by Jerome Peterson
A screaming siren cracking our silence can definitely be annoying. Yet, we all have the will power to go beyond self-centeredness in pursuit of understanding why the siren is disturbing our precious peace and quiet. Visualizing positive or negative scenes may sound psychic and down right corny; but, the mind can produce a great deal of energy so why not use it toward someone that is hurting. If nothing else, thinking and visualizing positive helpfulness toward a fellow human being can direct you into being a whole person. Being friendly and having sincere care toward other people is your greatest asset. It is greater than prestige, power, and money. It stands to reason someone who doesn’t give a rip about other people is nothing more than a mooch riding the goodwill coat-tails of society. The sound of a screeching siren can turn that mindset into an unconventional way to help your community.
Does a siren really get your attention? Does it rattle your spinal cord right down to your tailbone? It should. I think it would get your attention if you had just assaulted someone, robbed the local liquor store, or stole a car. It would also get your attention--if you happened to be conscious--lying in a puddle of blood, gasping for every breathe, or trying to pull that knife-like burning sensation of out your chest. Whether you’re the victim from someone else’s crime, the victim of a accident or medical problems, hearing a siren is like the cavalry coming to the rescue.
There are three distinctive civil groups that rely on sirens to clear the way from mash potato headed drivers. They are fire and rescue, police, and of the course the ambulance services. When either one of these civil groups broadcast their comings it is an opportunity for the breathing, law abiding citizens, to stop and visualize help and comfort.
Unfortunately, it is common to see people flock to a tragic scene. In fact, these curious types have been known to create more harm than good. They tend to congest traffic so the people that need to get through and do their jobs our unable. It is noted that there are some who are willing and qualified to help and make a difference. Nevertheless, when the siren commands it is in everyone’s best interest to stay clear and let the professionals do their job. Isn’t that why we pay taxes so these civil servants can perform with dignity and duly noted reward?
Siren’s can be compared to an alarm clock. Whether you prefer waking up to a popular song that sticks in your head the rest of the day or the cranium crushing BOP! BOP! BOP! it makes no difference; the result is the same. It is time to get up and get going or you will be late. Not getting out of a siren’s warning won’t necessarily make you late but it might aggravate the drivers enough to where they can’t perform their job effectively. You wouldn’t want that on your conscious, now would you?
Sirens do have the power to gauge your perception. You can decide to be a numb skull and ignore sirens by turning up your music, keep talking or turn a deaf ear claiming it doesn’t affect you because those people are strangers. On the other hand, if it was you or someone you knew then of course it would be different. Regardless, you and you only are the only one that has to live with your thoughts.
And so what does this have to do with you and me living in this stretch of California? Next time you hear a siren stop whatever you are doing and pray for mercy and comfort. If you don’t believe in a divine being that mysteriously cares for the planet then visualize positive scenes where the injured are being helped. This sounds like a lot but understand the mind can work within a matter of seconds. Remember, sirens are not just another annoying noise. Simply put they are a “spur of the moment” call to help out fellow human beings who are either hurting or are rushing to the scene to help. You can guarantee that the civil servants and the injured parties will greatly appreciate all the help they can get.