Reflections

In my reflections, if a bona fide member of the academy comments that my reflection contains either an original thought or argument, I will note it in that reflection. Also, if it is brought to my attention that what I have said is also mentioned in another source, I will also note it. My intention in these reflections is to stimulate inquiry, imagination, and broadening of horizons.- JP

Note: The most recent reflection is at the top and my first is at the bottom. You can either start at the bottom of the well and swim up or start at the top and dive in, your choice. – JP

Reacquainted when seemingly stuck 25 March 2026

When you feel things can’t get any worse and are becoming convinced there is no way out, a light appears.  It has been a journey to learn to stay open to seeing the light and never qualify when it will show.  I had that experience recently when I let myself settle for being entertained and taking a break from putting in the effort to not be overcome by the dark.  The light came when I was watching StarTrek / Starfleet Academy.  An observation about the series before I go any further. 

I am disappointed that the producers did not stand up for the show and pulled it after only one season.  The people who critiqued the show, I believe, missed the point.  We all go through a time when we are finding ourselves and need to know we are not the only person having that experience.  To have a show that appeals to people who like stories set in the future which speaks to their personal adventure in a non formulaic sci-fi setting is a stretch and a breakthrough.

In high school English class, we read Thornton Wilder’s Our Town.  I was a plot oriented teenager and missed what Wilder was saying, except for the long address on the envelope.  In episode eight of Starfleet Academy, a long time from high school, I got it. Acknowledging that dark is ever present and choosing not to be overcome by it takes effort.  Realizing that there is support for the effort which comes from many directions, puts a smile on your face.  A smile that supports others on the same journey.

I commend for your viewing, the ten episodes of Starfleet Academy.  To not be stuck in the dark is a good thing.

Not Sorry!                                                                                                          04/06/2025

No, this is not a Reeses’ ad.  In the time from my last reflection, I have been trying to find a thread for all that is going on in the world and it has not been an easy time.  So rather than write what could be considered a fluff piece reflection, I have been listening and considering what to say and how to say it.  In a casual conversation I found the thread.  The subject was how to converse with a person who sees life completely differently than you do.  The person I was listening to said, “I’m sorry, but …” and that response crystalized the thread for me.

Whether we are talking in the abstract or concrete, no matter the object of the conversation, the ‘ I’m sorry, but …’ belies a condition which has subtilely taken over our ability to be accountable for ourselves.  This may seem a harsh perspective, but consider what those three words say about our attitudes and self evaluation.  And that is the reason so much time has elapsed since my last reflection.  Owning my attitudes and self evaluation is a deep dive.  The dive encompasses everything from hearing from sources I had not considered before to ultimately learning how to authentically look in a mirror.  All this gets me back to why those three words are destructive to our being.

When you say I’m sorry, do you really mean it?  When you say I’m sorry, but …, my response is, If you’re sorry, why won’t you own it?  If you are truly sorry, leave the but out.  If you are truly sorry, try this.  “I am sorry you feel this way, please help me to understand why you feel this way.  ‘ I’m sorry, but …’ dimness and trivializes anything that follows.

We can only live as intended with one another when we do not dimness, trivialize and disregard the dignity of with whom we are communicating.  

There is nothing wrong with being sorry.  It is harmful to you when you don’t own it.  So leave the but out and eventually you will find more fulfilling ways to communicate.  I know that it won’t be easy, I speak from experience.  I also know that when it really gets to you, a peanut butter and chocolate cup may not make it all better, but it sure tastes good.