for those who mourn

This post is for all of you who woke up this morning, the day after the election, and discovered that your nightmare wasn’t just a nightmare. It came true.

“It’s really a wonder that I haven’t dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”
Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

I am heartbroken by the results of this election and frightened for what it may mean for the future of my kids and grandchildren and for our world.

Through my tears I remind myself that

BEAUTY exists

“I’ve found that there is always some beauty left — in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you.”
Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

LOVE WINS

This is not the time to despair. It is not the time to attack. It is not the time to be cynical.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world!

_39a6354Let yourself feel all your feelings of sadness, fear, and disbelief. But don’t become filled with hate and anger towards “them”.

It’s a time to live your values.

The clouds in the sky threaten to shut out the light. But instead of creating darkness they create beautiful sunsets with colors painted across the sky. Even in the darkness, the beauty remains.

_39a6415Scatter joy with abandon

Strike up a conversation with someone who sees things differently than you do.

Listen with compassion. Seek to understand.

_39a6358-editSpread love and light and truth

_39a6430Practice compassion—for yourself and others.

_39a6391Breathe in pain. Breath out peace. Breath in suffering. Breath out peace.

Work to create the world you want to live in. Get involved in local politics. Stand for what you believe.

Remember that troubled times are our allies in awakening. They compel us to access the deep, untroubled beings that we really are. The hero engages with destiny only on the road of trials. Each of us is the central character of our own story, and right now, it’s true, the road ahead looks long. Let’s use it as a chance to grow wiser and stronger, to become heroes we’re all meant to become. — Martha Beck

May you walk in beauty (and peace and love).

_39a6361-edit_39a6411_39a6389_39a6425_39a6351Photos in today’s post are from a recent sunset viewed from my deck and from a hike at Carver Park.

 


Marilyn

Photographer sharing beauty, grace & joy in photographs and blog posts. I live in the Twin Cites in Minnesota, the land of lakes, trees, and wonderful nature.

4 Comments

Joanne Engelking · November 9, 2016 at 1:59 pm

Thanks, Marilyn, for a ray of hope and beauty on such a bleak day. It was nice to wake up to this.

Marilyn · November 9, 2016 at 5:13 pm

You are welcome Joanne. I needed the words myself.

musicallysoundhotmailcom · November 11, 2016 at 12:56 pm

Oh, thank you, Marilyn!! I needed this.

Jeanne Verdick · November 11, 2016 at 1:08 pm

Thank you, much needed right now. I’ve been seeking solace in some Martha Beck videos also. Just keep swimming!

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