This brings to mind an old proverb, “God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we may listen twice as much as we speak”. I believe Epictetus is recorded as having written that, but I’m sure it was a common and very old proverb in his day as well.

Jodie, you know I struggle with my inner demons that tempt me to violence. I’d like to think I’ve tamed them and reclaimed their power for myself. They still speak though. There is a smoldering rage inside that you wouldn’t be able to tell from my writings or my demeanor.

I’d like to think I’m redirecting that rage into intellectual and spiritual pursuits, the search for real and tangible answers for our age of collapse (of the old oppressive systems). But I know that any answer I, or others, come up with is going to be met with violence by the last vestiges of a dying world order. Like a cornered and injured beast, it will lash out.

Are we capable of compassion for that beast? Is there such a thing as a merciful death? Creation and destruction are the push and pull, yin and yang, that moves existence along. You can’t have one without the other. I guess it ultimately depends on WHY you destroy and WHAT you create from that destruction.

Still searching for answers… Thank you again for providing the AA’s insights!