Quickly - when was the last time you asked "Why?" What were you trying to do? Why is a question that can be used as seeking information; demand an explanation; express confusion; condemn; express grief. It is also a question of motivation. The Miriam-Webster dictionary defines why as seeking the reason, cause or purpose.
Wikipedia tells us that there are about 50 songs titled Why along with 7 albums. There are apparently two places called why - one in Arizona and another a lake in South Sudan. The inquisitive side of why is considered one of the 5 essential questions of journalism.
There is also a metaphysical aspect to why - in which we are asked if we need to know why as opposed to just accepting what is.
Why is a powerful word that can be used so differently as it also connects to strong emotions. This is seen when used in anger, frustration or bewilderment. It has a different power when used with true inquisitiveness that lies behind some of the great scientific and humanitarian achievements. Many years ago, I met Dr. Christiaan Barnard, who performed the first heart to heart transplant. It was a brief moment with a most unassuming man who appeared to wonder about "why not" or "why can't we". That is the inquisitive side.
Many times why is a word of attack - "Why did you...." "Why would you think...." "Why are you even here...."
Why is also a word of both gentle and brutal internal questioning. It is connected to the ways in which we see ourselves and the dialogue that goes on in our head. "Why do I always...." "Why can I never..." "Why can't I...." The power of meditation is to understand the why and to accept rather than challenge - see it as a teacher rather than a dictator. Allow it to teach about moods such as anxiety. Let why become an ally.
© Peter Choate, 2016
Wikipedia tells us that there are about 50 songs titled Why along with 7 albums. There are apparently two places called why - one in Arizona and another a lake in South Sudan. The inquisitive side of why is considered one of the 5 essential questions of journalism.
There is also a metaphysical aspect to why - in which we are asked if we need to know why as opposed to just accepting what is.
Why is a powerful word that can be used so differently as it also connects to strong emotions. This is seen when used in anger, frustration or bewilderment. It has a different power when used with true inquisitiveness that lies behind some of the great scientific and humanitarian achievements. Many years ago, I met Dr. Christiaan Barnard, who performed the first heart to heart transplant. It was a brief moment with a most unassuming man who appeared to wonder about "why not" or "why can't we". That is the inquisitive side.
Many times why is a word of attack - "Why did you...." "Why would you think...." "Why are you even here...."
Why is also a word of both gentle and brutal internal questioning. It is connected to the ways in which we see ourselves and the dialogue that goes on in our head. "Why do I always...." "Why can I never..." "Why can't I...." The power of meditation is to understand the why and to accept rather than challenge - see it as a teacher rather than a dictator. Allow it to teach about moods such as anxiety. Let why become an ally.
Walking with anxiety
is being on the ledge of a bridge
each step is confident
until it isn't
the slightest trigger
unleashes the beast
teetering
frantic efforts to again balance follow
leaning
breathing
praying
there it is again
balance
until the beast returns
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