INDIFFERENCE

Hi. I wrote this many years ago. It is still true today! Personally speaking, I really preferred it when families were much closer!  *o*

                INDIFFERENCE

Once upon a time we all lived in tribal environments. Our lives literally depended upon each other so we paid attention to each other's needs. We all shared food, shelter, and commodities that helped the mutual well-being of the tribe. Medical needs were attended to by the local shaman. As time went by, life evolved, or as some would say, DEVOLVED into bigger and bigger cities….. and eventually families began to move apart. The close-knit tribal mentality diminished.

Nowadays, we fend for ourselves more and more. The cost is large. Spiritually, psychologically, and even economically speaking, we are more on our own with less and less tribal and familial-like support. Of course there are still families that help each other and stay together. Yet, the tendency to move away is part of our present day societies. Or at least it is in this country. We move because of job and school requirements, health reasons, and an assortment of other concerns. Sometimes we are able to keep our family units together. When we are separated by long distances, it becomes harder to meet up or to assist one another in times of emergency. Even the good times aren’t really shared if we do not see each other in person to do so….

What are the costs? Frequently we do not even realize the costs. Those of us who are sensitive do. It is “indifference.” Out of sight and out of mind is often the case. At times there is guilt. Other times a sense of anomie = not feeling cared for….. prevails. But always there is a price for the separations. Little by little we forget what it was like to be together until the relationships begin to wane. Some use the phone system or e-mail to keep in touch. Others spend large sums to fly to be together on certain mutually enjoyed holidays.
But in general, the distance takes its eventual toll.

Are we better off for the traveling? You tell me? Are we better off for having left our families?