Which Side of Woo Are You On?
Depending on which side of the fence you are on, this word is like a double-edged sword because it cuts both ways. Woo has both positive and negative connotations. I think its power lies more within the tone of the word than the word itself. What do I mean by that? Well, it’s a lot like when two people are having an argument and one person says, “It’s not WHAT you said, it’s HOW you said it to me that I find offensive.” I consider myself a very spiritual person, but I don’t necessarily think I’m overly woo-like because I am far too sarcastic, maybe even jaded, to be considered sugar and spice and everything nice. Let’s be honest, the mental image of woo is someone who likely resembles an old picture of your crazy aunt dressed up like a gypsy, stoned off her ass, wearing a daisy garland around her head, and sitting in a prayer circle asking for world peace. You laugh but that’s not far off, is it? But, let’s dig a bit deeper and try to make some sense of why woo is such a perplexing word.
What Does Woo Mean?
The dictionary describes woo as trying to seek favor or support or gain the love of someone. In this instance, it can be referring to a person who is trying to win their way into a someone’s heart.
The slang definition of woo, which is the shortened version of woo-woo, is related to the unconventional beliefs regarded as having little or no scientific basis, especially those relating to spirituality, mysticism, or alternative medicine. In this instance, woo could be a derogatory remark made to someone who may relate to New Age practices and beliefs.
Okay, so what falls under the New Age umbrella? Ah, that is a loaded question. New Age is defined in the dictionary as a broad movement characterized by alternative approaches to traditional Western culture, with an interest in spirituality, mysticism, holism, and environmentalism.
Woo Me, Woo Me Not
The word that sticks out for me in the above definition is alternative. For me, it doesn’t mean that I object to traditional medicine, science, or culture. Instead, I choose to embrace beliefs and practices that are different or less utilized in our society. It doesn’t mean that I refuse to see the doctor or use medicine. It doesn’t mean that I am an atheist. It doesn’t mean that I dismiss science. And, it certainly doesn’t mean I am happy all the time and have my head buried in the sand. I assure you that I struggle finding that balance just like everyone else.
So, what does it mean to me then? It means that I heal myself with herbs and essential oils when I can. It means that I believe in a higher power other than myself. It also means that when I am not happy, I try to target the source of my feelings and address it holistically. Okay, that part is a little lie. I like wine and cocktails. Enjoying a drink or two is one of my favorite things in life. Spirits are natural, right?!
As far as science goes, many of the practices I engage in are because I have researched their connection to evidence-based science. So, why all the scrutiny? The short answer to that is intolerance and misunderstanding. The world we live in has become so convoluted and burdened with right and wrong or black and white that we have lost sight of the gray areas. Extremism on either side is bound to create chaos and dare I say it, hatred and fear. This is a far broader topic than I can or will address in this blog, but I try to recognize both sides of every equation. Of course, I have my own opinions and perspectives. We all do. In the most basic terms, I suspect this is where so many of us get caught up in controversy. Disagreeing with someone’s beliefs or lifestyle doesn’t equate to someone being right and the other wrong. It’s just different. We are all different in countless ways. Shouldn’t that be celebrated? Why is there such a trend towards sameness? I don’t think sameness equates to equality or fairness. Maybe I am wrong. All I know, for me, is that I cringe when I watch the news and see the destruction of humanity. The violence and hatred we spew against each other is heart-wrenching. I honestly feel the pain of others, so I try to understand the reasons why it has come to this. I don’t have the answers. I wish I did. It is my fear that the more we try to avoid defining ourselves, the further we label ourselves as such.
Woo, That Wasn’t So Hard
I suppose this is where some of the “woo” comes into play. Those who subscribe to spiritualism have done a lot of soul work. We see and feel things differently. Our approach to life and well-being ties us to Mother Nature and embraces the greater good. We may “see” someone as different, but we “feel” we are connected to them somehow, someway. Therefore, hurting another is like hurting ourselves. We are all living beings and want to experience goodness in our lifetime. I wonder what life would be like if we were all blind? We would be forced to see with our hearts and maybe, just maybe, we would realize that what we look like on the outside no longer matters. Instead, we would find ways to share ourselves with each other to enhance our well-being and joy. Science could spill over into holism and religion would mesh with spiritualism, and value wouldn’t be determined by superficial means. Black and white would no longer exist, just the gray. Gray is such a beautiful color. So mellow and grounding. Can you imagine a world like that? A world where we all peacefully co-exist? It’s a far stretch right now, but I do believe it’s possible if we all add a little “woo” into our lives.
Namaste
