Here and now
In challenging times, we find the space that is always available to us to create change.
It’s mid-May, and where I live, we typically would be taking advantage of warming weather to set out starts for our kitchen gardens. But the weather has been unusually cold, so the seasoned gardeners around here advise patience, protecting young tender plants until the nights are reliably warmer.
And there seems to be an unusual chill in the wider world, as well. War continues, attacks on human rights fill the headlines, along with shortages and rising prices that hit our most vulnerable folk hardest. The pandemic marks a dreadfully sad total here in the United States of one million lives lost. It seems quaint, now, that we were so shocked by “worst-case” predictions of 200,000 deaths in our country; and unspeakably tragic that so many deaths occurred after widespread access to vaccines.
It can be challenging to find the space in which we can make an impact. And yet, that space is always there, always accessible: it is here, and now.
Here, and now, we can hold the powerful accountable for their actions. Support the processes and mechanisms that hold up the mirror of truth.
Here, and now, we can deepen our compassion for our human family, including those most impacted by systemic racism, misogyny, classism, ableism, and homophobia. Clear space for their voices to be heard.
Here, and now, we can step forward and step up in the fight for inclusion and peace. Make signs, make calls, join marches, write letters, repeat.
Here, and now, we can choose engagement with the big issues of our time. Let go of the safety of cynicism and silence. Embrace our role in making change.
Here, and now, we can recognize the struggle for what it is: a fear-based vision of human life, used to divide and conquer, versus a love-based understanding of a human family, which thrives best when we thrive together.
Making these choices is like warming up the cold nights, preparing tender plants for their chance to dig their roots deep and open their leaves to sun and sky.
Be safe and well, and choose love - those who are working to control others and solidify their power will shake in their boots when we all choose love.