Balance and Activism

Good Morning. Thanks for stopping by. I have already confessed that this is the time of year that I become exceedingly introspective. It may be a bit more difficult this year with all the chatter that surrounds us, but I find it is still possible.

I read the words of Thomas Merton this morning, as they appeared in Maria Shrivers Sunday Paper, and they triggered a flood of both thought and emotion: 

“The rush and pressure of modern life are a form, perhaps the most common form, of its innate violence. To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to violence. The frenzy of our activity neutralizes our work for peace. It destroys our own inner capacity for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of our own work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful.”

Maria says: “To think of them as a form of violence that we actually bring upon ourselves. We are not here to inflict violence on ourselves or others, and yet here we are, blindly engaging in lifestyles that harm our inner wisdom and destroy our longing for peace and love.”

I have concluded that balance is the answer, at least for me. It has been a very emotionally charged week. There is deep gratitude for the extreme kindness, caring, and loving generosity that others have shown me. These kind and loving acts elevated my belief in humankind. Yet the feeling that there is so much work to be done in the world still niggles. Balance. I am striving to find that elusive balance. 

Perhaps the answer lies deep in my heart, a place where there is wisdom and there are answers. Maybe beginning each day in quiet meditation and gratitude, then being the best person I can be for the rest of that day and not giving up in the name of peace are keys.

Yes, there is work to be done, and a live talk with John Nez, Dineh leader, (check it out if you can) on FB. He speaks truth eloquently and without bias, just factually. (yes, FB it can be horrid, but every once in a while some good stuff surfaces. This is some of the good. ) It filled me with respect for him and pinpointed white privilege and racism…some of it so deeply embedded that we are not even aware. 

This prompted a discussion with a wise and spiritual woman friend on FB, Cindy Stewart. Her response to John’s talk was… “He needs a high level position in government. This video should be shared far and wide. The uncomfortable Truth of our history has been swept under the rug for too long. There’s so much work ahead to right the wrongs, and to insure that all people are treated equal and maintain their freedom…or in this case, restore their freedom. Our first and most urgent need is to elect Kamala and set a majority in the senate and House. It’s all seems very daunting. But Truth cannot be quashed…Deep down, it strikes at the prejudices we all have, and that must be uprooted. There’s no shame in admitting our part in perpetuating this horrible history, (mostly out of ignorance of the subject) but it’s what you now intend to do about it, individually and collectively, that will move us forward. When given the correct info it’s our responsibility to act. Activism is the rent I pay for living in this amazing world.”

As I often do, I found that Cindy’s words resonated deeply and inspired. That last sentence “Activism is the rent I pay for living in this amazing world,” touched something deep inside. 

At this time in history, particularly, I think we need to look at how we can practice activism while also finding a balance. It can be tricky, but let’s not give up. 

I did not intend to come across as preaching today, but it feels relevant to talk about these things for our physical and mental health, for growth (personal and planetary) and to find a balanced way forward. 

Let’s not give up! Wishing you balance and lots of love this week.