Lights Up In Shadow
I was presented with the following writing prompt: How is your current life “the best of times/the worst of times”.
This is how I responded:
War, suffering, death are tales as old as time
yet it cuts deep
with a freshly sharpened blade
or with course blunted grit
Now.
Why does this feel new or different?
Because of social media? Our portals around the world. Has this cleared away the blurriness of distance?
Of them.
We are us.
And we are suffering.
What you do unto my own, you do unto me.
And now, in the darkness, is when the GOOD in humanity will shine through.
Sitting vigil and honoring the lives we’ve lost.
Offering warmth and comfort to those who hurt.
Sharing space in the great in-between.
SILENCE is not indifference
when it is filled with quiet contemplation
reflection prayer meditation.
Our languages confuse
because we use different words to describe these
very HUMAN
actions
feelings
thoughts
beliefs.
When we simplify our language
to
the
visceral human language of love compassion and hope
we find our common ground.
Now more than ever
we must remember
and shine a light on
OUR COMMON GROUND.
Our shared planet
species
air
breath
water
ethereal spirit
Somehow connected across universe
space
and
time.
Like a ripple in a pond
Light breeze through a chime
Our waves coming to shore
We bring our love
compassion
We bring our open hearts.
When we feel boundaries
barriers
fences
OTHERING
We use that as a reminder to open our hearts further.
Because by opening our hearts to the world
the universe
the universe
and the world
reflect that open-hearted
heart-forward love
to us.
In closing, I am sending BOUNDLESS love and light to you.
Turn your light on.
Turn your light on.
Turn your light on.
Love,
Jessie
PS: For those cynics, those lost in hopelessness, those who are filled with despair right now. Rest here a minute. Get comfortable in the discomfort. Then, look at this moment as AFOG. (AFOG, you say?). Yes, this encouraging acronym came to me from Dr. Thoele (creator of the 3 Minute Mental Makeover). AFOG is part of having a growth mindset (where we let our minds change and grow as we learn new things). AFOG is what we call to mind in tough times, and it means I’m looking at this moment as: Another Fucking Opportunity for Growth.
:) Amen, my dude.