Disclaimer: some of these musings may seem controversial, but they are just my thoughts. Nothing more.
What else is there to do while going through a repetitive motion, such as running? It’s part of the point, to enjoy the active meditation. So what musings are in my mind these days?
In no particular order (and they are not all related to the same themes):
How do others function on less sleep?
Will my Mom be OK this time?
As a Jewish child, we were taught to Never Forget.
Am I selfish because I enjoy my routines?
My Mom has always been so strong.
As a Jewish child, we were taught there are reasons we fight back. Always. People want us dead just for being a Jew.
But, also, plant a tree for peace.
Cancer and its associated side effects make even the strongest people frail. Fuck Cancer.
I do not want anyone to die on my behalf. Ever. Under any circumstances.
Did you know some people want Palestinians dead because they see them as conduits of terror?
Did you know my Homeland is Toronto, Canada.
Did you know that some people don’t know it’s OK to use the word Jew? They have only heard it used in a disparaging way and they have been taught not to use it at all. Even as a way of describing cultural identity?
Did you know that not everything you believe (or I believe) is true?
Should your cottage go back to the Huron-Wendat Nation?
Did you know that even though I do not believe in God, I will always be a Jew. I will always think of my Jewish grandmothers when I make certain foods or light certain candles.
Apparently, a group gathered in Toronto this week to chant “off with their heads”… (mine)
Have you ever read a book by a Palestinian? Rather than watch a video, of unknown origins, telling you a story about them?
Intellectualism is not always helpful.
Why do the Brits and the Americans and others not directly at fault, currently, get to wash their hands and blame the Israelis and Palestinians? How do they benefit from this deflection?
What is the point of peace if attained by violence. It will never last as peace.
When I was a teen, in the 80s, the stories of stonings (of Jews) in Toronto in the 40s seemed like ancient history.
What if the First Nations started taking their land back? Who decides when too much time has passed for that to be a viable option?
Have I done enough?
Ignorance and turning a blind eye is certainly not the answer.
Does anyone have a Birthright?
What is the Promised Land? For who (whom?)? What is a Promise based on suffering and violence? Will there be any milk and honey left?
Who wrote that history you are sharing?
Will I pass a test I signed up for next week that I’m not sure how to prepare for?
No matter how little money I have at any given time, I will always tip much more than the norm, so that you don’t think I’m cheap.
You can say the word Jew. Just be careful how you use it. Especially if you are not Jewish. Same as describing someone as Black, Chinese, blond-haired.
What is the point of all of these musings? Is it possible not to muse, while human?
Never Again, to me, has always meant, not to anyone. Anywhere. Not only to me.
What a good run! It’s nice out this morning. But for who (whom?)?
What more can I do?
What do you think about?
I think all we can have right now is questions. Thank you for sharing yours.
Thanks, Cate.
I wished there was a “love” option for the post, Nicole, not just the “like”.
Thanks, Mina!
We should all be so open about all of our questions. We should always remember than everything, even things we value, can be/should be (at least occasionally) questioned, or at least reviewed. I like your freely wandering thoughts.