🤸♀️TREE 403: No gymnastics
One.
You know that thing where someone says something like, Well, actually a snake is a mammal because many species of snake give birth to live babies. Snakes in the Sahara are always warm, so they are basically warm-blooded. And there’s a snake called a milk snake. You see, only a fool would call a snake a reptile.
Some politicians do this when they get caught lying or when they want to enact policies that harm the people they are supposed to serve.
Some religious leaders do it. They spin and twist and dance through a mile of twisted logic and perversion of their scriptures to justify hating people they should love or getting rich off their poor followers.
Some secular gurus do it.
Abusive friends and partners do it.
When people with power – it’s definitely about power – do this you have a choice. Walk away or join their mental gymnastics club.
What it costs to be in the club is your ability to do independent thinking. You will have to hide from facts so you aren’t driven mad by cognitive dissonance. You will have to defend the indefensible to yourself and anyone outside the club who confronts you with reality.
What it costs to walk away depends on how deep your connections are with that political party, religion, organisation, person. It might mean writing off sunk costs. It might mean losing friends and income.
I think walking away, no matter how expensive, is always the better deal.
Two.
Chloe Jones-Jones is keen to make a good impression at her job interview today.
Three.
This new Regina Spektor song is a stunning piece of work.
Grow slowly
Jeff
Walking away from what or who doesn’t serve us is choosing drama-free living. We say we want that but then create drama or listen to it or watch it. How much extra drama do I want space to make room for? Obviously, I prefer the least possible. I’m the creator of much of my day. Hopefully, I continue winnowing the chaff out and creating more space for love. What are you making room for?