Sunday Musings – April 3, 2022
Characters or the play?
As a licensed counselor with a graduate degree in clinical psychology I am a person who is fascinated with the functioning of the brain. I am increasingly convinced that what we call free will is an outdated concept. If, at any one moment in time, my brain is able to access a shared reality and make decisions which takes into account the sacredness of all who are affected I can take very little credit for making such a decision. Many factors play a role in the firing of particular neurons in a particular order, most of which are out of my control. Some of my past decisions may have affected this thought process. I may have had limited control over and access to a healthy diet, exercise, and “people, places and things”. I often may not have control over the effects of genetics, environment, disease progression and “people, places and things”.
Today there are millions of refugees who have been exposed to the acute trauma of war and other forms of violence. As a result of the Ukrainian war alone millions of individuals, families and family pets have fled the country taking only what they could carry. Many left deceased loved ones or loved one who had to stay behind for other reasons. A percentage of these refugees will meet life on life’s terms and find a new home country, a job and a supportive “we” circle. Some will be unable to do so. Refugees spend an average of 17 years as a refugee.
I talked to a woman today whose daughter was recently murdered and who has subsequently been thrust into a custody fight for the surviving grandchild. Although she, of course, has grief and many other tough life issues to face, she is meeting life on life’s terms with courage, humility and strength. I talked to another young man who is a refugee living in the United States, working a low wage job while looking for a second job, so he can save enough money to help his remaining in family in Afghanistan. He admits to his journey being tough. but he is resolute in meeting life on life’s terms without giving in to self-pity or loneliness. I also, however, talk to individuals who, on the surface, have all the advantages of a relatively trauma free life and, yet are unable to cope with life on life’s terms. Some have a diagnosable mental or physical illness which is another way of saying that their body might not produce the exact combination of chemical needed by the brain or for some other reason their brain will not be a functional command station.
As we examine the life of public heroes such as Jesus whose life, death and eventual resurrection many Christians are preparing to celebrate we are reminded of a man whose story was one of a victim of injustice. Yet, on the very cross to which he was nailed he is able to pray,” Father., forgive them for they know not what they do.” It is easy to attribute this act to a belief that he had superhuman strength as the son of God. What if, however, he was simply a wise, strong, kind man with a brain able to experience a shared reality? William Shakespeare in the play, “ As You Like It", famously has the character Jaques saying, “All the world a stage, and all the men and women merely actors. They have their exits and entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.” Jaques then details the stages in the life of people. Was he echoing the wisdom of Jesus?
Some individuals are able to make decisions which consider the short- and long-term effect on others as well as on the environment, they are also able to experience a level of empathy which takes into account the fact that each role in the play of this life journey is equally important. Many of us have no idea how or why we make the decisions we do. Life seems to just happen.
We live in a world in which the expectation is for us to accurately account for the reasons our brains made the decision they do. We too often assign blame or responsibility as if we are all in charge of all the factors which result in decisions. A judge in a court of law certainly does not want to hear that “the devil made me do it.”
Perhaps as we approach Easter and also celebrate Ramadan; as we revisit the teachings of Jesus, Mohammad, Buddha and other wise teachers we could open to the possibility that the freedom to experience a shared reality and, thus, to make decisions which mainly have a positive effect, is a blessing for which we need to be grateful.
What I am suggesting is contradictory - a paradox. I am suggesting that we accept that, at best, we have limited free will and, yet we need to strive to make healthy decisions. I am suggesting that we do all we can to walk with our fellow travelers and when they or we make what we are used to calling immoral or unethical decisions we withhold judgment and offer compassionate empathy. I am suggesting that even the sociopath who harms others needs our loving support. He or she may need restrained but never judgement. I am suggesting that we quilt feeling righteous about nailing others to our seemingly endless supply of crosses.
Written April 3, 2022
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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