I purposely stayed offline Tuesday night. An early morning training at the high school kept me offline on Wednesday morning... really, I just didn't want to think about it any more than I had to. Listening to the presenter continue on about our latest assessment tool, I got a text and took time to read it: "Omg, Trump won." Stunned, I lost track of what the presenter was telling us. This, I did not expect, though I did not support the other candidate either. I was able to commiserate with a couple of co-workers and forced my mind back to the present. Once we were dismissed, I drove on to my small and remote school, reminding myself that I needed to be there for my students - just focus on that and make it through the day - and breathe...peace and focus, calm and ease, the present moment is all that is necessary.
Once I arrived, I was able to talk with my assistant who expressed fear for herself, her children, her people, the indigenous of our land who have been overlooked and mistreated since the arrival of our country's founders. Her fear was palpable, her concerns more than valid given what has been voiced by the president elect, not only in the past year but in years prior over foiled business deals. We continued our conversation at stolen moments throughout the morning. A few children commented on the election results, but no class discussion ensued as I just could not... nor could I recite the pledge of allegiance at the afternoon's Veteran's Day assembly. Later, when most everyone had gone home, another friend came to commiserate saying that her 11 year old son cried at the news fearing for his future. She also had a younger student in the school crying because he thinks he will be deported.
This morning, it was even harder for me to accept the reality of the state of our country - those painful emotions always take time to rise to the surface for me. I sought solace in reading thoughts from a blog I've recently begun to follow and especially liked the letter I've included at the bottom of this post.
Tonight, I just sit. I've read one blog post reminding me to reject fear about a future that has not happened yet (thank you!) and a couple of articles offering different viewpoints and experiences. This impacts so many - all minorities (and there are many). I've also been watching a PBS series, "God in America", that offers background to where we are today. All the words are 'in the hopper' awaiting attention.
The emotions continue to ebb and flow as I am now taking time to let them. Questions come and go. What's to become of us? How will this affect us in our daily lives? What about all my tribal children? Will they be safe? Life is already hard enough for so many. My heart aches for all of us.
Breathe... Everything changes - that is the one constant we can depend on. Care for those in my life. Accept the present as it is...
The words of a wise Jedi master come to mind tonight. Worth pondering they are:
"Fear leads to anger,
Anger leads to hate,
Hate leads to suffering."
Perhaps this is what has brought this country of my birth to its present state.
******************
"The unthinkable has come to pass and we now find ourselves living in a country led by a person many have assessed as deeply harmful. His actions will be enabled by a Republican Senate and House, and in time, conservative Supreme Court. For many of us, this is a terrifying moment, as we consider the potential destructiveness of such a government both domestically and internationally.
The 2016 election has brought out the ugliest and most painful part of the American psyche, and for now, that fearful and hateful aspect of our culture is in control. The forces of reactivity, strengthened by the pace of demographic and social change that is so hard for humans to adapt to, roar and overtake reasonable discourse.
Although the American Dharma community is not politically homogeneous, those who take up the Buddhist path tend to envision a compassionate world based in racial equity, social justice, environmental healing, respect for women, inclusion, tolerance, and more. These values seem to be the opposite of those shortly assuming power in our government. It is hard to know, at times, how to love the haters, find tolerance for the intolerant. It tests our values of compassion to the very ends of it. But here is where we may find the potential for real practice, real spiritual challenge and depth. Though we don’t know what lies ahead for our country, let us count on these values and amplify them in our spiritual friendship with each other and our communities.
Over the next few days, some of you may experience many of the same feelings that one feels with despair and grief. At times, numb. Other times, angry. The mind will seek out whom to blame, including oneself. Fear, anxiety, and catastrophizing may all be states of mind that immobilize and even crush the will to do even the simplest things, like eat and shower.
Give yourself a huge amount of room to experience all of this, and take care not to get swept away by it. Know what you are feeling, and hold that with tenderness. And in the meantime, eat, go to work, carry on with your routines. It is in this time that being with friends physically, with ample of social interaction, can be soothing. Do not go online too much — it just uselessly whips up the energy and will leave you feeling drained. Go outside, get fresh air.
And perhaps the very best way to combat the intensity of dread is to help others. Do something for someone less fortunate. Giving and caring is truly the best way to relieve anxiety. Hug the people who are distraught. Reach gently for the hand of a targeted “out-group” person — a person of color, immigrant, disabled person, person of a non-Christian religion, assaulted person — and let that person know you stand by them and will do everything you can to work toward a society that is safe, caring, and kind for all its citizens and guests.
A historic moment like this can shake us from complacency and cause us to awaken to the interconnection of our lives with all life. This is the potential. For now, take some time to get your bearings, while keeping the longterm vision in mind.
Rev. Sumi Loundon Kim
Minister, Buddhist Families of Durham"
1 comment:
What an excellent letter of understanding and compassion. Great advice I am going to take!
<3
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