There are many forms of violence. Wastefulness, disrespect for others and disregard for other things, including animals and plants are all aspects of violent behavior. Even the contempt or unappreciative attitude towards things, is a form of passive violence.
I am getting settled into my new place, but the many years of neglect and dirt that have accumulated in it, has proved challenging. The dishwasher is a near antique and did not work when I moved in. My landlord clearly did not want to buy a new one, so he had the damaged part replaced. While I would love a brand new dishwasher with stainless steel interior, I also believe that we should recycle and reuse whenever possible, so I have no complaint. My kitchen faucet drips. The landlord was not concerned whenever I pointed it out and he clearly did not want to bother with fixing it. The problem though, is that it is wasting several gallons of water each day. This is in an area that receives less than 14 inches of rain and only 37 inches of snow (average) per year.
I have owned my own homes for the greater part of my life and I lovingly cared for them. I have always believed that we get what we pay for and have often chosen to do without, rather than settle for poor quality items. After the Great Recession of 2006, those who still had financial means began buying up properties as investments. Most of these people were greedy and only wanted the greatest possible return from their investment. They did not care about protecting their investment – maintaining the property as it should be maintained. We now have thousands of homes that remain in a heartbreaking state of disrepair, but are rented for shockingly high prices. The landlords do not take care of the properties and the tenants often destroy them. Many homes are now rented to several individuals. Those who have not succumbed to homelessness must often be content to rent a single room in someone else’s home. It is a sad state of affairs. The concept of “pride of ownership” has flown out the window.
As I look around my current home I can see that it was once lovely and that the original owners must have cared for and appreciated it. I am not like other people. I care for every place that I have ever lived in – the ones that I have rented, as well as owned. I care for the yards and plant flowers. Each place that I have left has been vastly cleaner and more beautiful than when I moved in. The time and energy that I put into making my surroundings beautiful is not to please anyone but myself. I know that in the end, everything I do is in appreciation for what has been given to me. When I take care of my surroundings I am keeping the flow of good open in my life. It creates peace in a violent world.
