In a World Less Jaded
6 
Image credit: Dimakerkut
“The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.”~~~William Shakespeare
There are days when I read the newspapers and watch cable news channels only to find myself sickened by depravity and despair. At times I find my mind seeking the fantasy of a world less jaded. In this world there are many issues that would become the ex-factors, deleted from my reality like a spelling error when I am typing. Control-Alt-Delete would be my defense of choice, an eraser for thoughts best not spoken or written.
In my world less jaded, there would be no white supremacists, no child predators; no subjugation of women; no politicians who sacrifice mankind at their whim; no hunger for those who need fed; no judgments upon well-meaning souls; no greed at the expense of integrity; no cliques that keep others out and keep themselves in; no stranger danger for children and adults alike, and no mandated supreme dogmatic religion that relegates non-followers to a hell on earth.
In my world less jaded there would be unconditional love for friends and family; there would be tolerance for those who color outside the lines; there would be more smiles and fewer tears; there would be forgiveness of grievances; there would be an enlightenment which acknowledges differences; there would be an embracing of values that are built on good intentions, and there would be no diminished capacity of importance for those who see through a different lens.
“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one,” sang John Lennon many years ago. I am a self-admitted dreamer, but if this world keeps spinning into a deeper shade of jade, I would be one of the first to be put into a barbed-wire compound for dreaming the dreams of fools. And though I am a dreamer, why do I have more and more thoughts of needing a gun for protection? Why have I put a security system in my home? Why is isolation becoming more and more of a necessity?
I am my own dichotomy. The mistakes I have made will live after me. The good I have tried to do will be interred with my bones. Until I round the bend to the midnight of my existence, I will still dream of a world less jaded, for that dream is my sustenance. Perhaps one day I will see those dreams come to fruition. Until then, like so many others, I will set my security alarm at night and forego the prayers that lay me down to sleep eternally. Control-Alt-Delete.
In a World Less Jaded,
Someone once told me, “Used-to-be’s don’t count.” I have pondered this often and find that they do count. We are the sum of our life experiences.
I used to be an English and Speech teacher. There will always be a part of me that wants to teach. I used to be an Investigator, first for the government and later in my own private investigations business.
I will always probe beneath the surface of issues and people, looking for the gem-like quality hidden in the text of words and personae. Today I am a writer and all of the used-to-be’s are part of the continuum of this journey.
View My Profile
Tags: barbed wire, Cher Duncombe, child predators, cliques, color outside the lines, depravity, dichotomy, diminished capacity, dogmatic religion, grievances, hell on earth, john lennon, news channels, shade of jade, spelling error, stranger danger, subjugation of women, well meaning, whim, white supremacists, william shakespeare
“In my world less jaded there would be unconditional love for friends and family; there would be tolerance for those who color outside the lines; there would be more smiles and fewer tears; there would be forgiveness of grievances; there would be an enlightenment which acknowledges differences; there would be an embracing of values that are built on good intentions, and there would be no diminished capacity of importance for those who see through a different lens.” -- I want that too!!
Katy, you are a sweet dreamer with a kind heart. People like you give me hope for a better humanity.
What a sweet thing to say, Cher. Dreaming and movie loving go hand and hand. It’s why I love to spread the love of movies -- it’s my small part to help inspire this jaded world
Katy, we need that positive escape films provide and your reviews are providing guide posts for us!
Cher -- Your article is fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing this work -- it is amazing. I also admire John Lennon. He was such a visionary and insightful person.
Unconditional love is rare, indeed, in this world of ours. I have often wondered why so many people are exclusionary, rather than inclusionary; why so many folks prefer conflict, hatred and war to love … when everyone (on the deepest level) wants and deserves love, peace and respect on earth. Keep on, keeping on!
Dear Risha, I have had the privilege of getting to know you and you are a sister of my heart. We are gathers of good, you and I. We may falter, but my hope is that we cannot be faulted for the attempts. And yes, we will keep on keeping on!
This is strong stuff, Cher. This is a piece for the ages. You constantly amaze me with the depth of your intelligence and the love that is inside you. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece with us.
Melody, we have had this symbiotic tether between us for some time now. So often I think of your spirit and how strongly you battle uphill for that which is righteous. Battles may deplete us at times, so keep holding onto those dreams. Write on, Melody. Write on.
“Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world, heard in the day,
Lull’d by the moonlight have all passed away!”
You, Cher, are the queen of our songs and of our hearts. Keep dreaming and sharing your dreams. While we live, we yet may forge victory from the shards of disappointment and defeat. I, for one, would rather die trying than live in regret.
Thank you for sharing your “dream of a world less jaded.”
We can make it happen!
As ever,
Larry
Larry, perhaps if those who dream can link arms as brothers and sisters, we can keep dreaming. You give me more courage than you may ever know.
Thank you for your kindness, Cher. I cherish our friendship. I admire your ability and courage to look at issues of injustice with me, without flinching or looking away. Write on, Sista Cher.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHMDE3SfMo0&feature=related
—— “Crazy World” by Karl Anthony
Risha, you are a jewel! I love this song you sent. It just grabbed my heart the moment I heard it. Thank you so much, my friend.
I’m with Katy, I loved that entire paragraph about what a world less jaded would look like.
I’ve always lived by the idea that I may not be able to change the whole world, but I can certainly change mine. I’ll remember what you’ve said above, and try to embody that each and every day.
