FALL APART AND REBUILD FROM THE HEART

Photo taken in Kyoto, Japan

*A NOTE FROM THE FALL OF 2017*

Last Friday was the Autumnal equinox, marking the official end of Summer. It’s been a bittersweet summer and difficult to imagine moving onto the next season when so many are still dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters, violence, and terrorism over the last few  months. Temperatures reached record highs across the globe. The west coast was (and still is!) burning with wild forest fires, the South and the Caribbean were slammed by hurricanes and flooding, while a devastating earth quake has left parts of México in a critical state. All of this happening as the political “leaders" of one of the most powerful and influential countries are still in denial of climate change and choose to turn a blind eye to an ever bold and violent white supremacist presence in our society.    

There is heated dialogue, dispair, and the lives of millions in serious danger over the constantly falling pieces of our country. It seems the advancements in race relations, gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and social justice are being reversed and halted with the quick snap of filthy fingers.  

I’m not here to disagree or make light of the damage that recent events and decisions are causing. My question is what can we create when everything we value as a civil and just society is being torn apart, denied, or taken away? We can only fight and resist for so long before running on empty. Supporting and taking care of others requires that we take care of ourselves as best we can. That kind of support and care requires time and effort to cultivate, but it is something that no one can take away from you. So as we fight and resist what we can’t stand for, we must also actively build and create what we truly live for. How else will those in denial of real love and acceptance see how it’s done?!  

As nature transitions into Fall, life will continue to show us how things are falling apart. It’s up to us to decide how to build ourselves and the space around us back together again. It’s never too late to make a change or do something differently. If the world can be better, then so can we. Every day is a new opportunity to show up in a way we haven't before.