250 Years
Image Source: Joshua Hoehne (Unsplash)
Discernment: The ability to perceive truth beneath appearances, guiding us to make wise choices and understand deeper meanings in life.
As I pen this post, my thoughts take me back to July 4th, 1976, the 200th birthday of the United States of America. As a 12-year-old, I remember standing on Western Avenue in Blue Island, Illinois, with thousands of others who lined this main thoroughfare from 127th to 131st streets to celebrate this important event. Floats, high school marching bands, organizations, and politicians running for office took part in the big parade—such a fond memory, as I can still feel the excitement in myself and fellow citizens. A fireworks display followed later that evening at Eisenhower High School.
Fast forward 50 years, less than 6 months until we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. However, this time, as a 61-year-old, it feels different. My excitement is more reserved and confused. What I am about to share are my own observations and should in no way be construed as an invitation to divisive debate. We all come from diverse backgrounds with differing perceptions and worldviews - let’s honor this right to freedom of expression.
In today’s United States, we are highly divided on ideology; it does not matter which side you are more closely aligned with; it is a fact. September 11th, 2001, brought us closer together as Americans for a moment of a year or so, then it went back to business as usual. However, with the advancement of social media and the ongoing evolution of artificial intelligence, do we really know what we are debating, arguing, or fighting over (to the point we have resorted to escalating violence)? This is where we must lean into discernment as described in the definition above that set the table for this post.
In a chaotic world, discernment asks us to pause, take a breath, and really see the forest from the trees. In other words, sort through the information we are exposed to and ask, “Does this align with who I want to be?” We should invite ourselves to take these mindful breaks; otherwise, we can become emotionally hijacked and lash out in ways that do not serve us well.
The advent of artificial intelligence (still in its infancy) promises to streamline our lives in ways we could never have imagined. However, fellow humans can also use AI to disrupt our lives and create confusion amongst the masses. For example, the other day I saw a story that one of the actors on the Chicago Fire TV show had passed away. If I accepted this report at face value, I would have believed what was written. Upon doing a deeper dive, I found the story to be false, as this person is alive and well. Be mindful of what you are exposed to. Does it align or disrupt?
Image Source: Nick Fewings (Unsplash)
We are on the cusp of the big 2-5-0 in America, and I believe with greater discernment, we can become more accepting of another’s viewpoint instead of the strong lines that have been drawn in the proverbial sand of our country. As humans, we will not always agree on every subject matter, nor should we (that is what makes living in this country unique). It is the differences that we should come together and celebrate - we are more alike than we want to admit. As a birthday gift to our nation, we should invite ourselves to be less divisive and more understanding.
As something to consider, I will once again share the words of Sam Damon to his son Donny:
“Accept what you are . . . You can’t change the circumstances of your birth and condition . . . The whole challenge in life is to act with honor and hope and generosity, no matter what you’ve drawn. You can’t help when or what you were born, you may not be able to help how you die; but you can - and you should - try to pass the days between as a good man.” Until next time-
Namaste,
Tim