My, This Kool-Aid Tastes Bitter Or...

...What If The Buddha Worked Here?

Preface: The author of this blog claims no special knowledge or expertise in any of the topics contained herein. The author neither condones nor condemns any theology, religion, sect or philosophy (although I have little use for Presbyterians, I don't know why. I think it's because of the way they spell "Presbyterian.") While confessing no special knowledge or mastery of his subject matter, the author refuses to allow that fact to be an impediment to his posting early and often on subjects near and far. Thank you for your patronage.

I have been blessed. In many ways. One trait I have been blessed with is that upon meeting people, I generally like them right away. This first impression may not be reciprocated by the person I'm meeting, but I'm OK with that.

For the most part, and this is particularly true of co-workers, a person pretty much has to act out in a fairly obvious way before I begin to question their motivation in life. Arriving at your workstation in a hockey mask and a chainsaw dripping blood might give me pause (unless the co-worker is Ryan Sabalow, in which case I would assume he had been cutting firewood again.)
But, I tend to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and believe them to be good people. I hold this view until I actually see, with mine own eyes, a behavior that would alter my Pollyanna view.

I don't cultivate this trait, it just seems to be the way I'm wired. Maybe because I rely on the kindness, mercy and patience of those around me so I approach the world with an "I'm cool with you if you're OK with me" kind of sentiment in hopes I will be tolerated (that's all I ask.)

So, I'm always amazed and surprised when I learn of people's underhandedness, misrepresentations or discover that cliques and alliances have been forged in the workplace. To learn that I might be perceived by others to belong to a particular clan or that I have an agenda is interesting to me. I thought I walked the neutral "Middle Path" as suggested by bodhisattvas for the past few thousand years. Besides, like Groucho Marx, I wouldn't think much of a club that had me as a member.

It's not that I disapprove of cliques or forged alliances necessarily, I'm just amazed when I discover them. After all, I think it's human nature to participate in such behavior. No doubt a survival skill nurtured by our ancestors to protect us from unscrupulous chieftains and bosses. Not that I know of any unscrupulous chieftains or bosses. Do I? I don't think so. I don't know, maybe.

I think it would be naive to believe that recent events haven't polarized some people. But things are what they are. I don't believe anything inherently evil has taken place. But I do think several "flee or fight" buzzers have gone off as of late. Again, human nature.

What if this "problem in the workplace" had occurred for me thousands of years ago? What if I were to come upon the Buddha hisself sitting under his bodhi tree? What if his "The Psychiatrist Is In" sign were displayed? I think that once I had unburdened myself with the whole Soap Opera he would react in the same way as when he was asked by a follower about the existence of God. He would slap the ground we sat on. Hard. And he wouldn't say a word. It would be up to me to take his advice. What does all of that further? Be where you are right now in full mindfulness. After all, in a couple of thousand years the Jefferson Airplane will sing "...the human dream doesn't mean shit to a tree."

I think the Buddha would have dug the Airplane. But I have no way of proving any of this.

For What It's Worth,
Your Humble 'Toonist