We are now into the 2nd week of a U.S. government “shut-down”. Maybe not so much an unavoidable shut-down as an act of political terrorism.
National Park employees have been directed (“unofficially” of course) to make things as difficult as possible for potential patrons. Handles to water fountains on federal property have been removed, a tactic so utterly childish that it defies comment.
Confidence in the current administration is at a record low. Expressions of cynicism by the general population are increasingly frequent and vitriolic. And if you asked for a comment from a generation “Y” or “X” citizen…you better be prepared for a rant of severe intensity, unless of course your inquiry is met with complete indifference.
I have noticed, and I am sure you have as well, that those I serve in the healthcare arena are increasingly stressed and showing more physical signs and manifestations of “lack of ease”. This dis-ease in an inevitable result of basic spiritual illness. “Dis-ease” in its most glaring example.
“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” — P.J. O’Rourke, Civil Libertarian
Well it seems that our ‘teenage boys’ have run our car in the ditch and are holding our country ransom.
“Government is not reason; it is not eloquent — it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” –George Washington, first U.S. president
The force is not with us. Though established for our faithful representation and bequeathed with power to serve…the power is being (ab)used to impose fear, disorder and subservience to special interests.
“Underlying the quest for power is fear, and the desire for power is to eliminate fear. The more fearful a person is the more control over their environment they believe they need to feel safe. When they seek out public office this becomes a problem, because those who use power to assuage their own fear, also use fear against others to bolster and maintain their power. Citizens, who are also fearful, support the power-monger to the detriment of all.” Robert Evans Wilson, Jr., author, humorist and innovation consultant
So how do we interrupt this cycle of fear? By refusing to be fearful. Simple, but not easy. If you were to review many of the campaign ads and slogans used in most of political races…the underlying common denominator would be some form of fear motivator. “A chicken in every pot” promises to assuage the fear of hunger. It also enforces the illusion that our safety and creative power is external to us. Government assured jobs, healthcare, income, etc. is the carrot of fear that lures us into decisions (votes) that ultimately may not serve us or our children.
Refuse to fear. Easy enough right? One little step at a time… So do what is in our power to interrupt the fear cycle. And of course expect at least a minimum level of the same accountability from our elected officials.
IN-JOY your fear-free day!
Perry
Dr. Chinn is a 1986 Life University graduate (Marietta), has been practicing for 37 years, currently in NW Montana. He has served as a board member and vice-president of the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society. As a Gonstead technique diplomate, Dr. Chinn is authorized to teach and coach the Gonstead system to other doctors of chiropractic. He is the author of Symphony of Wellness and Soaring Beyond Fear (www.PerryChinn.com), his book Symphony of Wellness (now in an expanded 3rd edition) focuses on the science and benefits of the Nobel Prize winning science of nitric oxide for cardiovascular health and whole body wellness. He is available for keynote speaking and coaching. Dr. Chinn can be reached at DrPChinn@gmail.com