I read a variety of books and find a bit of truth in each, but I have never found a book in which I find only truth. Not even the Bible holds only truth, for it was written and collected over many ages and by many different people with many different agendas. Truth is bigger than any one thing or any one person or agency.
In this book, "Psychiatrist Mark McDonald diagnoses our country as suffering from a mass delusional psychosis, driven by a pandemic of fear in response to COVID-19." (back cover) I do not know psychiatry but I do know that when fear takes over my psyche, I retreat or fight or freeze. I no longer do the things I used to or behave as I once did or really live my life. I get stuck and stop moving. I feel this in our culture now.
McDonald said, "The goal of therapy is not to feel good--it is to live in reality, regardless of how it may feel... Attempting to redefine reality is delusional and serves only as a defense against emotional discomfort." (p. 82) Reality seems to be up for debate, and it's difficult to discern the truth. No one person knows the truth, and no one person speaks only the truth. Reality is beyond what we think or believe. To see reality, one must be willing to see what is.
What captured me the most in this book was the willingness of one man to write a perspective that flies in the face of the mainstream media narrative that many believe AND to publish it for all to see and read. This takes some guts in a world of censorship and cancel culture. Until we face our fears we may never find our way to reality.
Two things bothered me in this book. one, the lack of references to back up his statements; and two, his stark contrast of men and women. I do not think it's black and white any longer. I chuckled as I realized this is one man's perspective. Beyond these challenges, I found a writer who seemed genuinely concerned for the mental health of the people of this country. I am too.
Unintended consequences of our actions and the actions of others always show up.
For me his most poignant thought was, "Risks are everywhere and can never be fully eliminated until death arrives. Focusing on achieving the impossible--a life without risk--guarantees a dead life devoid of joy, excitement, achievement, and growth." (p. 86) My question is: What will it take to heal and move on. Live and love beyond our fears and risks, care for one another and one's self, and get back to living life and sharing smiles and touch. Many have already chosen this path with or without mandates.
I enjoyed a psychiatrist's position. It seemed to resonate with the anxiety I feel all around me. It can be hard not to get caught up in it too. Let's breathe. Love. Live again.
Risk living and loving anyway!
and let's do it together!
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