It’s a beautiful day. The sun in shining…it’s warmer than one might expect…and it’s easy to believe that the exceptional generosity and abundance of the world is felt by all.
Of course, it’s not.
Two days ago, the American political system selected Donald Trump to be our next president. To me, that means that we have chosen someone to represent us who…well, who doesn’t represent us. Not me, at least. He is, quite simply, NOT an advocate for what I see needing to happen in the world, and what I see myself trying to do.
I’m scared, sad, hurt, and confused, and I know I’m not alone. So, what now?
Perhaps for a moment we can sidestep the shock, and focus on what feeds us. A little sanctuary can work wonders; while our brains are fried and emotions frazzled, we can take a moment to re-energize. A little break to restore a sense of accountability and empowerment where we are most directly in charge, and then a movement back out, able again to give back to the world around us.
It’s impossible to avoid being affected by the divisive and poisonous words that have been said during this election season, and by the actions they may allow. At this moment, we can’t — and in fact MUSTN’T — ignore what is happening around us, but we can choose to do something different at home. We may have to do a significant amount of getting-through over the next several years. But we are not powerless.
I believe that the small actions we take — the ways we live our lives when no one’s watching — do more to fix what’s broken than almost anything else. How we raise our kids, treat our elders, and connect to our places. I’ve been told that it’s these things that will heal the earth: if we restore right relationships with ourselves, each other, the more-than-human species, and the earth, Mother Earth won’t need to be saved, but will take care of herself.
It’s more important than ever to see this work through. To engage in the systems that we have access to. To utilize our various privileges to create positive change. There are real connections between the “lifestyle” choices we make and the environmental, social, and spiritual consequences.
The choices that we make can help restore, reinforce, reconnect, reanimate, resuscitate, and reclaim. The world needs to be brought back into balance, and I for one intend to continue to be part of the healing work that is so needed right now.
Thank you Karen.
Agree.
Love ya both. It’s nice after all these years to hear your voice and know what important community work you are doing/continue to do.
Nicely put! Thank you Karen.
beautiful. needed. restorative. thank you!
thank you, Karen. this is really good stuff.
A guy from Friends of the Earth Action came to our door tonight to talk about the several ways they are working to save pollinators. I practically pushed my credit card on the guy. Now IS a good time to act for positive change.
Thanks for what you do!
I have never written letters of appreciation nor of complaints to any article I have read or a story I have heard. Until now. I have to tell you how what you wrote here warmed my heart at this time of such hatred and ugliness, re: the election season. Until I read your words here tonight, my heart and mind were so very heavy and hard due to great fear of what this election could possibly, and maybe even probably, mean, unlike any fear I’ve ever known in my 57 years as the result of a presidential election. So tonight I must give you my heartfelt thanks for your sincere words of wisdom and hope. I will go to sleep tonight with this new found hope and will wake up determined to make my time as happy as I can, and try to do the same for others. Thank you!!
Nola
Thanks Karen! These words are so needed at this incredibly uncertain time. I will do my best to heed your words.
Well said, Karen. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing positive action steps and an encouraging word.
I appreciate your thoughts on this, Karen Thanks for putting this in writing for us all. We can only move on from here by looking forward.