Menopologetics; the defence of gratitude

Does gratitude need to be defended? Yes, in some ways it does, because so often in the world today, our first response to things is actually aggressive - even if it is when we are saying 'thank you'. Who hasn't experienced the grouchy salesperson saying 'thanks' with a voice that is actually saying 'what a bother'? Or the family member using 'thank you' almost as a challenge? Or all the empty thanks which are uttered purely as custom, rather than genuine intent?

Confession; in the challenge of recent weeks, even the YAMster has failed a bit in her Love All as One approach to life!

This needs to be remembered when one is spouting about Universal Love, the capital 'ell' variety. When one is the midst of mayhem of any description, be it entirely personal and local, or in the wider context of work or community, that empathetic quality is one of the first casualties. It is what survival of the fittest is all about.

That is the thing which catches us out. We are, in our physical makeup, nothing more than the animals. We ARE animal, in construction and to large extent in our behaviour. We are captivated by animals as we see their behaviours and social connections and identify with 'oh that is so human'! It is not that these things are human, it is that the human animal has the same as all its siblings of the animal world.

What separates our species from the rest of the animal world - it is worth repeating - is the intellect. Being of the ape family, we were able to evolve that very organ of thinking due to the habit of curiosity, the rise of enquiry and the skill to adapt and use things as a result of discovery.

Which brings me to my thanks for being in Blogville. This is a space in the ether where like minds join, share, care and laugh or cry. It is also a place of discovery as we learn things about each other and the way we each see the world. We have the power of words as well as the power of love between us, joining us in a true 'web' of compassion and empathy. Some of us have had the great good fortune to have met in the flesh/furs and this adds further joy. It also affirms that those we have not physically met are no less appreciated.

It is here that I have been able to explore, enquire, adapt to different threads, and as a result, develop  - mainly in writing, but to some extent in personality. In a world so riddled with a lack of gratitude, I am so very, very grateful that I discovered Blogville!!!