard to do because most people are raised that their particular religion holds the truth and should be the guide to behavior and government.  If only we could remove our ingrained judgments long enough to realize that everyone is basically the same with the same needs.  When these needs are met through cooperation, we could have peace on earth.
     After physical needs are met (food, shelter, health care, education, safety) then we need to consider the need for freedom to think and have our own opinions while realizing others have the same need.   No matter what religion we ascribe to, we should not profess that we are right and others are wrong.  We should not mix religion and government.
     Many wars of the past and in the present show religions pitted against each other.  Basic needs of citizens are put aside as soldiers try to impose their beliefs on others thinking that God is on their side.  Even in times of peace, many people insist that their religion holds the truth and must prevail.  They wish to impose their version of holy scripture and base laws on their interpretations.  Some truly believe that they should try to save the souls of others, but some just don't want to lose their chance of an afterlife.
     As we try to resolve conflicts, we need to be  more concerned about cooperation and less concerned about promoting our own agenda.  Our goal should be to insure that everyone is safe, healthy, and free to have their own beliefs and opinions.  Leave religion out of it and strive for peace on earth.       

Prescription

     Written down before beginning a plan of care including medication, an anticipated remedy may improve our health.  We learn the common uses of the meds, why we need them, and  how and when to use them.  We are also warned about interactions causing the drug to be less effective or dangerous and cautioned about stopping too soon or adding other elements.  Side effects are listed which may create unpleasant or dangerous complications.  Sometimes, a medication that is good for one part of the body may be dangerous for another.
     When we have other issues in life, we may need to write a plan before beginning a  remedy.   Obviously, we feel we have a need for action but should be careful of how we go about it and when.  The change may be a temporary or a life-long adjustment.  Our actions may cause unanticipated side effects which may be pleasant or not.  The plan may need to be improved to get the results we want.
     We usually follow the advice of our doctors when it comes to helping our body function as it should.  We need to be sure our own prescriptions keep our everyday lives functioning well and our relationships healthy while we continue toward our goals.    
      

Patience

     

     Everyone assumes  that patience is a virtue, and the more we have, the better.  Having too much patience, however, can be detrimental to emotional and physical health, to personal relationships, and to group dynamics.  Patience can turn into passivity and procrastination while we avoid conflict and problem solving.  Some even believe that patience should be our goal and that whatever is supposed to happen will happen.  When holding our tongue to avoid hurting other people's feelings, we may even get a sense of accomplishment and pride in being self sacrificial.
     Not having enough patience can also cause problems.  When a situation is beyond our control, we  must face reality and adjust our emotions accordingly.   When a situation can be improved by increasing our patience, we get extra time to analyze the problem and plan the best solution.
     Some people seem to have an easier time being patient, perhaps being born with that disposition, or modeling themselves after others who showed patience, or being taught that impatience was not a desirable characteristic.   Other people may have a harder time controlling emotions and impulses and have more difficulty adjusting to frustration and change.
     As we face the difficulties of aging and our bodies and minds are not functioning the way they used to, we need to adjust to new situations.  We also need to adjust as our spouse or other family members begin to age, sometimes facing physical and mental challenges.  We can't see, hear, or move the way we used to.  Sometimes we can't remember or think the way we did in younger years.  Now more than ever, we need to be patient with our loved ones and ourselves.
    

Preach or Practice

     Many of us are so ready to spread our opinions to others, to preach our sermons, to show the world our wisdom; however, at times, we need to step away from promoting our ideas, to tone down our rhetoric.  Any noise can get people's attention and temporarily block other thoughts but soon can become irritating and cause listeners to cover their ears. 
     I remember when it was  considered impolite to discuss religion or politics at the dinner table.  The obvious reason was that these subjects could start conflict and arguments which would destroy the pleasant atmosphere of a social gathering.  Now, I realize one other reason we should, at times, avoid these subjects.  Our beliefs can prevent us from interacting and discovering more important facets about each other, seeing what we have in common as human beings, and practicing empathy and kindness no matter how different we are.
     Perhaps, we should be more concerned about ideas that go beyond religion and politics.  No matter how strong our convictions, we should be more concerned about loving our neighbor and our enemy, about making sure the world survives chaos, hunger, and disease, about how we can practice instead of preach.