Calming reflections from The Reverend Canon Canis

Well, fellow creatures, it appears once again we face a fight for survival as the cold war is upon us.

But I put to you we have an even bigger threat. Without leaving one eye open and one ear cocked, we can let times such as these create diversion, animosity and division. Frightened of losing what we have, we hold on to it tighter: we become fearful; less generous; more angry, more anxious. Smaller issues become magnified, fingers start to point, voices raise and differences become more important than similarities. We forget the good stuff. 

And in doing so of course, we lose what is most valuable of all, our compassion. 

(N.B.It doesn’t do any harm at all to sniff through the bin/garden/stranger’s crotch to check compassion isn’t just buried rather than completely lost).

So I propose this: let go of the aspects of the fight that were never ours and take victory by being opposite. Be kind; be together, keep giving, go for walks and pat each other on the head more often. Simple.

Before it got chewed, my favourite cushion read ‘Surrender to win’ and there is truth in those words. Now it says ‘render to win’ which, though less profound, may still speak to those in the building community. Every cushion has
a lining. It’s about how you look at things I say, even a beloved, irreplaceable and priceless treasure, though utterly destroyed, can help you grow into the darkness. Or rain on the good times. 

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I digress.

If we turn on each other we are doomed. Not just cold and skint, but bitter and lonely to boot. And we start chewing on stuff that’s not for chewing.

I’m originally from the borders of Scotland – BOS if you will – and I have long been aware of the North/South divide, but just lately I’ve noticed more snarling within the community.

We all like to make a noise, and it’s our right, but it seems you don’t always need a dog collar to preach. Finding a way to exist together, whether you are local, DFL, or, like myself, driving past with your head hanging out the window, is paramount. Surely we want the town, and each other, to do well.

So accept or at least tolerate difference. Show respect. You don’t crap in my basket, I won’t shit on your beach (I’m not taking full accountability for that), celebrate the strong sense of community this town has and try to proffer solutions – not just criticism. Immerse yourself fully, not just your nose.

As my favourite bowl used to say before I trashed it, ‘divided we are weak’. We need each other. Fact. Though now I can only find a shattered piece of china saying ‘div’, I will never forget the pleasure the full dish gave me. ‘Div’ serves as a constant reminder for me of how great it is when things aren’t broken. So my point is, even ruining things is good if you think hard enough. This is how acorns grow. 

I digress.

So, remember the good things; be nice to each other; don’t break anything; think about others while you’re doing your business (but don’t put your nose in theirs); make someone want to pat your head, sit on someone’s knee if you’re allowed. And share your biscuits.

Peace and warmth to each and every last acronym-loving one of you. You’re all the same to us.

Next time: Money Grabbing Bastard Landlords and Why it’s OK Not to Forgive Them


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HIPCommunitySatireCalming reflections from The Reverend Canon Canis Well, fellow creatures, it appears once again we face a fight for survival as the cold war is upon us. But I put to you we have an even bigger threat. Without leaving one eye open and one ear cocked, we can let times...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper