Most of this current news discussion has been comprised of bickering, the Good vs. Evil type fight. If I'm to understand this correctly, all of Lord Sartan's followers are snarling from the end of His Divine leash, while the Pentharian's puppies are romping about free of chains. So, the angry dogs want the free dogs on leashes, and the free dogs want the angry dogs to be free as well. I'd like to touch on this "leash" concept, as it intrigued me.

Everybody is on a leash. Not a leash imposed by Divine power, which was implied several posts ago, but a self-created leash. Everyone is their own most kind and cruel master, it is you who is truly determining where you go and what path you take with your life. Perhaps by only allowing yourself to see and understand Evil, or only allowing yourself to see and understand Good, or any other realm of the sort, you are forcing yourself to stay on that leash. (Just as a note, when I speak of Good/Evil here, it makes for a great example, but it would apply to any opposing realms.)

How can one (with the exception of those Divine) claim to truly understand a realm? Especially when it is not their own. Too often will I see one of Evil nature attempt to vitiate the beliefs of Good, and the Good trying to demean the edicts of Evil. Both sides appear to be fervently tugging at the ends of their leashes, but are no closer to freeing themselves than they were before.

Through discussion, learning, and tolerance of these other realms that may oppose us, we are able to stretch our leashes, lengthen them. Why force beliefs upon someone who is unwilling to accept them? Teach when and what you can, to whom you can. There is so much for us, as mortals, to learn. Gather information, broaden your spectrum, and live on a very stretchy leash! You can be open-minded without compromising your morals or abandoning your loyalties.

I can't claim to be completely free of my leash, though I do stretch it to the best of my abilities. I don't believe any mortal will ever be entirely free of their leash, their personal restrictions. In some ways, it's probably for the best that we restrict ourselves certain things. But on the other hand, we're missing out on many things because we restrict ourselves too much. I'm not suggesting that the opposing sides join hands and become friends, or stop their ongoing war, but perhaps a bit of mutual understanding will lead to a more informed, thoughtful war.

May you all live your lives with open minds and stretchy leashes.

Lemon

Penned by my hand on the 14th of Aeguary, in the year 271 AF.