Have you girded your loins? Are you ready to do battle? Are you one of those who have armed your self for the long fight ahead?
Isn’t it funny how so much of our language depends on duality, on the contest between us (the good guys) and them (the bad guys?)
Our most popular sports are even grounded on the concept of conquering the other guys.
This concept denies the fact that we are all one. Outward appearances, societal and cultural differences aside, at the very essence of our being, there is no difference between us and them, them and us, me and you.
Take off your armor.
Renounce the battle.
Engage in conversation out of curiosity, not to prove your point.
Focus your actions hyper-local in your neighborhood or community:
- start a Little Free Library like my friend Beth Ann,
- plant a garden and share the abundance with neighbors,
- reach out to the Women’s Shelter or food pantry,
- find a local organization that speaks to your heart and actively participate.
True, there are national and international issues that may concern you. Know that your local action plays a small and essential part of healing the whole of humanity.
And, if you feel so inspired, step onto the larger world stage.
And all the way, do not cover up. Do not hide your passion. Do not don your armor for battle.
For heaven’s sake (for humanity’s sake and for Gaia’s sake) take off the chain mail.
Put down the swords, the guns, the bombs, the vicious words, the Us versus Them mentality.
Be real. Be clear. Be mindful.
Bring love and compassion to the negotiating table.
Bring curiosity to the table and see how your difference in perspective changes everything.