REPETITIVE RHYTHMS: POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE ASPECTS

 

A series of essays....

REPETITIVE RHYTHMS OF PATTERN: WOOD GRAIN, 
LEAF VEINS, AND FENCING SQUARES.

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

Repetitive rhythms can serve to soothe the weary soul, instill patterns in our mind that help us accomplish great things, and even bring us to the brink of poetic enlightenment! However, if handled incorrectly, they can implant, drop by drop, a sense of immorality and defiance, more formally known as re-education or brainwashing.

Children’s literature applies repetitive rhythm with the desire to encourage and shape a young mind into following the right path into the future. The Little Engine That Could, a book by Watty Piper, with its inspiring motto of “I think I can! I think I can!” has spoken to generations of girls and boys about the value of optimism and hard work. And, whether we want to admit it or not, when push comes to shove we can find ourselves repeating in our heads “I think I can! I think I can” as adults in order to push ourselves up and over a difficult situation. 

Repetitive rhythms stimulate our adult daily lives in many different ways. It may be the music we choose to listen to while crawling out of bed at a set time and stumbling our way into the kitchen to perform the morning ritual of making coffee, and each repetitive act can be as soothing and important to us within our daily routine. We create patterns for ourselves that ground us to the particular life we’ve chosen and keep us on track each day. Can comfortable rituals eventually  become boring? Perhaps, but we tend to offset them by sleeping in late on a Saturday morning or by taking a trip where breakfast is made and served to us by others—for a change. 

Being part of an established routine or being associated with performances instituted according to a rite or ritual have helped us form the pockets of social existence for centuries. As travelers, we’ve come to appreciate the variety of music, food and drink, literature and poetry, routines, and dress that varies from one culture to another. These patterns and rhythms might be exactly why we travel in the first place and why having others share their rituals with us is considered a true gift. 

The sound of drumbeats alongside the repetitiveness of soft leather-clad feet pounding the earth in tribal rhythms that coordinate with the syncopated beats of colorful beads adorning heads and necks and ankles, partially describes our first and foremost American culture. It has been waiting in the wings far too long; denied its original rights as the true indigenous people of North America who stand as proud today as they have for centuries. This society, comprised of art, customs, spirituality, family, and oral tradition, can openly influence this nation and provide a comforting buffer between old and new as time passes; its repetitive rhythms will help to soothe our soul and awaken the love that is sorely needed in today’s world.

Many of us find solace in the unique rhythm of the mighty sea with its breakers crashing onto the sandy shoreline and the violent, foaming seawater coating our feet white before attempting to slide back out into the murky depths beyond. The repetitive pulse of the water keeps time with our own body rhythms and draws us closer and closer to our primitive beginnings. 

Repetitive rhythms have played a pivotal part in our nation’s political overview for the past four years. The president’s verbal and written lies repeated over and over again served as his re-education program of those gullible enough to believe them. The direct summoning up and stroking the hatred of his fired-up believers led to that mob becoming domestic terrorists as they stormed the Capitol Building last week leading to ultimate death and destruction.

The repetition of lies played an important role in stoking the anger and fervor of people who want to believe in something so badly that nothing else said, or no other opinion noted, will change their way of thinking. Our current president is a master of manipulation. His forced indoctrination into a new set of attitudes and beliefs has been nothing short of brainwashing his followers. Repeating his lies of a “rigged election” and exploiting his cries of “fake news” over and over again has perpetuated a repetitive rhythm of persuasive conditioning that has enraptured the weak minded and made them believe in the absurdity of his narcissistic goals. His minions, Rudy Giuliani and others, helped to light the flame of the mob by “Calling for a trial by combat.” 

America and her principals have, literally, come under attack. Within the natural rhythm of right and wrong, good vs. evil—we have no option but to respond.

Part of the legacy of this president, one week after the storming of the Capitol by his militant thugs, will be his second impeachment and further proof that his childish repetition of simple vocabulary and violent, racist implications continue to sow the seeds of hatred throughout this country. May the repetitive rhythms of sound thinking, equality and justice for all ring out loud and clear. We must remember that fear is fleeting and truth will prevail.

