The challenges of an interdependent life...living in the Gray

I've often wondered what it would be like to be totally self sufficient. The recent earthquake and hurricane have reinforced how interdependent I am. To make matters worse I make my living depending on other people to do things in a certain way and on a certain schedule. I've had jobs in the past where that was easy, if they worked for me I could tell them what to do and promise to fire them if they didn't meet my expectations...it worked pretty well, I've only ever had to fire two people. So how did I find myself in my current challenge; not only don't I have anyone that reports directly to me (that's pretty nice actually), but many of my endeavors are highly collaborative meaning that I need to have an entire group of people work toward a common goal while they each have their own agendas and personal priorities.

That aside my style of living is quite interdependent and even with the minor inconveniences of the hurricane and it's aftermath things for me were pretty easy. The house didn't fall down or wash away, I had hot water (gas) and found a friend with a generator and freezer space. Beyond that I was able to live by candlelight at home and by coffee when working. Coffee shop that is. I spent the better part of two days camped out at a couple different coffee shops that had power, internet, and of course coffee...oh and a couple dozen fellow refugees. All-in-all it was pretty pleasant, a bit noisier than I'm used to, but very tolerable. While waiting for the power I think I probably talked to more of my neighbors than I had in the last few months. The final luck was that the weather post-hurricane was beautiful so not having AC was fine...well except for the drone of my neighbors' generators.

The idea of being totally self sufficient only really appeals to me when sailing in the ocean. Out there self sufficient is the key and there is something totally humbling and calming about that; but on dry land I'm a people person and living in and around people that effect my daily life is part of what makes it living. I could certainly be a lot more interdependent than I am, but relying on people and services and social interaction is actually a good thing for me...and I might suggest the same is true for others.

So much of our public dialog has been about us and them, but when reality enters the equation and I begin to realize how little we actually control in terms of the happening of our daily lives.  It really is about living in a society where on a personal level I like to believe that most people are willing to help one another when they are in need. If only that willingness would extend to our public dialog as well I think we would be able to accomplish a lot more than scoring political points and maybe always have to speak in terms of them, they, the other side, etc.  With that willingness could come compromise and progress on so many important issues.

Seldom are the issues that divide as black and white as they seem from a distance...Personal experience is one of the greatest teachers and ideologies aside; many divisive issues look a lot grayer at close range.

I think life is lived in the gray.

Trying again - Coping in a Complex World

I've been neglecting this blog for too long. I'm not sure what I will write about, but I guess that's the point of the name. A lot has changed for me since I last posted, but this isn't just about me.

The world is an ever changing place and the uncertainty of economic turmoil, U.S. political brinksmanship, and revolutionary change around the world; but our personal journeys continue. The big issues of world importance battle for our attention with the personal triumphs and tribulations.

Coping with life for many of us is a constant compromise...in today's world life can become a crisis in the blink of an eye; the loss of a job, an unexpected family emergency, natural disaster...or for some, political upheaval in their own countries. Thinking about the range of the possible can make individual issues that at first appear insurmountable or irreconcilable quickly seem much more manageable.

The counterpoint to crisis and compromise is learning to celebrate the good without letting a crisis or fear of a crisis ruin the joy of the good. Is it wrong to be happy about a personal triumph or proud moment when others are suffering or a crisis is unfolding? No. Each of us deserve to live in the present...we cannot know what comes next and worrying about the unknowable is a waste of energy and time...time we may or may not have. Either way it is time that can be better spent and I'll try to live my life rather than worrying losing it.

This reminds me of the lyrics to a Johnny Lang song,
"Why am I fighting to live, If I'm just living to fight
Why am I trying to see, When there aint nothing in sight
Why am I trying to give, When no one gives me a try
Why am I dying to live, If I'm just living to die"

"So I'll keep fighting to live, Till theres no reason to fight
And I'll keep trying to see, Until the end is in sight
You know I'm trying to give, So come on Give me a try
You know I'm dying to live, Until I'm ready to die"