This is what I tell myself far too often these days…
Just Breathe
Each morning I get up and meditate. Then I read the newspaper while I drink my morning cup of tea. Far too often any calm and centered moments I experienced during my meditation dissolve as I read of the latest actions of the Trump administration and the Republican controlled Congress.
I have difficulty seeing any truth or justice in President Trump’s words, actions, or the people he surrounds himself with. Each day I see our democracy become smaller and less tolerant, I hear lies that can clearly be called out as lies still being touted at the truth by “true believers.”
I long for breathing room, peace, and solitude as the cacophony of voices shouting at one another get louder and louder. It seems that we can no longer have a civil conversation nor listen to one another. I cannot understand those who support Trump’s actions and cut off all dissenting views. And when I try to engage them in dialogue, I find I am as intolerant of their points of view as they are of mine.
Many years ago a Methodist minister who was leading a retreat I was attending said, “I find I need to meditate and pray with the Bible in one hand, and a newspaper in the other.” He went on to explain that it is not enough to meditate and pray without being aware and active in the world each day. We must understand what is going on and discern right action based upon our spiritual values and beliefs.
Recently Jon and I decided to start getting the local daily newspaper again instead of relying on the internet and television for the news. It has become a sweet morning practice, sitting at the dining room table together swapping sections of the paper, and pointing out interesting articles to one another. Still some days, I find the news stirs up anger and disbelief and Jon reminds me to stay calm.
In the midst of my own version of “meditating and praying with a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other” I look for those who bring light and truth into my day.
Blogger and author, Katrina Kenison, has been writing beautiful posts about her response to recent political events that touch my heart and bring me hope because my thoughts are so like hers. Her post yesterday, titled “how is your heart today?” made me realize that my heart is aching, feeling bruised and battered, and in shock.
Friends who call me and offer loving kindness to me and others inspire me and lift me up. Kindness matters, now more than ever.
Acting from my deep beliefs has become a daily practice as well as taking time to get in touch with what brings me joy.
Today I signed several online petitions, called and emailed my two Minnesota senators, and practiced loving-kindness meditation towards myself and others.
Through it all I know deep in my heart that in some strangely perfect way, all is well and all will be well. The kind acts that I’ve experienced and seen, the loving actions of friends, the outpouring of people all over the world resisting the Trump administration bring me hope.
Now I am taking time to nourish my spirit and fill myself with joy. I’ve got my favorite iTunes playlist playing and I am going to work on making edits to old and new flower photographs; both the music and the photography bring me great joy.
When I feel my heart feeling achy and bruised again I will remind myself to breathe, again, and again, and again, if necessary. I hope you also remember to Just Breathe.
“Let go of the battle. Breathe quietly and let it be. Let your body relax and your heart soften. Open to whatever you experience without fighting.”
― Jack Kornfield, A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life
And take good care of yourself.
May you walk in beauty.
Here is what I’m listening to and watching right now — it’s beautiful, ——a perfect song and images for today!
[kad_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wRYjtvIYK0″ width=3 height= 2]
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