Last week was not just a stain on our democracy; last week was a permanent and hideous tattoo on our democracy! White supremacy is our greatest threat and we must face it head on.

Continue to stay healthy and safe. Always take good care of those you love.

Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

WHY WE CAN’T WAIT: FIST SALUTES AND A MILLION TEARS

A series of essays....

THE RAISED FIST IS A SYMBOL OF SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT AND
USED AS A SALUTE TO EXPRESS UNITY, STRENGTH, DEFIANCE, OR RESISTANCE.

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

“Three hundred years of humiliation, abuse, and deprivation cannot be expected to find voice in a whisper.”  —Martin Luther King, Jr.

An excerpt from his 1963 book entitled, ‘Why We Can’t Wait.‘

Everyday is a crisis within the current presidency. And, like small children awaiting the ultimate joy of Christmas morning, we are tucked into bed each night with the wonder of what we’ll have to face next when the morning’s light awakens us to another day, another challenge. In the meantime, we understand that our prospective joy will be measured this November by the outcome of one of the most important elections this country has held (one we will have to fight for) in a very long time.

It’s been one hell of a past ten days for all of us. A broad mixture of emotions are running through me down into my very soul: fear, disgust, mild depression, the loss of innocence, and anger all swirl within my core and continue to haunt my thoughts, my entire being. My skin is being plagued by itchy hives that were first thought to be bug bites. I know better now. I’m not going to lie or sugarcoat it: I am frightened out of my wits!

We had been trying so hard and with all the best intentions to do something right for several months now with wearing our masks, social distancing, isolation...only to be sabotaged by four men in uniform. A choke hold lasting almost nine minutes but reopening a world of hate and denial that’s been going on for hundreds of years. My gut reaction upon seeing the video of George Floyd’s murder for the first time was, “This man has just been lynched in public right on the streets of Minneapolis!” Four men in blue uniforms effectively placed a noose around George Floyd’s neck in broad daylight and took his breath away forever.

“I can’t breathe.”

— George Floyd as his life was passing away 

What does this mean for the rest of us? Are nationwide protests part of the answer? Yes! We can’t wait or place denial in our path any longer. Peaceful demonstrations allow us to be heard in large numbers and in solidarity. This is very important right now, as is throwing down the gauntlet and openly challenging an administration who has consistently bolstered white supremacy, destroyed the written rules meant to protect us, and strongly believes in dictatorship over democracy.

The challenges we are facing are enormous. Most of us don’t have the power of the U.S. military force under our thumbs (thank goodness) to apply towards those with whom we disagree or want to hold in line via brute force. Our alternative is to continue to make our voices heard loud and clear, never giving up, and always keeping our faith in the system. Our ultimate goal of pushing back against the evil that is residing within the hearts of so many is predicated on the belief in good people. Good people, including ourselves, who must prevail over the hatred that is chewing us up inside and relegating the grave health issues of a pandemic we face together on the back burner instead of in the forefront as they should be. Yet another diversionary tactic, among many, used by this administration.

While a black man is being suffocated in the streets in broad daylight, fires burn within cities set by opportunists bent on stirring-up the cauldron of hatred, and innocent people are tear-gassed in order to clear a path of safety for one of the most hate-filled people walking today, it would be appropriate to ask ourselves, “Where is hope these days?” Hope is with all of us, my friends, sitting right there between faith and charity.  Faith, Hope, and Charity (Love), are the Theological Virtues as defined by Saint Paul who has placed Love as the greatest of them all. There shines hope, ever present between our faith in and love for mankind. Hope can be found in our pragmatic youth and future leaders. We must believe in the power of these virtues and keep them active inside of us because they are our ticket to freedom and a better life.

Lightning makes no sound until it strikes.” 

