Fall from Grace

When contemplativeness and overcoming adversity are removed from society, we also inevitability remove the grace that we extend to each other. Those doing inner work and fighting an outer battle tend to extend grace to others. Without contemplativeness and adversity (real adversity — not the drama of modern inconveniences), we become self-absorbed and much less situationally aware. And self-absorption (ego) is the enemy of grace (soul).

This fall from grace manifests in a thousand ways. From the blaring of unwelcomed music from cars and Bluetooth speakers. To the use of speaker phones in public places. To loud talking during musical performances. Then there’s the complete lack of grace on-line — which has amplified our darker tendencies of tribalism.

Loss of grace seems to amplify the fear of stillness. To just be quiet. It’s as if the self-generated noise gives us a sense of control and provides a buffer against contemplation. The production of noise is the by-product of consumptiveness. A type of gluttony for stimulation and distraction. One could apply the conspiracy theory that the powers that be (primarily government, religion and consumerism) don’t want us to be contemplative. For contemplativeness leads to self-actualization — which leads to a distinct shrinking of the influence of these institutions.