Power, Nature, and Human Relationships
This blog within a blog focuses on power; and how can we
talk about power without considering the most awesome power of all—that which Nature
unleashes. Even the strongest are rendered impotent in the face of its fury. Even
the most arrogant are humbled by its power.
So, when Taoists speak reverently of the Way—the natural
order of things—and strive to live in accord with its workings, they must have
something more subtle and nurturing in mind. Certainly, we don’t want to
emulate Nature’s violence and indifference to its victims. But what lessons are
we to uncover from our observance of its way?
.jpeg) |
| Orange lichens growing on felled tree |
Some years ago, one of my Zen practitioner friends was troubled by a situation in her life. She visited with her teacher, hoping that he might impart some wisdom that would guide her. Unfortunately, she left feeling dejected. “He told me to go outside and look at the morning glories,” she said. Indeed, Nature is a wonderful teacher, but sometimes we need a little study guide to help us along! How might we glean some general principles of the Way?
The workings of the natural world are miraculous to behold. From
boiling-hot vents on the ocean floor to the frigid cold of Antarctica, there are
few places on earth where life has not gained a foothold. Almost without fail,
wherever niche conditions persist, unique lifeforms arise to take advantage of
precisely that which is hostile to other living beings. In this way, a rich
diversity of life blossoms forth, and the life-yielding potential of the earth is
enhanced.
It seems then that we might discern two important values by
observing the natural order: 1. The value of increasing the diversity of life.
2. The value of furthering the actualization of any individual lifeform or
species. We can also see that these two exist in dynamic relationship with each
other. For instance, sometimes plowing under a meadow of wildflowers and
grasses for the sake of a food crop monoculture primarily benefiting human life
might seem to maximize the life-yielding potential of the earth. However, if
all meadows get plowed under for the sake of human life, then the overall diversity
and richness of life is diminished—a potentially dangerous situation.
This was evident during the Irish potato famine. The Irish,
for reasons I’ll not get into at the moment, came to rely on a single variety
of potato for a large part of their diet. When this single variety of potato became
stricken with blight, the crop largely failed. Mass starvation resulted. That variety
of potato, at least for a time, was regionally maximized to the detriment of
other varieties and other food crops. In retrospect, greater diversity of potatoes
and food crops could have staved off disaster.
Notwithstanding the challenges of balancing these two potentially
divergent values, might we be well-served to consider them as we navigate the
power dynamics that so often arise in human interactions? Are you used to
getting your way, for instance? In other words, are you used to having the most
power in your relationship(s)? You might feel good about this. You may feel as
though you’re maximizing your being—fully actualizing your potential. But what
if this leaves your partner, friends, coworkers, or employees feeling resentful
and less committed to you than they might be if you were more considerate of
their needs, views, etc. Perhaps valuing a diversity of ideas, opinions, and
ways of being would result in greater happiness for you and everyone else.
Enabling others to actualize their potential results in stronger friendships,
partnerships, and collaborations of all kinds.
During the course of my work in adult education, I encounter
numerous students (almost exclusively women) whose spouses are not just failing
to support them in their efforts but are actively sabotaging them. It’s
troubling to watch. Apparently, their husbands are grasping at the power to
keep them in their place at home—to ensure that their wives are available to attend
to their needs and desires. It’s troubling to see the harm this causes. And, of
course, I wonder how long these relationships will last. Is it not possible for
both in the relationship to be nurtured in their efforts to actualize their full
potential?
Clearly, these natural values of diversity and individual
actualization must be considered and appropriately balanced in matters “small”
and large. They require our attention inside every household and amongst all
the nations of the world. Can happiness exist if they’re ignored? Can peace be
attained if such matters are not addressed? Such questions are a perfect segue into
the next post in this series. Please stay tuned.
.jpg) |
| Power, Practice, and Peace logo |
Find a running list of all posts in this series by clicking here.
Images
All images courtesy of the author
Copyright 2024 by Mark Robert Frank
Comments
Post a Comment