― Martin Luther King Jr., Why We Can't Wait

Just as I believe that the coronavirus represents the transparent display of reaching out to the world in order to recognize and, hopefully, repair many of the faults perpetrated by mankind throughout our history, I believe that weak, hateful people like Donald Trump will always exist. They exist to remind us of what could and will happen if we deny having faith, hope, and love in our lives. He has already been entered into the annals of history alongside the most evil people and events ever witnessed by humankind throughout the course of time itself and has earned this status a hundred times over, at least.

Taking the words from many placards displayed across the television screen within the past several days, “Rest in power, George Floyd,” your name, your purpose, and your message will not be forgotten. Rest in power because the sacrifice of your life and the power of your death is what will carry us through, by the most amicable means possible, and aid us in acquiring the true peace we are lookin for.

It is time for all good women and men to come to the aid of their country. We can’t wait and risk running out of options. We are encouraged to participate in the process. Keep working as hard as possible on it. VOTE. Vote in November no matter what obstacles are thrown in our way. Keep working to make good things happen. Respect one another even if your beliefs in the process don’t always line-up. Nothing worthwhile is obtained easily because there will always be someone or something impeding our progress. If that’s the case, work even harder.

“No Justice, No Peace.”

— Chant of protesters around the world

May all of us take good care of ourselves and strive to remain healthy. The countdown to November 3rd is our reminder that faith, hope, and charity will gracefully guide our way into a stronger, better future. We can’t afford to wait until all hope is lost and there is no turning back. All the world is watching us.

Rest in power, George Floyd. Rest assured that your death was not in vain.

Copyright © 2020 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

TRANSITION.....

A series of essays.....

AS CERTAIN AS THE SUN SETS IN THE EVENING.....

.....MAY THE FEELING OF 'HOPE' RISE UP WITH THE SUN IN THE MORNING!!!

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

TRANSITION.....

.....is a form of adjustment between two independent states or time periods. A serious attempt to blend as seamlessly as possible from one perspective into another while causing minimal harm, confusion, or disruption of the normal state of affairs. 

Most of us strive to make a smooth transition into a neighborhood we've recently moved into, the act of changing from a high school routine to the rigors of a college curriculum in a matter of a few months, or conquering the adjustments to be made while exchanging one job and entering another one. Without having to make extraordinary life sacrifices or changes, most of us expect to have to make a few concessions while accomplishing these human tasks. So, with an open mind we charge forward into a world of the unknown and openly adjust to its social and business acumen in order to humanly mix our train of thought and beliefs with those we have recently placed around us. We have willingly transitioned from one particular world into another producing minor shock waves along the way.

Certain transition periods are not of our own making and the change or cause to change from one state (stage) to another can occur, not in a blink of an eye, but in a matter of time that is pleasing to the system and comforting for the soul. 

Mother Nature caresses us with soft summer breezes and conditions us to the crisp smells and sounds of summer's gentle decay come autumn. We may even enjoy the thrill of skiing down snow powered slopes on a bright winter's day and sipping hot cocoa later by a warming fireside. The genuine anticipation of the profusion of color poking through the remnants of melting ice and snow in the form of hearty flora seeks to delight our senses like nothing else imaginable in the springtime of our seasonal changes. The transition from one season into another eases us from one miraculous stage to another. Human nature accepts these changes as markers denoting our personal life cycles ranging from childhood to the final breath we take here on Mother Earth. 

Creatively, we embrace our own 'rite of passage' as we celebrate or mark our change of status on a significant occasion. This may be the onset of puberty, the entry into a select group or service, or any other act or event marking a passage from one stage of life to another. Most cultures, religions, and societies embrace some form of these rituals as standard practice and appeal. It is customary to assist the individual involved by offering a smooth transition from one point of their life into the next. 

So, it might be buying a friend a mug of beer with a cigarette chaser on his birthday. It might be painting your body in bright colors and walking down the paths of your village parading before Elders and fellow villagers. If you celebrate the Catholic Faith, you may feel you are a living part of a significant religious rite of passage by asking yourself to remember your First Communion. Obtaining your first driver's license, a first kiss, new boyfriend/girlfriend and, who can forget the ancient transition into adulthood by being asked to attend your first (and only) snipe hunt.....these are all traditions that segue or transition us into a whole new world, often with the help of family, friends, and members of the clergy.

