Moaner-Groaner

Author : Bob Casey
When our son was growing up, he would complain about this or that. We would jokingly say, "Don't be a moaner-groaner!" (or M-G for short). Frankly, in recent weeks I have come to the conclusion that I am the M-G. A recent rant revolved around two days without electricity in sub-zero weather and a son stranded in D.C. unable to obtain a flight home in time to celebrate. The complaints were quickly mollified with his safe arrival and the return of heat. However, my problems quickly paled in comparison to the disaster that occurred at the same time on the other side of the world – over a quarter million people dead in moments.Over the last weeks, I have tried to put a number of personal and world events into perspective. As part of this process, I have been listening to a series of CD's regarding spiritual growth. During one session, I suddenly realized I have become a moaner-groaner. I complain a lot – politics, Ohio's weather, restaurant service, gas prices, medical services, other drivers, and yes, again, Ohio's weather – I trust you are "seeing the picture." There is not a day that goes by that I don't M-G about something, usually multiple things. In the scheme of life's journey, most of these complaints are about minuscule actions or events. I am not alone. As I listen to others, they also have the M-G disease. So what's the point! Complaining is not physically or spiritually healthy. Major magazines write about the impact of attitude on health. The wisdom teachings found in the sacred books and many of our past and present spiritual leaders discuss in-depth the imperative importance of developing inner peace. Negativity, including complaining, is a major roadblock to that path. Besides, the time spent carping and groaning does nothing more than reinforce the anger and the miserable feeling.Thus, I have set a challenge for myself. I am going to try to make it through a day without uttering a complaint. At first I thought a week but faced reality that one day would be more than an adequate challenge. To assist, those around me are to notify me when I error, thus adding $1 to the collection plate. The money will be donated to charity. Once I achieve one day, I will go for two and so on. (While I support many charities, I hope to keep the donations low.) Though the intent is very serious, I plan to have some fun with this growth process. My desire is not only to improve my life but also to make life more pleasant for those around me. Perhaps, if you also suffer from M-G-itis, you might want to try a similar experiment. Finally, if one must complain, let's make it about righteous anger, e.g. not about "my steak was overcooked" but about starvation and world hunger.Bob Casey is a poet, writer, educator, speaker, and presenter. He has cycled, hiked, sailed, and traveled to many far off destinations. He also spent a year on a teaching Fulbright in New Zealand. His many interests, include yoga, Tai Chi, skiing, cycling, photography, and wine collecting. "Poet Bob," as his car license plate declares, is currently president of the Ohio Poetry Association. This position allows him to interact with some of America's best poets. His first book, The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey published in 2002, focused on his around the world trip and the insights gained. His most recent book, Wisdom from the Journey, offers a diverse selection of poems, comments, vignettes, and recommendations complied from the "best" of his monthly e-zine, the Poetical Journal, which reaches over 13,000 subscribers worldwide. As one reader states, "…In a world of discontent, malice, greed and wars, the Poetical Journal is an oasis to nourish the soul." His next book will be out late in 2006. To read more of his work, go to http://www.poeticaljourneys.com.
Keyword : moan, groan, complain, righteous, anger, spiritual, growth, problems, paled, comparison