Seeking balance

We are trying to manage a profoundly difficult balancing act: attending to the emotional, mental, and physical toll of this loss, while also being called to action.

As it settles in, the awareness of the “perilous choice” voters made this month, we are trying to manage a profoundly difficult balancing act: attending to the emotional, mental, and physical toll of this loss, while also being called to action.

If, on any given day, you find yourself out of kilter, missing the mark, the balance you seek far too elusive to achieve, know that you are not alone.

If, on any given day, you choose to focus on what is right in front of you, the beauty and awe of nature, or teaching a child to tie their shoe, or finishing a work task, know that you are not alone.

If, on any given day, you take one step forward into the breach, standing up for someone who is being harmed, speaking up for truth and justice, know that you are not alone.

And if, on any given day, you wonder if it all means anything, know that it does. You do. No matter what the firehose of news and social media feeds seem to say, your presence in our beautiful human family means everything.

Early Friday morning I walked into the building where I work, quiet and empty except for one of the custodians, whose English is far better than my minimal Spanish, better enough that we find words to share. “Good morning, Teresa,” I smiled. We agreed it was cold. But when I asked “how are you?” she could only shrug, on the verge of tears. With no idea of what might be the source of her distress, I blurted out: “I hope you know how important you are. To all of us.” She grabbed me into a hug. “Esta bien,” she whispered, “is okay.”

I hope you, dear friend, know how important you are. To all of us.

Stay safe and well, gather strength, seek balance, and take care.