Fear does not prevent death. It prevents life.
~ Buddha
Mask restrictions were lifted, in Ontario, on Monday.
I ventured out with a spring in my step, eager to see some smiles in enclosed spaces. Sadly, it was not to be.
People still feel vulnerable. The fear of contagion lingers. An inherent lack of trust remains pervasive.
I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.
~ Mark Twain
My critical thinking mind spiralled into overdrive. The following thoughts interfered with my serenity:
It is tough to change beliefs. The concerted effort to shape thoughts and behaviour over the past two years paid off. Sanity is unlikely to be restored overnight.
In Canada, handouts to mainstream media (MSM) have stifled innovation. Investigative journalism remains a thing of the past. We, the taxpayers, are paying to be manipulated. We need to reinstate freedom of the press.
The media promote the government agenda rather than hold the government accountable. Even the questions asked of our leaders in press conferences seem to be scripted now.
Where are all the critical thinkers? Independent minds help keep oppressors in check.
While I am disappointed, I understand why people continue to comply with a public health policy that is not evidence-based.
Those who grew accustomed to relying on MSM for news are under the influence.
The messaging has had little to do with promoting health. It promotes fear, divisiveness and patented lab-made "solutions".
Fear and divisiveness make us vulnerable. Lab-made “solutions” create patients for life.
Algorithms are dictating what we see, what we believe and desire.
The pandemic has distracted the population from the unavoidable economic collapse and the great reset.
We do need a reset, but transparency is a requirement of leadership.
Elected democratic governments represent citizens. They do not control them.
Democracy thrives on debate and opposing views. Totalitarian regimes rely on one-sided narratives.
Who am I to opine on this? I am a concerned resident who cares about the health and well-being of loved ones, fellow Canadians and global citizens.
I can not be complacent.
I see the institutionalized intent to discriminate against those who make an informed decision not to comply with coercive, unscientific public health mandates.
When will people realize this was never about health?
Those who cannot provide informed consent are unable to leave the country, even though they may be healthier than those who comply.
Should we not be concerned that our Canadian leader has quietly given himself more power - a majority government he did not earn?
In a free society, people cooperate when they face a common threat.
The monk mind
Do not let the behaviour of others destroy your inner peace.
~Dalai Lama
When negative thoughts become pervasive, we suffer. We need a pause and reset.
In his book, Think like a monk, Jay Shetty says that lingering fear ferments and becomes toxic.
He talks about useful fear and hurtful fear.
Useful fear alerts us to what we can change. A health scare can inspire us to change our diet and lifestyle. When our health improves because of the changes we've implemented, the fear is gone - we feel empowered.
Fear about things we cannot control, like going to war with an invisible enemy, is hurtful. It becomes useful when it moves us to learn how to protect ourselves. Although, at times, we need help, relying on someone else to fix us is disempowering.
Mark Twain said that anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored, than anything upon which it is poured.
When emotions create an acidic condition in the body, physical symptoms manifest. Like fear, righteous anger can be useful, when it mobilizes constructive action.
Be cautious not to frame advocacy for change with war terminology. Doing battle activates the stress response. In the fight, flight or freeze mode, we become vulnerable over time.
It is not easy to break the habit of living in fear. But, it starts with changing our words. Rather than say I am afraid. Say I feel afraid. It is easier to change emotions than to change identity. Whatever follows I am...defines how we identify. We become more resilient when we release the fear.
Closing thoughts
Our fears are always more numerous than our dangers.
~ Seneca
It’s spring. Again, I’ve planted seeds you can choose to water or weed.
An opportunity to become better versions of ourselves has presented itself.
Let us prioritize what matters most individually and collectively. Creating inner peace will help elevate quality of life for ourselves and others.
By overcoming fear and embracing the power within, we can build back better.
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