Global Theatre

One of the things that struck me last week during one of our conversations in Engaging was just how messed up our "culturally conditioned" selves are.

Taught to us from almost day one is not to cry, not to be upset when it's inconvenient for our parents, to "use our words" (even though we may not have grasped them yet), be nice, share, don't hit, give "so and so" a hug or kiss good bye (and when we don't we get scolded).

As we grow up, we are told to shut up, don't be stupid, be a good child, don't talk back, don't be unpleasant, say thank you, say you are sorry (when you really truly are not).

As teenagers trying to gain independence we are told we are being stupid, think before you speak, you are worthless, you will amount to nothing, if you keep that up you will see what you end up with, or I can't wait until you move out of this house.

All in the name of "love".

And then I look around at some of the people in this world...

• People who do things because they don't know how to say "No". They do things because they feel intimidated. They gossip, they talk about others to make them seem so much worse that they must look better in comparison. They do things and then resent others for "making" them do it. Or they do not do it and find an excuse as to why it hasn't gotten done. And they become sick, stressed and cynical; they are often out on leave or spend their days complaining to co-workers about their miserable work lives (busy being the victim).

• People who relish in the misery of others because it makes them feel "big". They find people to intimidate, make fun of, push around. They pass the buck, the paperwork, the responsibility, the blame. Although they appear to be in control of things and all the people around them they are often compensating for some inadequacy that is buried deep within themselves. They also find themselves getting sick, often have heart attacks or suffer from high blood pressure.

Many other types of people out there... people who are also sleep walking. Zombies not awake to themselves. Not will to stand up and take responsibilities for their own lives. Not willing to create their future.

And last week it struck me... All around us are millions of actors, and the world is a stage.

People pretending to like you, to enjoy this, to do that.

People PRETENDING to be happy with their lives... settling for less.

People talking about the weather or the ball game, never really taking the time to TALK to the people they pretend to care about.

Pretenders... acting like they are living a meaningful life... are they?

Are you?

What is stopping you?