inertia & lethargy

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” ~ Robert F. Kennedy

When does inertia stop us from connecting with others? How does the lethargy get in the way of fulfilling our purpose?

 

When does inertia stop healthy conversations? How does the lethargy hamper us from recognizing injustice and invoking change?

 

When does inertia douse a revolution waiting to happen? How does lethargy keep us complicit? Cushioned in our comforts, resistant to change, why risk it? 

Gerd Altman on Pixabay

Inertia is a power because it immobilizes. What’s tender, vulnerable, pure is eradicated. No attention, scrutiny, concern or criticism ever raised. There is tremendous control in being inert. What remains hidden is sealed off away from harm.

 

Powerful yes, but when does inertia turn from keeper to captive? When does it inhibit the natural impulse to speak, move, contribute? So many wait for an invitation, for permission to be granted, to be coaxed. But what if none of these happen?

 

If something important is left unattended, everything in its wake is less true or real. Some lives are intricately constructed around inertia. Maybe there was a cruelty, a violence, a volatility which terrify us? Perhaps we become too burdened, discouraged or overwhelmed? Are we led to believe the private language of things is too sacred to be exposed?

Whatever the origin or collateral against which inertia arises, over time it may isolate us from the pain but we suffer anyway because we are made complicit by it. 

Political and other power grabs rely on this to win - when we let them.