The Messy and Marvelous Mystery of Me
Learning to love the complexities, contradictions, and otherness within ourselves
Hello and welcome, treasured one—
“I’ve only cried three times in my life,” the gate guard told Lisa with a thick Scottish accent. “When my daughter was born, when my mum died, and at the Royal Tattoo.”
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual festival in Scotland’s capital, wherein people from all over the world come to watch royalty get inked by enlisted troops. … Naturally I’m joking. It turns out, a military tattoo is a form of military music and/or a display of troops. While originally this was for practical purposes—back when soldiers marched and maneuvered in formations—now it’s more of a performance. That said, ever since we got to Scotland, pretty much everyone told Lisa and I: “You have to go to the Tattoo!”
(All the pictures are from our evening at the Tattoo)
So, we went and watched armed forces marching bands and drill teams from all across the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world perform; along with some singing, dancing, and fireworks. While I didn’t cry, I must confess it was not only moving, but also pretty incredible.
There is something about the rhythmic power of a drum and bugle corps that speaks to a person in a primal and powerful way. Adding a troop of Scotts on their bagpipes, just took this to another level—especially the flaming ones! What is more, the precision, pace, and poise of the drill teams was incredible. Their ability to flip rifles through the air in unison—sometimes from one soldier to another—all while marching, was jaw-dropping.
All-in-all, it was a lovely evening. A testament to the amazing things people can do, as well as a testimonial to soldiers for the sacrifices they make for others. However, it also left me feeling a bit conflicted.
You see, the Tattoo’s celebration of the military spotlighted what a walking contradiction I am. Specifically, while I am pro-peace, a practitioner of nonviolence, and a champion of love—close to all of Lisa and my income comes from the military! Lisa works as a civil servant for the navy and I’m medically retired from the air force; which means the industry of warfare and violence pays for us to live out, and preach the importance of kindness, care, compassion, and unity for all. The question is:
What do I do with my contradictions and complexity?
Push it aside? Ignore it? Change it? None of these are the path to wholeness and wellness in this, or most instances. Embracing it is the way.
The thing is: While the details of the differences, contradictions, and complexities inside me is different from yours—we all have them. It’s part of the human condition. Each of us is a beautiful enigma. You are a marvelous mystery. And the real kicker is:
Accepting, with arms wide-open, my own inner inconsistencies is not only the path to greater inner wholeness, wellness, and flourishing for me individually—it’s the way for us all collectively. Seeing, naming, and embracing the otherness within, empowers you and I to see, name, and embrace the otherness outside of us. It’s how we bridge the political, economic, racial, religious, gender, and other divides in our families, communities, countries, and the world.
Facing the contradictions inside of me with loving acceptance, helps me realize the people on the other “side”, really aren’t that different from me after all. Which frees me to embrace them too. And honestly, it feels WAY better to embrace, rather than oppose others. Know what I mean? It’s like smiling versus clenching your teeth.
How does this land with, or apply to you? Does it spark or inspire something within? Please let us know in the comments, subscribe and click the “like” button 🤍 if this spoke to you, and share it with anyone you think it could benefit. And above all, please remember: You are amazing, and I hope you have a beautiful day!
Hugs & Love,
Lang (aka “Dr. Love”)