Fundamentally, the universe is imperfect, so there is evolutionary change. Otherwise the dinosaurs would still be atop the food chain, with us humans on the limited-edition menu.
However, because of ongoing change, the human experience is challenging, messy and often painful. Thus to survive and hopefully thrive, wise humble people depend on “Triple A” – first acceptance, then adaptation and adjustments – which cut the risks of needless suffering and self-destruction. Unfortunately, messiness often gets in the way.
So, be it a struggle with a very fearful cancer diagnosis or a painful political lost cause, the initial reaction often is “No way!! Not me!” Then folks quickly put on 3-D glasses – denial, followed by defiance and defensiveness. Then it’s hard to keep one’s head above the whirlpool of denial, which isn’t that big river in Egypt. As a former addictions therapist for 37 years, my No. 1 task was confronting those 3-D problems, often deadly attachment disorders.
If people didn’t chose to grasp the life ring of acceptance, I’d often see the results of denial at a fatal 911 scene, for I was a volunteer first responder for 35 years.
Speaking of water, it possesses an extremely powerful urge to seek its own level, and it’s the same fundamental power driving humans toward equality, be it the American Revolution or women’s and voter rights. Thus the current Trump/Republican lack of acceptance of reality, in due course, won’t end pretty for people in denial, unless one likes pretty ugly.
Mike Beebe
Lyndeborough