One week after the highly disputed election for President of the United States, insiders within his transition team are agreeing that Donald Trump is already botching the transition of power associated with the exit of one administration and the establishment of an incoming administration.

Somehow, this hardly comes as a huge shock.

Despite his rabid Twitter campaign where he states that "I am the only one who knows who the 'finalists' are in my Cabinet decisions," the confidence many Americans have in this man, and all of the people who surround him at this moment, should be shaken and distorted. Reality television at its finest! It is most worrisome to experience such lack of true leadership and common sense when it comes to engaging in a very important transition that will, ultimately, affect all of us.....in this country and around the world!

"In another sign that Trump was caught flat-footed by winning the election, his transition team has been slow to engage with the outgoing administration," writes POLITICO. Even though the Obama administration is offering all of the help they can to Trump's team in order to create a smooth transition of power, it does not seem to be enough to iron-out the massive 'kinks' that plague a group of people who favor infighting over cooperation.

And, you can be certain that whatever Mr. Trump throws at us off of his Twitter feed in the form of explanation can and should be given a one-hundred and eighty degree twist every time. Much like throughout his entire campaign, while smearing each of his opponents, the lies about them could be seen instead as the truths about himself and his own lifestyle and beliefs. 

Let us be totally and unequivocally honest with ourselves here as we discuss the transition of power in the case of the Trump family and related businesses. To do this we must think more along the lines of incorporating and harnessing the powers of this great office for the enhancement of personal gains for the family who will be selling their shiny bracelets and bobbles, their resorts and golf courses, and their towers made of gold to the world. Pure Profit and Greed at the expense of the betterment and safety of all of the people of this nation, whether they voted for him or not.

#Stephen Bannon, #White Supremacy, #KKK, #American Nazi Party, #Total Fear, #How Much Is Too Much Power?......

And, the list could continue on and on and on until the American people attempt to understand what this new administration stands for and how little we, as citizens, stand to gain in the next four years of a Trump administration.

It is my belief that most of us will understand this dilemma much sooner rather than later, if not already. Especially when we see that government spending will quickly reach unimaginable heights with his five-hundred and fifty billion dollar (recently reduced from one-trillion dollars - has no clue) infrastructure spending package, 'magic' wall, and the realization that those new/old factory job opportunities that our fore bearers coveted upon high school graduation will not be forthcoming as promised. Via the application of robotics and economic restructuring, they are yesterday's news and   incapable of being resurrected again because......the times they-are always a-changin.' 

Okay....

This story is about transition. This story is about making transitions from one point, tradition, and time to another as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. It is about adjusting well throughout these transitions and becoming a stronger, more knowledgeable human being (country) on the other side. 

In order to get critical points across in terms of explaining ourselves, we often must present opposing examples with the hope of comparison in mind. Unfortunately, looking at the folks on the Trump transition team this past week, it's easy to see that the words 'smooth' and 'transition' do not blend well together. 

Now comes the difficulty with any transfer of power: knowing how to govern the people well. Especially those who have thrown one hundred percent of their life's blood and trust into a president-elect who isn't a traditional Republican in any sense of the term but the new leader of a populist movement that broadly disagrees with party leaders on a multitude of important policy issues.

Thus far, so much for stanching the flow of blood pouring from this wounded nation and her people. So much for eliminating confusion and mayhem while you seek sanctuary from your public responsibilities and enjoy a steak dinner with 'the family' at the 21 Club two blocks from your golden tower as the New York elite sing your praises and you promise to lower their taxes for them even more. 

Lastly, so much for eliminating the disruption of the government's state of affairs as you and your team continue to blunder, argue, and stumble through what should be lots of hard work at the most and basic cooperation among one another at the least in order to make this transition as smooth and cohesive as it can be.

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved