BARRIERS

The Definition of Barrier: This generally refers to factors inhibiting the free movement of resources and restrictive laws relating to the movement of goods, capital and labour. The term is often used to refer to barriers to trade - in other words protectionist policies (like tariffs or quotas). Can infer the blocking of the exercise of free will.

Barriers can be the stuff of nightmares or repeated messages about that which is unattainable. “Don’t even bother” is not a three dimensional gargoyle in our way, but a moat full of crocodiles. Negativity, naysayers and the jealous are our wall of fire. Although it is never necessary to listen to these people, it is fearful sometime to ignore them. When we think about human history, there are no shortage of stories about well meaning artists, scientists and students of the arcane walking away when they were a breath away from achieving a breakthrough. Of course we know about Einstein, and visionaries who were described at points as charlatans, miscreants, or worse entirely detached from reality. Ouch. Detached from reality. That can really hurt. When the cord that attaches us to earth through the gravity of mediocrity is not fastening us to the valence of the planet, we could simply float uncontrollably.

In my years at the fringes of the arts community I experienced two types of people. One group were the chastising, fear-mongering failures, while the other encouraged experimentation, fostered talent and imagined the ultimate beautiful by products of people pursuing creativity.

In a hundred different examples of generosity of spirit, I discovered humanity and kindness dwell in those who themselves took chances. They were not repelled from a campaign or course of action by fear, and bravely strode toward individuality.

Seemingly, it is society's and our lesser fellows intent sometimes to “level” others off to a more smooth edge that does not allow for striving, quality or doing the right thing.

When kindness is viewed as weakness and deeper thinking is seen as presumptuous arrogance, we are, as a society in some really murky water.

A barrier can be an implacable brick wall or it can be limitation through intimation of danger, fear, the unknown being a rubik’s cube of variables, or our inability as a civilization to let others grow, change, and move toward their highest purpose, greatest independence and the most profound love. That is the love that allows us to support others as they pursue self-realization and ongoing personal development.

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope.”
- Maya Angelou