Monday, October 13, 2014

Living with Anxiety and ANGST


Hanging on the wall next to our condo unit door is a beautiful water colour. One Sunday afternoon an artist friend and I went for a walk in a local park in Dayton, Ohio. We found an empty bench close to some beautiful trees. We sat down to enjoy the gorgeous spring weather and the fresh green leaves that surrounded us. He removed a sheet of paper from a small knapsack and began to sketch  the trees on the other side of the pathway.


Kent State University 1970
On Monday morning when I returned to work he presented me with a beautiful water colour which I have always cherished. Each time I exit the condo I see the painting by the door and I think of my friend. More importantly, I think of what happened that spring of 1970 at nearby Kent State University. On May 4th that year the National Guard was ordered to use live ammunition on a group of young  unarmed men and women who were protesting the Cambodian Campaign ordered by Richard Nixon. Four students were killed and others wounded!

Terrible things happen, not only on the battle fields, but even at home. Indeed, no matter how hard we try, we can no longer escape from the violence that pushes itself into our everyday lives. Can we, and do we really want to become oblivious to all that goes on around us? I know I experience a general frustration and at times seek refuge in my old age thinking I might just escape some of the terrible situations that could spell disaster even here in our beautiful country.

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa seems to be unstoppable and has now claimed over 4,000 lives. Only recently it has reached the shores of North America.  Islamic State, the Sunni offshoot of al-Qaeda and its jihadist fighters, seem to be unstoppable as they close in on Bagdad causing us to wonder will Canada be dragged into another war? Terrible storms threaten our planet as our climate undergoes significant changes. And it is said that the Boomer might never be able to burn their mortgages! Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, an NBA player just signed a contract for $275 million to play ball for ten years!

Besides these global issues we are all getting old and wondering whether our pensions and savings plans will be enough. We are losing loved ones and friends as cancer and other dangers rob them of their lives. Our anxiety is a deep feeling that something not so good might happen to us sometime. Whether we admit it or not, anxiety is the price we pay for freedom. But most of us can take these normal fears and anxieties in our stride. When we need to relax, and even join the National Day of Unplugging next year, because we know tranquility and relaxation can be found as close the trees in our back yard or the local park.

The Danish philosopher, Kieregaard in the 1800's wrote about what he called existential anxiety or angst. For him existential angst is so deeply rooted in  mankind that it cannot be taken away or cured. Hence, for him angst is more than everyday anxiety. It is the price we pay to be free humans for it is the dark side of our human spirit.

He once wrote, "Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays."

Whatever! Mankind certainly has its dark side. But we are still free to escape our anxieties and open ourselves to the good in ourselves and others. There is little I can do about Ebola or the Islamic State, but there is plenty I can do to live my life to the fullest in spite of it all. That water painting by my door will always be a reminder that 'life is good' so enjoy it while we can.

And that's Dick's View of the World this Week






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