Aspects of Being
History was once upon a time my bane, at least in regard to how it was taught. I could never fathom why we were 'force-fed', needing to know dates and who did what when, and where it occurred. The facts as well as the methods seemed to me subjective as well as arbitrary, though I didn't know those words then - just the feeling. I was "lost" until I had a substitute teacher for one semester in early High School who not only opened my inner eyes, but also managed to inspire in me the makings of a respectable 72% average after having nearly failed! Nowadays we may perhaps better investigate sources and slants on perspectives, such as the rich Aboriginal History on the continent we inhabit, Afro-American Studies, as well as Women's Journeys, to name but a few. Before now (and yet still), we tended to take facts as facts - no questions asked - and we like to feel "smart" don't we! Even if we don't get stars on our homework any longer! What this particular teacher taught me was not so much to know places and names, but that History was as alive to those participating then as it is to us now, even though we generally dismiss the past. She consequently taught me to look for lessons from the past in order to gain a deeper sense of understanding in regards to what is happening now. All who came before were indeed real people, involved in real dramas and conflicts that have lead us to where we stand today, in the various shoes that we dance in. She imparted on me the notion that names and dates weren't as important as they were cairns and touchstones, markers to challenge and inspire our understanding of the world we live in, in all its glorious and ignominious legacies and repercussions. I grew to understand that the common man (and woman!!) was truly the heart and soul of each revolution, and that while rulers may have decreed laws, proclamations, and enforced restraints, it was in fact what The People did with it that made manifest or laid to waste the power of the rulers - even if it took time. Each man and woman participated in their own revolution by what they passed on to their neighbours, families, children, and friends. Of course, I also became aware of those others...the indifferent, the frightened, the ignorant, the helpless; all those consumed by a greater perceived (and quite often real enough) need than one for the 'common good'. Fear, in all it's forms, has long been an occupational hazard which creates its own legacies... We don't need to know ALL the facts. But beware - for we've heard often enough that History repeats itself! It is indeed true. Perhaps all we truly need to know is that what we do and say now DOES make a difference, and that our measures of success or failure will indeed be recorded. May those from The Future know enough to read between the lines of the Human Heart.... Perhaps we might also
try to remember and thank a loving 'teacher' that came along and made a
difference in how we view this Life!
~ It is a special gift
of Grace to look upon your past with kindness and compassion, and learn!
What is the Past |