A Williamsburg Ramble

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Having again fled the discord of the 21st century, we are, for awhile, ensconced in Colonial Williamsburg, a town forever caught in the 1770s. This is a place that still articulates the America that was dreamt of a few hundred years ago.  I usually find it invigorating. But against the backdrop of the venalities of contemporary politics up the road in Washington and the global insanity that drives the constant braying of the unending news cycle, today I wonder if any compassionate social movement can ever succeed. It seems that we can only unite around huge generalities; freedom, peace, equality, things like that. Does the fact that even those universally condoned endstates seem always beyond our reach, prove the social impotence of the species?

Lately I have considered that perhaps a successful "social movement” shares the qualities of a secret: it can only truly be realized by one person.  Hence, I muse, if you would mold the world, concentrate on yourself. Strive to be your own best self.  Notice I say your best self - not some idealized self advocated by a politician, prophet, or philosopher. We are flighty souls, prone to missteps, especially when we seek to follow another's path. If we keep our eyes on the heights, our heads in the clouds, our focus on sunrise and sunset, it is inevitable that we will occasionally lose track of our feet, that we will stumble.  So be it.  To do so is to be human. So, get up. Smile. Better yet, laugh. Think again of your best, most harmonic, self, and walk on, perhaps even skipping a bit, if you remember how.

Still, I would advise against turning your personal skipping into a wider movement. There will be those who, while supporting the concept of skipping as a good thing, will question whether it is wise to start on the left foot, or perhaps the right foot. And arms, my god, what should one do with the arms!?  So while they stand behind skipping 110%, they, sadly, cannot fully support skipping as you have chosen to define it.

See what I mean? A movement of two will make you crazy. So - be your best self. The only chord you can tune is your own.  Skip on!  That is the objective.  If your skipping inspires another - well, consider it collateral Harmony.

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