So many of us suffer, not only within our own lives but also vicariously through the entire world. We grieve for the pain others feel and sometimes empathize to such a degree that even if we are generally ok in our own lives, we can sink into sadness, depression and even despair for the loss of this beautiful world we live in.
And...I ask the question. I sit here and wonder. Is this really the best way forward? Feeling horrible for all the pain in the world? Is this really the best way to serve? Really?
For I cannot feel sad enough, or horrible enough, to make any difference to the lived reality of others.
But, you ask..." If you do nothing, if you don't speak out against tyranny, aren't you just acquiecing by silence?"
I've thought a lot about this idea and I've come to the conclusion, that I don't respond well to guilt trips. Yes, I feel sad for everyone around the world who suffer. everyone. And yet, what can I really do about it? Sure, I can refuse to buy products that support oppressive regimes and by doing so, I've convinced myself I'm doing good.
But am I really? There will always be another despot. And there will always be a greedy person who knows that the destruction of one society means huge profits. Someone once said, I will not say his name, "never let a crisis go to waste." don't kid yourself. There are people pulling strings, cutting others and all the while laughing quietly in the knowing that they are getting richer and more powerful with ever bomb that drops, with every additional sanction that is landed.
So, dear people, do not be fooled. yes. war is real, suffering is real. people are dying, people are suffereing all over this beautiful planet. And it's only by living in joy and refusing to be sucked into the rhetoric of division that we will prevail. You're with me, or you're with the badguys. period. end of story. And that is NOT my story. Nor will it ever be.
For I am free. I can choose. I care about people. I love. deeply. I hurt. I give. I take. I am human. This experience we are currently living is just that. An experience and an opportunity to truly look at how we love. close to home. what we are driven to do and what we shy away from.
In complaining, criticising, refusing, villifying, banning, hating, shaking our heads and fearing nuclear war...again....we only serve to anchor these feelings deeper into despair.
I suggest something new.
Live...Love. Dance. Refuse to feel guity for your life. embrace, honour and have gratitude for being safe, for surviving, for the pain that reminds you of the fact that you are an eternal soul...choosing to live on the planet at this given time
I say there is no need to kill yourself by volunteering until you're empty, becoming a martyr and showing people how much you care about others by not taking care of yourself.
I say, there is every need to speak your truth and not accept what you're being fed. I say, that if it's not safe for you to speak your truth, then one of the most radical things you can do is stay quiet. Because danger is real. Fear is our response to it. So, if you're not safe to speak your truth, find a way, any way, to do so safely until the day you can stand up and speak.
And I fully acknowledge that there are people, despite the danger, despite the deep knowing that they will be killed for speaking up, that do so anyway. For freedom.
and I bow my head to you and then turn to face the sun's warmth on my face and give thanks. for being alive.
