Gloves, Guns and Security Theatre
Examining our desperate need to create the illusion of safety
My wife is very particular about her lunchmeat.
This morning, we went to the grocery store. While we were waiting at the deli counter, she observed that the clerk was touching the door frame with his gloved hands and asked him to put new gloves on.
It was apparent that this request soured his attitude, as he proceeded to give us not only the wrong lunchmeat, but in the wrong amount, and not sliced or packed like we had requested.
But the entire episode caused me to think about the purpose of using gloves in the first place.
No, I’m not denying the existence of foodborne illness, nor its very unpleasant effects. But how can we say that a thin layer of plastic between a person’s skin and our food could be safer than simply washing your hands?
We create an endless number of procedures and protective devices in the name of safety. We arm ourselves with guns and weapons of all kinds. We wrap ourselves in security systems, lock up our possessions, and lash out at others because we feel threatened.
We think doing all this will free us from worry and anxiety, but in the end, only succeed in creating more of it.
We horde our fortunes, and worry about giving to others, thinking we will end up in the poorhouse. And the sense of lack comes to dominate our lives.
In truth, the only thing these devices and beliefs produce is the illusion of safety.
We create this whole theater of protection around us, All due to the persistent illusion that we need to be protected.
And because of this illusion, we think we need all manner of other things to keep us safe.
But the truth is that nothing of value can ever be lost.
Nothing can keep us from the blessings of God’s love.
And nothing can keep us from being worthy of those blessings.
I’m not saying that you should forgo all safety measures and act foolishly. But we would do well to pay attention and be aware of the false thinking that prompts us to believe it is needed.
Neither am I telling you that you should leave your doors unlocked all the time, cancel your insurance policies, or behave recklessly. Doing so can make for a very unpleasant life.
It is nice to have nice things, and they all add to the joy of life. We don’t have to give them up. But we can be less attached to them, and even to our body itself, knowing that they are temporal, and will eventually return to dust, going the way of all form.
And paradoxically, by releasing our death grip on the things of life, we open ourselves up to a world of abundance, of health, and of Love.
We don’t need anything. We don’t need to do anything. Life is eternal, and our survival is guaranteed.
What do you think? Do you agree with this philosophy? Or am I crazy? Insensitive? Subversive? A threat to the very fabric of society? Has your perspective changed? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Beautiful Aaron! You’re not crazy💕💕💕
"Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God." A Course in Miracles