Deep Concern For Our Hurting World

Six weeks have passed since I’ve been in touch. This is the longest I have gone since starting the blog 3 years ago without posting.

After the Orlando shootings in June, I thought let me give it another week. More space.

And then turmoil and tragedy takes place each week thereafter. I feel solemn. Showing up in your inbox with a little ditty seems inappropriate and heavy. So I wait.

But there is no break. No respite. No full integration.

So I’ve waited until I can show up with some sort of capacity to offer something.

My wish is that you turn toward the pain and confusion of yourself and your brother and sister, not away from it. Because humanity is hurting.

I experience deep concern for our hurting world and our defended hearts.

I navigate my external needs to keep my life trucking along and the work that must be done on the policy and home level for peace.

Below is my practice. This is not a prayer. This is not a mantra. This is not a meditation.

This is a practice – how to show up each moment in your deepest integrity.

Here is the practice:

Aware of my tendency to be frightful, I breathe in.
Aware of all beings’ tendency to be frightful, I breathe out.
Aware of my feelings of despondency, I breathe in.
Aware of all beings’ feelings of despondency, I breathe out.
May I demonstrate courage, even when not called upon.
May I see my common humanity in others who induce harm.
May I be the example of living in right action.
May my warrior’s heart be wise and disciplined in all matters.

I recorded an audio segment to explain this practice, why I use this approach, and why it is important to see ourselves in both the victim and the oppressor. I also share at the end my opinion about what we can DO to bring healing to racism and terror.