Apprehension.
Unease.
Doubt.
Anxieties many people I know experience, just as I do.
How do we handle angst or process the restless feeling that, for many, often permeates day-to-day life? Years ago, my friend Jill said to me, “We want to know what’s going on in our world, but what we read or hear frightens us, we want to let our kids play outside and explore their world, but we fear for their safety, we want to be good Americans, but it’s sad to see the hate; we fear for our future, our grandchildren’s future.”
I agree wholeheartedly with Jill. Sometimes it feels like a fury of animosity was released, taking over our world. People are afraid to travel, speak their minds, and even go to sleep at night. “Violence” and “terrorism” are part of our everyday vocabulary. We try to maintain some semblance of “normalcy” (defined depending on your reality), but it’s challenging. We are being assaulted—literally and figuratively—and sometimes feel powerless to stop the downward spiral.
There are almost-continual news stories about killing and destruction. Even people who live in what historically has been a “safe place” are anxious. Xenophobia seems to run rampant.
“Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future,” wrote Thich Nhat Than before his death. Fear weakens us; it strips away our humanity; it wears us down. Even when we aren’t aware of the gnawing away of security, it’s insidiously happening.
My friend Joanne, a wife, mother, and pastor studied historical patterns. She said, “We are repeating a pattern of destruction. This is not politics as usual nor about choosing sides. Both sides are distorting facts for the advancement of others. We need to be careful and thoughtful in the days ahead.”
We’re immersed in a world of rhetoric in our political processes. Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on politically (or if you can’t join either camp), it’s evident that many conversations cause even more divisiveness. It’s important to debate, but the diatribes continually hurled back and forth do not make us stronger. (Does it ever feel like you’re attending a performance “managed” by a few incredibly talented impresarios while being spoon-fed solely what they want you to hear?)
News is being delivered to us as quickly as it happens, integrated into our day-to-day lives faster than we can process. On social media sites, it’s an everyday occurrence to see a story about another murder followed by a post about the latest fashion. We’re attempting to merge “life as usual” in a climate of uncertainty.
How we use our energy–collectively and individually—does matter.
We must recognize that thoughts become words, and words become action.
We must stop running on autopilot—not seeing what’s going on.
We must stop birthing more hate, prejudice, and anger into our world.
We must change the conversation.
I am not so naïve as to believe one kind word, one show of solidarity, or one blog post, can change the world, but it is a step. All things are connected. We are not a microcosm working independently of the rest of our world. We are the world. They are we. We are they. The more violence people see, the easier it is to imagine it. The more acts of love we see, the easier it is to BE love in action. Each step toward love draws energy to it. What we put out to the universe, the universe conspires to give us.
So, what if we start a revolution—an uprising of love, humanity, and peace? I know that may sound, at first blush, impossible. But we lose nothing by trying.
What if we choose: positive conversations instead of throwing energy at what’s pessimistic, express our beliefs without condemning others, talk about what is good, honorable, and holy, and become bearers of light?
I will continue to pray for peace for our world—where a complex story of the juxtaposition between joy and pain, laughter and tears, good and evil is playing out. I will refuse to give up my belief in the possibilities—not a nirvana-like perfection (although that would be ideal), but a planet where the spirits residing in our clunky bodies recognize the value of all life,
where love reigns,
where all people are free, and
where peace is the resounding anthem.
Thank you for being on the journey with me.
Love,
Kay
ps. Thank you, Jill and Jo. ❤︎
The more acts of love we experience, the more love we can put out to our hurting world.
peace full home®—intentional living 