Misunderstood

For reasons related to a self destructive past I become familiar with such things as the St Francis prayer. More a philosophy than anything, but I'm not prone to go heavy on the religion lines. They always seem to go one step beyond finding their own answers and tend to become authorities on the ins and outs of a God who has a personality and emotions which conform to their designs.

In any case, in that prayer it remarks about it being better to seek to understand rather than to be understood. That seems wise because A) most people aren't that interested in understanding so you beat your head against a wall if you go around trying to get that from people, B) people who do go around whining about being understood are a pain in the ass and just make others want to shoot them C) it often works out better if you attempt to understand others, as it keeps your mind off your own frustration.

In attempting to understand others, though, you have to realize people don't often look at things as you do. You end up comprehending their frustration and elation but not necessarily why they wanted to build an airplane in the basement when they'd have to take it apart or tear down the house to get it to an airfield. It was their bliss. That's the understanding part, I think.

[I think he is the patron saint of bird feeding, but I could be wrong]

At first I was going to write about how I was not understood in a situation which came to mind. In that case I think I did understand the other fairly well, even to the point where some of what I understood kind of bothered me as I knew I could not accommodate some of the wishes, wants and biases of the person. Certainly not in the time allotted. I sensed the time was short.

It could be I was understood, although I doubt it. When you have barriers up it is hard for someone to know what there is to even try and understand. If they can't relate to putting up such walls then that's that.

I think what is better is if you don't give a damn about being understood but at the same time try to enhance the lives of those around you in various ways. Generally not the ways you see on public service ads or other "look at Me!" do-gooder propaganda and coercion. I almost understand what's behind that stuff but hope my perception is all wrong. It gets complicated and conspiracy ridden, and I know most involved want to be good people and that is their motive. The structure and its evolution are another kettle of fish altogether.

At any rate that doesn't mean let others use and abuse you. Often it is understood they need to be slapped around, kicked out, or ignored. It is more art than black and white dogma, this understanding business.

Anyway, I understand that the hurricane may not be as damaging as thought, although the Outer Banks ought to get a bit of a thrill. I hope no one gets hurt and property remains intact.

(ps: if he were the Prophet, pbuh, and you put up such images, someone from the religion of peace would want to kill you. Understanding that requires me to get in touch with my inner psychopath. What people will do in the name of...)