Everything Means What We Make It Mean

Issue 38

learnliberty.org

When in the course of human events, events happen, we humans make meaning of them. It’s natural. Oftentimes we do so without conscious awareness, though, and that’s when we’re vulnerable. Someone breaks up with us and we make it mean we’ll be alone forever. We don’t get the big job we sought and we make it mean we can’t have what we want. The doctor presents us with test results and we make it mean we are not well. “I’ll be alone forever,” “I can’t have what I want,” and “I’m not well,” you surely noticed, are beliefs. We know that beliefs matter because they create experience and we know beliefs get created in different ways at different times for different reasons.

Today, conscious politics practitioner, I invite you focus with me on the kinds of beliefs we create on the spot — as events unfold. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all charges against him less than a week ago and we Americans are in the process of making meaning from that event. Here is a random smattering, if you will, of some of the meaning some of us are making. These are direct quotes or they are beliefs extracted from within larger quotes but they are all phrases and sentences uttered by our fellow Americans since the verdicts were announced. They are purposely unattributed and offered en masse so that we might, at a minimum, practice listening to what beliefs sound like. More, if you are uncertain about what the verdicts mean to you, this list might bring some clarity:

“It’s an exception.” “The system actually worked for a change.” “The verdict(s) represent an absolute minimum of justice.” “It is a small step towards healing.” “…officers are being convicted because of public pressure…” “There are so many reasons to be hopeful right now.” “It’s hard to be hopeful right now.” “People are engaged.” “The guilty verdict alone doesn’t mean justice for George Floyd.” “[The verdict] does not erase the systemic problems that put Black lives at risk every day in America.” “The Chauvin verdict was extortion by the left-wing mob.” “…people need to shift their focus to reform rather than celebration.” “A guilty verdict doesn’t erase the trauma.” “Now is the time to double-down on the work ahead.”

When beliefs don’t serve us, when they do not align with our desires, there will be a choice to make: change what it is we’re wanting to fit our belief or change what it is we’re believing to fit our desire.

“The jury was intimidated.” “It isn’t justice, but it is accountability.” “It’s just one step.” “It marks a turning point.” “…there’s still so much work to be done.” “This is a good day for equal justice under the law.” “If you mentioned the race thing and White privilege, most officers don’t understand.” “The whole system of policing, the whole infrastructure is guilty.” “It makes it harder for police to do their jobs.” “The verdict dealt with a symptom, but we still have to fight the disease.” “The general public is starting to get skeptical about police work.” “It’s still sore and it’s still painful, but something has changed.” “The guilty verdict is important but the real justice comes in the sentencing.”

It’s one thing to get a handle on what we believe individually, ever, about anything. Today, by paying a bit of attention, we see how we get a handle on what we believe collectively, as a society. Which voices have heft and which ones do not? Which ones are elevated and coalesced around and which ones are diminished and discarded? Who has the power to emphasize some meanings and de-emphasize others? Who is/isn’t susceptible to the voices of others? What is the level of unconscious belief that exists?

Of course, yes, please, as always, let’s all be aware of the meaning we’re making about this or any event, but let’s stick with this one right now. Do you have a clear belief or set of beliefs about this event/these verdicts? Do you have a sense, an inkling? All good to any of that and when you’re there, you’ll see, I’m sorry/not sorry to say: more will be required. That’s because absent a shiny, clear intention, absent a desire for what our society looks like when it’s operating the way we would like it to, it’s impossible to know if our belief(s) serve us or not.

When beliefs serve us, when they align with our intentions, we are off to the races and can be about the business of cultivating those intentions. When beliefs don’t serve us, when they do not align with our desires, there will be a choice to make: change what it is we’re wanting to fit our belief or change what it is we’re believing to fit our desire.

What meaning is America making of the Chauvin verdicts? Whatever meaning we choose. It’s enough for today just to watch it unfold, within ourselves and amongst ourselves.