April 30, 2011

• COPING = COPPING OUT

    

  Having dinner with a friend recently, the word "coping" cropped up in the conversation while discussing – well – coping with life’s challenges.

  Instantly the words "coping is copping out" came out of my mouth, causing my friend to demand an explanation.

   

  ONLY THEN DID I BEGIN TO “THINK” ABOUT IT, TRYING TO JUSTIFY AN APPARENTLY ARBITRARY, EVEN CAPRICIOUS REMARK.

   

  Substitution/Sidetracking/Sublimation – were these synonyms for “coping’? Like avoiding the real issue?

   These were ideas that I toyed with. 

  Then I remembered language that my late friend and significant other used when teaching me early computer skills. 

  Ira said that there were two ways to deal with a balky computer: 

  QUICK AND DIRTY  

  This method usually worked to get past the problem, bypassing it in favor of getting the thing operating again by whatever device sufficed.

   ELEGANT 

  This method meant getting to the root of the malfunction – radical surgery to replace a band-aid. 

   

  Eventually I went to Webster’s, which stated that there is a connection between the words “cope” and “covering”; both refer to an ecclesiastical vestment used to envelop the body. A secondary definition is a contest or combat in order to maintain or come to terms with problems, including success. 

   

  AHA! COVER-UP!!! 

   

  Psychologically it is simpler to hide rather than seek. Especially concerning matters that require more than a cursory look. Even Pandora was appalled at what she found in her opened box.

    

  So it’s a choice: QUICK & DIRTY or ELEGANT. Sweep it under the carpet or get out the vacuum. 

   

  Even spirituality can be used as concealment: applying the balm of soothing rituals to ease the agony of confusion and fear. 

  Passing the buck is another option: the devil made me do it! The dog ate my homework! 

   

  APPLYING MAKEUP MAY HIDE A BLEMISH BUT WON’T HEAL IT.  

  ONLY UNDER THE LIGHT OF TRUTH WILL CAUSE BE REVEALED.  

  THEN HARMONY CAN BE RESTORED. 

   

  ---

  • 10:17 am
  • 2 Comments