Are you rewiring this autumn? Anytime works for rewiring your thinking for your well-being and others’ well-being, although one might devote more energy to brain rewiring with more indoor time in autumn’s cooldown temperatures. Daylight is less available (depending on one’s location). I embrace this perception from John Steinbeck’s 1941 book, The Pearl: “It is the hour of pearl—the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself.” It has been decades since I read this novella, but Steinbeck’s story about a Native American pearl diver, Kino, seems important to lift up in these times. Kino’s insecure income, healthcare refused due to a lack of money, and the tested values of a man who finds sudden wealth, are relatable themes today.
This is the hour to reimagine the pearl of democracy, a precious concept that appears under threat. In simple terms, democracy is about empowering citizens to hold free/fair elections and upholding the rule of law which promises equal protection for all. The well-being of all people is implied. The Statue of Liberty does not discriminate. Emma Lazarus’ welcoming words represent the underpinnings of democracy: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
I have listened to a weekly 6-part series of lectures from Stanford University on “Reimaging Democracy.” The final guest speaker in the series was former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Her words sting with a sharp truth: “The Congress is not working very well, not legislating well…the executive branch puts out orders; the judicial court challenges. We only have two branches working. We are windshield wiping back and forth.”
It is a stormy season in our democracy. But change can come after tough times. Often it is in our rugged struggles that we might be inclined to examine our actions. Dr. Rice advises that folks discard the (fixed) mindset, “Because I think it, it must be true.” She advocates that learning to listen is key. This was a bit of synchronicity for me, as I was preparing for my volunteer activity with a YMCA-sponsored after-school project at a local middle school. My focus was on listening and resilience exercises. These young adolescents appeared more perceptive than many adults regarding their thoughts on listening! Their candid comments set a truth learning-curve for all. One boy offered that he pretends to listen to someone when he is NOT listening. What if we had this degree of candor in Congress? Is Listening 101 ever discussed there?
The Statue of Liberty’s original copper torch was leaking from rainstorms and corrosion. It was determined that the damaged torch should be replaced (7-4-1984). A rewired torch was installed. Let’s reexamine and rewire democracy.
Pearls of Peace (PoP) Quiz
446. When have you pretended to listen to another person, but you knew you were NOT listening?
447. What does reimagining democracy mean to you?
Pearls of Peace: A Family Psychologist’s Circle-of-Life Blog 