A Call for Softening the Cynicism
Over the last few weeks, I have noticed many snide and sarcastic remarks come up in conversation and across the internet. I have heard sarcasm labeled as humor. This, to me, is cynicism and exposes a pervasive energy of negativity that is alive right now. It reveals that there is a lack - of trust, sincerity, goodwill, and belief. It tells me that there is damage and repair is needed. My analysis is that many are exhausted, have broken hearts, and are becoming hardened by just trying to survive and be human right now. This can become very dangerous, if not tended to, with loving care. This is especially true, as the year comes to a close and we find ourselves hunkering down into Winter. So, if you’ve found yourself slipping into cynicism, my suggestion is to come into softness. This can look like savoring the sun’s warmth kissing your cheeks, being wrapped up in a cozy blanket, feeling the heat of a mug on your hands, smelling the scent of a freshly lit candle, seeing the reflection of light hitting a crystal and the rainbows it makes on the walls, meeting a new neighbor on a walk, collecting pine needles to craft a wreath, adoring a fancy, tiny milk container while you’re out having brunch, remarking on the cuteness of a sprinkle in the shape of snowflake that can be used to decorate a gingerbread house, sending a thank you note to a family member who’s helped you, tasting the luxurious richness in a bite of chocolate, receiving a text from a friend you haven’t heard from in a while, sleeping in on a weekend, giving a shoutout to someone who’s created and hung up art for the neighborhood, hearing a family member be complimented on her clothing, relishing in the arms of someone who loves you, and embracing yourself by breathing slowly and deeply into your belly.
The reality is that no matter how grim, bleak, and harsh things may seem, we can always choose to stay soft. It is a practice and it a sign of STRENGTH to do so. Staying connected to the whimsical and innocent nature of a child (and, our child within) is how we can move out of cynicism and into softness.
