Now What? Be Fierce, Be Kind, Be Positive

Last night, frightened and anxiously seeking security, I wrapped myself in my fuzzy blanket, snuggled up to my husband,  and struggled through a night of fitful sleep. 

This morning, I woke in the quiet of a new day, perhaps a new moment in history. As I so often do, I snapped a photo of the sunrise. The buildings, the sky, the air, it all looked blue as dawn broke somewhere in the distant grey horizon. 

But there was a little light, just some streaks of pink and peach, peeking from the underside of the clouds. 

Not exactly a silver lining, but I'll take it. 

As much as I'd like to stay wrapped in my blanket weeping for an uncertain tomorrow,  I have dried my tears. I will not concede to the dark madness. This is a new day; there is too much work to be done. 

Rather than curl up and hide, I'm reaching out. 

I'm taking hold of that glimpse of light, and pulling it in to warm my heart, casting out the shadows of fear. Like an ember in a cooling fire, I will nurture it, breathe new life into it, fuel the growing flame. 

While I feel sad today, I am renewing my promise to Be Fierce. I intend to be audacious, to be bold, to raise my voice. I understand now I cannot be too timid to join the chorus of others - our voices are louder and stronger together. 

While I feel the heavy, ugly pull of hatred and judgement in the world, I will not get mired in that swamp. I will never cease to Be Kind. I know in my heart the path forward must be paved with understanding, empathy, and compassion - most especially for those with whom we disagree. 

So while I may be afraid or angry, I am not going to turn to the Dark Side; I am going to continue to Be Positive. There is so much love in the world, and where there is love there is hope. Love and hope will trump hate. 

Yes, I have turned my focus to that glimmer of light I caught this morning. More - I'm going to grab hold of it, and weave those peaches and pinks into my wardrobe, and I'm going to shine.  

If you find yourself in the dark today, feeling cold and alone, I encourage you to seek out the light. Be warmed. Be renewed. 

Then take your light to the world. Shine as brightly as you can. Share your love, feed your hope, join the chorus. 

Be Fierce. Be Kind. Be Positive. 

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." 

- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban -

#1000Speak: Compassion Takes Practice

As you may know, sometimes I practice yoga. When I do, it is in a heated room with a mirrored walls. You know what that means? Half-naked, we face the mirrors. We face ourselves, and all of our glorious imperfections.

Bend your body? Yes. Then bend your mind to imagine you can reach further.
Stretch your limbs? Yes. Then stretch your mind so far you can embrace your entire self. 

Always focus on the beauty & strength you bring to each time you show up. Face yourself. Love what you see.
Ok, that's probably too absolute.
If you don't love it, embrace it & work to change it.

Yoga didn't teach me this lesson, however. I've long had an understanding that no one is perfect.

When I was a Girl Scout I was asked to read John 8:1-11 in church one Sunday. For those who aren't familiar, that's the story of Jesus and the Adulterous Woman.

While it now seems a strange choice for a child to read, I honestly cannot say how it happened. Was it suggested by the minister? By my troop leader? Did I pick the verse? No clue.

What I can tell you is I was terrified to stand in front of that congregation and raise my voice. So I practiced, and practiced, reading the passage over and over until I could recite it with hardly a glance.

I practiced until I could picture the scene in my mind.
I could see the accused woman, shamed.
All the people gathered around, waiting to see someone get beaten down in public.
Then after all the accusers and onlookers have recognized their own imperfections and left, the Rabbi Jesus telling the Woman to also go.
Go and change her ways.

I read and re-read it so many times this allegory became a part of me.

None of us is perfect, and therefore, everyone deserves our compassion. But more, it was a lesson that the compassionate do not stand in judgement.

That's what I internalized. I cannot judge.
I will not judge.

I have worked hard to grow my compassion. I've had to, because.. well,  because it is difficult.

If it is hard not judge ourselves and our own decisions, it's a thousand times harder not to make judgements about someone who's motivations we can never fully understand.

It's hard to see someone in our lives, or on a television show, making poor choices and not snap on that. Seriously? What was she thinking???!! 
It is hard to see someone wearing fashion we find questionable and not make fun of their outfit or call them ugly. Seriously? What was he thinking???!! 
It is difficult to see someone expressing an opinion that is different than your own & not call them an idiot. Seriously?? Are you a total fecking moron??!! 

Hey, I'm not judging. I am certainly not without sin. Who among us hasn't thought these things?

I mean, right?!! That's what the internet is for, isn't it? All of us snarking & standing in judgement of one another. 

No. A thousand times NO. That is absolutely not why I'm here, at least. I'm here to deepen my own understanding of the vast world I am raising my children in. I am here to learn how to be more tolerant. More compassionate.

I am here to speak my mind, yes, but also to listen to the voices of others. Even if I don't agree.

I am here to practice, practice, and continue to internalize my mantra I will not judge. 

As I am writing this, my son is listening to a story about The Golden Rule. You remember that, right?
Do unto Others as You would have Done unto You.

Well, that's pretty much the crux of compassion, isn't it?

So, with that in mind I'll ask You: Would you be the one to throw the first stone? 
How about the snide comment? 

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