Muscles, Community, Congruity and thoughts on Socialism

In my son's government class they had an election.  The end result was the class voted in the Conservative party, which was not the party my son represented. In discussing the different running platforms for both parties, he explained their group was much more socialistic.  We were talking about socialism last night and I was trying to wrap my mind around the basic tenants of Lenin inspired socialism. This is where the Muscles come in that we found growing in a colony on Muir Beach.  (#muirbeach)  

 

It finally clicked with me.....I believe in community but not pure socialism.  The muscles we  found were amazing! All clustered together on a boulder in the sand. The sea crashing in on them and providing all their needs. The muscles were identical in shape and color with only slight variations. The size was really the main difference as some muscles were older and larger and others smaller and less mature. This community is made up of individuals all with identical needs and instincts. There are no particular relationships with muscles. No parenting or courting occurs. They instinctively look out for their own survival and their coming together in colonies provides protection from predators.  It was interesting to note that the young adult muscles often attach to the cluster by smothering the older adults. (Kind of freaked me out)  Now I can picture muscles,if I personify them, as being very suitable for a socialistic community.  Their uniformity in looks and purpose make them a perfect choice.

When I look around at my family, each of my children are so incredibly different.  We are very individualistic. Sure we sometimes borrow each other's clothes but we dress with a totally different sense of style from one another. Our hair colors, eye colors and features all have similarities consistent with our genetics but we all appear as unique individuals. Our. Minds work totally different. The generations we have been born into have different passions and life experiences. 

I love the idea of community!  Being in each others lives at crucial moments and in the not so crucial "every dayness" of life. Having a "Tribe" and supporting each other through life. I also feel that there is an unfair disadvantage to so many in our country and world.  No matter what their hopes and dreams are the community they area part of does more to undermine their efforts than to give them the encouragement they need. I want to make a difference here and I want community. 

Muscles have been speaking to me since we returned from Muir Beach. I have an open shell on my bathroom counter.  The colors are congruent with me!  I often look down at the shell only to see  the similiar colors starring back at me from the mirror. Though I am and always will be a firm believer in creativity and individuality, I can still appreciate and learn from the muscles desire to join a cluster and live touching each other.