Jen, you do embody that every day! You are wise beyond your years and your unmatchable humor is a constant delight. In a sense, the original Expats have created a colony in which writers can freely and creatively express their views. This is a unique environment for positive growth.
Cher ——
Yes, “Crazy World” is a great song by Karl Anthony -- it’s so apropos for our times. I’m glad you liked it. Enjoy! — Risha
Risha, I loved this song and it completely represents my sentiments in this article. I posted it on Facebook and gave you credit for the find. I had to share it!
Cher -- Thanks for sharing “Crazy World” by Karl Anthony w/ others on Facebook. I found that video while on youtube recently. I like “One Prayer” by him, as well, which I’d discovered a couple of years ago. He’s also into mantra chanting (Hinduism), which shows his more spiritual side. I’ve taught college classes on Asian religions, long ago (on Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, etc.).
Risha, you are a fascinating person. I would love to see you write on some of what you have taught one day. I knew a woman years ago, who was a close friend of my brother. She had lived in India for almost ten years studying Buddhism. When she left the States, her name was Linda. When she returned, her name had been changed to Bhimi, which I think is such a beautiful name. She had a glow of serenity about her.
Perhaps you would give some thought to sharing some of your experiences with us. You…dear Risha, are a learning experience!
Thank you and the same to you. Many thanks for your supportive comments.
As an artist, I enjoy artworks that are infused with a spiritual dimension (either as the creator or viewer of art) or are about justice. I am a longtime meditator, diversity consultant and an advocate for social change (as are others on this site).
If folks have any questions about diversity or social change issues, meditation or Asian religions, they are welcome to send inquiries, along with their contact info. I have written a number of articles on these topics in the past.
With gratitude, Risha
Thank you for sharing your invitation, Risha. You have much to teach, I am certain.
Cher, I love how you describe your view of A World Less Jaded. I do hope that all the Dreamers combined can make sure that eventually the World becomes less Jaded. I do have days that I wonder why people behave the way they do. Why they think war is necessary, why hurting and suppressing people is necessary. It goes beyond my understanding and I quickly stop as it’s depressing and saddening. I’d say that dreams make sure that one doesn’t lose hope. Dreaming of something better hopefully spurs one into action and hopefully the action will lead to a better World. And I start with my little world first
Really loved this article and the image that goes with it!
Sweet TJ, you inspire us all and through the magic of your art, you allow our dreams to take on wondrous visions. Plus, you provide those awesome virtual cupcakes! Does it get better than that?
Haha! Painting the World a prettier place while eating cupcakes…just perfect, Sweet Cher!
See what you contribute to a world less jaded, Sweet TJ? You give us whimsical fantasies and a bright and lovely reality. The cupcakes are a bonus.
Love it love it love it. YOu go girl! This piece made me happy.
I want the same things. That John Lennon song is my favorite Lennon song by the way. winks.
Dani, I am so happy you liked the John Lennon lyric. My son and daughter-in-law just bought a new home, and she decoupaged this on a kitchen wall! Stay happy, Dani, and always live the life less jaded.
I want that world, too! What kills me is there is so much good that goes unnoticed in the world, too. How I wish we could just relish in the wonderful and hit the ‘delete’ button on the awful.
Janene, I actually did hit the “delete” button in my brain today. I needed to feel refreshed so I had to rid myself of the uglies in the news for awhile and concentrate on the good. You are so right in that there really is good in this world. Sometimes we have to squint through the fine print to see it.
Cher, I know you realize that the world has never, ever been the way you envision it in your dreams. Not ever! If it were, we would rapidly become complacent in our lives. We would have no causes to fight, no wrongs to right, no people to save. I know the world of which you dream sounds so, so…perfect, but then what? What would we do? What would we fight for, or hope for? In our life now, the bitter makes the sweet so much sweeter.
Judie, in my heart of hearts, I know you are right, but that is what makes me a dreamer. Must the struggles be so vile and violent? Have we completely lost all civility? I see this downward spiral in which people trying to do good get vilified while those who stir the pot of unrighteous hatred (think Limbaugh here) reap stardom and monetary gains. Oh, I will still fight the good fights, but I do not believe this world can safely thrive until dreamers of good prevail.
Cher, if you look at the world as a whole, the countries who are in turmoil and have human rights issues have ALWAYS had them, ever since they were created. Very little has changed. The difference is that the technological age has made us more and more aware of what is going on around us. I am not saying that one should not try to right those wrongs--I’m just saying that it’s hard to fight 100s and sometimes 1000s of years of culture.
Judie, you bring up a valid point. I am completely against trying to change cultures of other countries, which is what the U.S. has been involved in for over ten years. What I can fight are those evil people who rape women, steal children from their homes in predatory fashion, and help those who need a good meal or fresh water. I believe in those who believe that this globalization of technology can indeed change the world for better. That may make me a dreamer but sometimes we can put our dreams into action. In my family we have been on missionary trips, not selling a bill of goods, but teaching, loving and helping people to rebuild in their community. We also adopted a boy in an orphanage from Brazil and supported him and his family till he graduated. Granted, you need to have due diligence when offering this help and make certain you—and those you want to reach are not being ripped-off, as happens too often. It can be done, Judie. I have seen it. Being “more aware” also gives us more opportunities.