SLAVERY IN THE 21ST CENTURY.
Here's a question I would bet most reading this post have never truly pondered. Yes, perhaps the word slavery flitted through your consciousness when the topic of Black Lives Matter came up. But that was about slavery of others by parties unknown, a long time ago, and of little relevance today, many will undoubtedly assert.
SO HERE'S THE QUESTION, "ARE WE FREE ?"
One question inevitably leads to a cascade of others:
Are we born free ? If we are not, then are we born slaves ? Despite its apparent simplicity, this question could nonetheless lead us down a rabbit-hole of unending philosophical confusion.
Many before and many yet to come will undoubtedly grapple with this existential challenge. But it might provide some thought-provoking fun for examination. Even in a superficial way, the double-sided challenge, ‘Am I free or am I a slave ? provides ample food for thought.
For all of you debating buffs, I can hear the sirens of neurological efficiency going off, demanding the delivery of sequestered information that would slay the puny arguments of any opposition, whichever the side.
We know that slavery had its presence in society from time immemorial. Biblical accounts support that fact.
But this is the 21st Century, and one could reasonably inquire if things have changed and if they have, in what way or ways.
Does a Democratic form of government presume freedom for all citizens subjected to that flavour of rulership ? Are authoritarian regimes a politically convenient form of enslavement ? The questions pile up in a frustrating heap, and satisfying answers are as scarce as hen's teeth.
There are some undeniable truths nonetheless.
Each human being is tethered to their genetic configuration. By that benediction, a curriculum vitae is established with very little room for adjustments of any significance. By extension, then, we are all slaves of our biology. We can tinker with external components, but the truth is we are shackled to this biological truth.
Is it unreasonable then, to assert that our enslavement rests on two pillars ? The first is biology. The second is circumstances, or fate, as some would describe it.
We are bound to our history, are we not ?
Our family of origin, ethnicity, religion, spiritual practice if any, our education, profession, significant others, and world view, unfolded without much profound deliberation.
A topic of current interest and importance is the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences ACE, on the lives of a significant percentage of adults across all demographics.
Since 1998, over 70 research papers were published on this topic.
Using findings from these studies, Drs. John & Julie Gottman, marriage experts, run the Love Lab at the University of Washington and can, with 94% accuracy, predict couples who will be either Masters or Disasters in their relationships.
Donna Jackson Nakazawa's book ‘Childhood Disrupted. How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology and How You Can Heal’, illustrates the impact ACE can have on areas of mental, physical health, depression, relationships and different definitions of success.
Thankfully there is redemption in this significant arena.
Some of the shackles of the past can be removed.
Deserved freedom and peace can be experienced.
A new day can begin, uninhibited by aspects of one’s history.
The temptation occasionally arises nonetheless to despair and lose sight of the lighthouse of hope.
Habit and perennial conditioning often make the escape from depressive circumstances a hill too steep.
However, “Faith, the size of a mustard seed, can move mountains”, a Master declared.
By becoming conscious of our limiting thoughts, beliefs or actions, and witnessing them, awareness can be birthed to chart a new course towards emancipation.
In the interim, there is a reliable prayer from St. Francis of Assissi.
God, grant me the Serenity, to Accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.
Discover your ACE score. Get some useful insight.
This exercise can shine some light on challenges for which there have not been many answers, even for generations in one's family tree.
Visit: www.acestoohigh.com
GENERATIONAL HEALING, SEVEN GENERATIONS BACK AND SEVEN GENERATIONS FORWARD, CAN BEGIN.
ARE YOU READY TO LEAVE YOUR SHACKLES BEHIND ?
LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE.
MENDOULA CHRONICLES
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