12/13/2020 Soften (or at least, try to)
Greetings from this snowy valley. It's a light snow, easy to sweep out of the way (at least so far). I know it's odd, but I sort of enjoy sweeping snow. It's satisfying to clear a path, turning back to see a piece of work completed.
And goodness knows, anything that brings a bit of joy is welcome these waning days of 2020. I struggled today to find a way to see through my anger and fear at the despicable efforts to overturn a free and fair election, the tacit (and sometimes active) encouragement of violent groups, and the (ongoing) neglect of those suffering most from the pandemic.
I found these words, from a teacher recommended by a dear friend. Pema Chodron wrote:
We can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and make us kinder and more open to what scares us. We always have this choice.
(From "The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times" by Pema Chodron.)
So, just for today, I am trying to focus on choosing to soften.
Whatever is challenging you today, I hope you feel all the companionship around you; this is the gift you give me, and I love the opportunity to return it.
Be safe, be well, and be loving,
With love,
Liz