With the rash of tragedies and horrors painting the news lately, we too easily lose sight of the fact that there still is inherent goodness in our world and its inhabitants. True, we seem to be fascinated with bad news and tales of terrible events, at least to the point where most of the media feels sex, scandal, brutality and violence sell more papers, magazines, views etc. than uplifting stories that inspire and encourage us. That's sad. Still it is important to keep a firm eye on the fact that goodness exists, that it can be spread like less favorable things, and that we can add our small bit to it each day!
I just read a short essay written by a flight attendant and going back to the 'day of infamy', 9-11-2001. It told the experiences of one plane full of passengers on a flight from Germany to the US that was diverted to Gander, New Foundland when news of the terrorist actions began to filter out. Ultimately over fifty planes were diverted to and landed at Gander, a small town just over 10,000 souls. And there were over 10,000 passengers and crew members who spent several days on the ground in the area. I suppose there may have been a few negative incidents or experiences but it seems most of it was positive and powerful. The group on Delta Flight 15 were mostly sent to another small town in the area and housed in the local high school--hotels etc. were few because the region is not exactly a resort area! Upon leaving, they set up a scholarship fund for the students at that school, who used the time when they were not in class to help the stranded travelers in every way they could. The fund has gone on and on and now over 125 students have gone to college with its support! Other similar tales came out of that time too. Goodness in the midst of a difficult and painful time. People who reached out to help; others who were inconvenienced or experienced problems yet did not .become mean and nasty.
In my Druid beliefs, we seek to live by three abiding principles or mysteries, as we term them, since the exact nature of them is in the spiritual and mystic realm making them hard to define or pin down. We have to interpret and enact them as best we can. These three are Truth, Art and Kinship. Very simply truth is the essential and elemental realities and principles that shape the universe and guide us all. Living by truth is hard for our perceptions and prejudices color everything so much. It's the hardest for me to nail down. Art is used in a much broader sense than simply artistic expression and includes anything done with a purpose and helpful intent, work and service with a spirit of creativity and generosity. It can result in some work of art like a painting, sculpture, poem or song but can also be as mundane as fixing a meal for family, friends or those in need, picking up trash or doing good turns for anyone. Kinship is regarding all living things and perhaps even those we see as inanimate as if they were our relatives, part of our family. Thus we must treat them with love and respect; kindness and care. To me, if we practice these three things, we can rise above the evils of hate and violence. It will come in slow degrees but if we can win just one or two over to this by example and an occasional explanation, that is a start. Then if they go on to spread these tenets to one or two more...It's like the tale of saving a penny a day, then two, three etc. and investing it, rolling the interest back into the account until you have a million dollars. Once it gets going the speed picks up!
So yes, I do believe there is inherent good. I may at times lose sight of it for a short time but something always comes along to renew my faith and make me lift my eyes above the muck in which I may be standing, the blood and tears I hear about in excess. Maybe I can staunch one wound, dry a few tears, clear a narrow path through the filth. Every small step of progress is adding to that penny fund... Don't let the badness drag you down!.I don't know about you but I do not want "them" or "it" to win!
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