Knee-jerk Responses

 “Don’t run with that knife!”

A television show. The protagonist is chasing his nemesis. But the good guy is holding a knife! The quote above screamed through a voiceless consciousness. No forethought. No careful analysis. Just the conviction – immediate and determined. (Whether I am alone or with others, I make it a point never to scream at a screen.)

During my childhood, I was reminded on more than several occasions that running with sharp items is dangerous. Those past warnings were immediate, determined, and certainly not voiceless. Urgent admonitions had effectively been drilled deep into my unconscious behavior. I will never hurt myself by running with a knife and I stand very still when slicing tomatoes. 

Rainbow Reminder for Current Times

2,348 BC, Or 5,700 BC, Or 50,000 years ago, Or. . .

Paramount Pictures added a disclaimer to marketing materials in February 2014, which read:

“The film is inspired by the story of Noah. While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide. The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis.”

Memories That Steal

It’s a nice little town. Rural, quiet, and peaceful, the population of around 2,600 is notably diverse.

On the surface, nobody would care if I chose to visit or to avoid this place. Afterall, it is just one of approximately 600 similar towns in the State of Iowa. It would matter only to me.

I chose not to go. 

Transformational Timelines

• “I know him! He’s a friend of mine.”
• “She’s really nice. I work with her. Sure, I know her.”
• “They’re OK. I see them walking their dog. How bad could they be?”
• “Well, all I can say is that he IS my boss, but I know his type.”
• "You know them. They all drive like that. None of them should have a license."

We might claim that we ‘know’ these people because of our interactions with them here and there. Our social cognition rings true because our brains are wired to categorize people and groups within milliseconds. (For more: Google Search, "How our brains categorize people and groups.")

The Warning of Dissonance

A couple of months ago, while visiting my first grandchild's soon to be post-secondary home-away-from-home, we wrapped up the day by attending the Iowa State Symphony Orchestra's performance of “Pictures at an Exhibition” by M. Mussorgsky. 

Discussing the event on the way home, I mentioned that one of the 10 movements was still gnawing at my nerves. I suspect this piece was difficult for the orchestra to play but for me, listening was intolerable. My research suggests that this piece might be “Catacombs.” Ear attention will be adamantly refused should I cross paths with this piece again. 

The problem? Dissonance. The music just never resolved the clashing notes. Unfinished business had left me rattled.