Sunup2Sundown. Tu-2
Inspiration and insights come from the everyday occurrences that should be recognized as magic - the rising sun, the rich patterns of the skies, the close of a day that tells us: All is well for now. We don't have much to say about these miracles that happen every day. If you are lucky none of it is disrupted by fires, quakes, incendiary devices, or just plain bad luck.
Yesterday was one of the blessings that could be taken for granted but for the fact that the sharing of love and care completely overshadowed any tendency to miss the chance for gratitude. It has been about a year since we last saw old friends who live in Napa and are still among the kind of friends that would be even closer but for the time-space distance. A perfect afternoon to share a meal in the garden, a beautiful assortment of color from the plants and flowers that filled the yard, and an uplifting conversation about the way in which a new generation of activists are using communication tools and technology to ensure that social change moves in the direction of supporting children, families, and those who are vulnerable because of ideas that are born out of "warrior" talk. We have lived through two years of that ridiculousness. Lives have been lost and many more have been put at risk.
We are unbelievably lucky because we are in a position to support a generation of people who see opportunities to use their talents and energy to preserve humanity in a time when cynicism, self-centered interests, and materialism have reached an all-time high. Books have been written about the damage that modernity has brought. Podcasts have been prodcued that focus on the need to remember that compassion and empathy are human qualities that artifical intelligence might gain knowledge about, but could never feel because machines are machines.
We are living in a time of huge potential to shift in the direction of saving lives, honoring our role as stewards of this planet, and weaving together the wisdom cultures of the world to grow our capacity to move into big love. This moment feels like an opening that is at once precious and precarious. There is no clear answer as to how decisions will be made by those who have inherited the mantle of leadership in this moment. The hope is for the values of generosity and patience to stay anchored, and to understand that whatever brought each one into the lion's den of making social change through politics will survive being swallowed up by ego, money, delusion.
As each day passes, and as those days will move into weeks, months, and years and the chance to manifest the wisdom of the ancestors will be presented over and over again. The days are short as well as long in the world of political play. Hopefully, the people who have been invited in to lead will remember to notice each day's gift, will take time to share a meal with old friends, and will know that they are unbelievably lucky to live in this moment.