Anniversary Week: A Clenched Fist

Here's another favorite post, one that uses a line in President Obama's inaugural address to make a much larger point. And, now that it's actually peach-eating season (at least, on the West Coast), I especially appreciate the conclusion.

In his inaugural address, President Obama said, "We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

The President's metaphor got me thinking about the various clenched fists in my life.

There's the clenched fist of protection, which limits my experience (and injures those around me). There's the clenched fist of position, which freezes my relationship to those who care about me.

There's the clenched fist of view - my inflexible ways of perceiving changing circumstance. There's the clenched fist of story - the fabrications that I cling to when things don't go my way.

Occasionally I'm able to relax one of these fists.

In these moments, I immediately experience how the world extends its hand toward me. Sometimes I return the gesture and join hands with the world. Other times, the fingers tighten back into the clench.

It's an interesting study. One thing I know for certain: It's hard to eat a peach with a clenched fist.

 

Later note:  As it turns out, Puerhan addressed exactly this topic on January 21 with one of his fine poems:

Hurt

I unclench my fist

Feel cool air on my palm

And space between my fingers

What if I unclench my heart?

Fist by Robbie Veldwijk

Peach by Kook Skatkat

Comments

[Molly Brown]

I'm working on unclenching the fist, but I'll have to be honest...it doesn't feel all that graceful at the moment. Alas, I just want to eat a peach. Hmm. Good idea. Thanks Barry :)

[Barry Briggs]

Hi Molly. Yes, I have juice running all down my arm - not too much makes it into the mouth. But what I can taste, tastes delicious!