The Idealism and Reality of Human Connection

Am I the only person saddened by the frustrations and discord between those who are supposed to love one another? Whether it is a family, a team, a group of friends, or a community, the ideal is harmonious communication—a flowing exchange of ideas. When this ideal is not reached and an impasse occurs, it is saddening. Maybe this idealism is a letdown, an unrealistic expectation once again met with disappointment. How naïve one can be when idealism meets the raw, honest brutality of a non-empathic response.

When you feel you’re being attacked, your defenses are heightened. There are triggers in their responses, and feeling cornered leaves no other choice but to act a certain way. I refuse to be cornered into a reactionary response. I choose to create distance between the trigger and the response, to give controlled ways, and to let go of the need to control or be right. And so it is: as you wish, your preferences are yours, and I am indifferent.

There is a concept called “holy indifference.” I find this concept paradoxically humorous, as it is perhaps more of a self-soothing notion. Perhaps this holy indifference is simply a justification not to care; because if you care too much, you will once again be frustrated when your idealism meets the raw honesty of social norms.

Well, I suppose all that remains is the daily task of attempting to problem solve and to remain inspired amidst the discord and chaos of life.

Then again, there is no war in life or the heavens, in nature, or in the world itself. The only conflict that exists is in the mind and heart of humans and within each other. Through transcendence, all that is left is sublime bliss.

(c)2024 John Piedrahita