People Get Ready

Each day, from before daylight when I awaken to when I fall asleep at night, I focus on remaining present to the love and beauty that still exists in my life, even in the face of the evil that besets our world.  When I see fledgling birds at my feeders looking at me with wonder in their bright, new eyes, or marvel at the towering cumulus clouds that bloom over the mesas each afternoon, white against a cerulean sky, I am grateful to be alive and able to see such beauty.  The people, animals, and plants in my life, like my tomato plants laden with ripening fruit, bring love into my heart.  Until we find passage through this time of darkness, I am committed to embracing my life as a miracle every day. 

Yes, I feel anger at the constant lies, bullying, and criminal self-dealing in evidence among the ruling elites of my beloved country. I feel disgust at the attitudes and ignorance of many fellow Americans hold that have led to the loss of rights for women, LGBTQ people, immigrants, students, and people of color because those rights threaten the dominance of (mostly) white, rich, and powerful men and women. I am deeply sad about the rejection of science, medicine, education, the arts, and the rule of law, which will make us more ignorant, less secure, sicker, less inspired and less free. My heart breaks knowing that we are a country that aids and abets children being blown apart while going for water in Gaza, innocent people being held incommunicado in “detention centers,” and people going hungry amid plenty.

I take a little time each day to keep current with the signs of our descent into this hell we may not escape in my lifetime. Then, I walk away. I cannot remain transfixed and miserable. Raging and grieving won't save us. Disgust and despair harm our mental health. To resist effectively, we must accept that this is really happening, now. People are choosing to do wicked things out of greed and hatred and because they can, while others either enable or ignore it. Autocracy will take deeper root in our country until enough of us rise up to change it. To achieve this, we need to be strong, resilient, connected to ourselves and each other, and willing to work hard, which requires hope, joy, gratitude, fighting spirit and the courage to persevere. 

I encourage everyone who finds themselves on an emotional roller coaster now to get off right away. Get in shape for the fight ahead.  Dunk yourself in a cold ocean or under a cold shower.  Go for a brisk walk or a run in a place where you can see the sky.  Buy a fresh baguette, a wedge of cheese, and a jar of olives and make a picnic. Feast on watermelon, peaches, tomatoes and sweet corn instead of sugar and alcohol. Spend an hour communing with your child, dog, cat, spouse, or neighbor.  Call your mother, if she’s still alive, and tell her you appreciate her. Listen to your favorite music.  Go to a museum or a gallery and absorb art.  Invite a friend over to watch a funny movie and don’t talk politics.  Light a candle and meditate at sunset.  Do something that feels really good and isn’t harmful to anyone.

Then, when you are feeling balanced and nourished, ask yourself, “What can I do to resist tyranny? What nonviolent, conscious actions can I take every day to express my support for decency and democracy?  How can I find a balance so I can love my life and also fight for justice?  How can I keep strong, willing and happy while also facing reality?  Then, please, let me know what you discover. Tell me about what you are doing that works in an email to cedar@cedarkoons.com . When I get enough replies I’ll write about them.  Acting from our values feels good and has been shown to strengthen us--let's do more of it!

Hang in there, Bodhisattvas, this is a long game.