I met a young man once who was born in a refugee settlement along the coast of West Africa.

His father and eldest brother had been killed in a ‘police initiated action’ – a political storm for which they had no shelter. His mother pleaded each day for the basics of human survival; until that fateful day when she herself finally succumbed.

“I was so angry,” he said. “Just a child, and already I knew the dialogue of hate.”

He went on to describe how he had learned to steady a weapon, having been told to ‘take aim at those responsible.’

And yet, this man who sat before me today still held the essence of hope in his eyes.

“The important thing,” he said with warmth to his smile. “We mustn’t let fear steal our humanity.”

I remember this to be one of those life-altering conversations, one whose message would resonate for years to come.

“We mustn’t let fear steal our humanity.”

I’m thinking of his words this morning as I face seemingly impossible odds. I am thinking of my friends, my family and all of the beautiful hearts who gather here each day. I’m thinking of my ability to maintain this community, which has become my life’s work and constant source of joy.

I find myself connecting with this young man’s heart, knowing his words were intended for this moment right here.

Fear has a way of reducing the heart’s aperture. In a moment, boundlessness may be reduced to a single pinpoint in time. We may feel overwhelmed, we may tuck away – we may ultimately retreat.

But, under no circumstances should we allow fear to steal our humanity.

We cling to safety, presuming it may dissipate fear, though in reality – it only serves to obscure the boundaries of this present moment.

In this present moment, we become fully aware of our own humanity. We exist in the much broader context of a limitless universe.

Alan Watts once wrote that safety is an illusion; and that we create our own suffering through safety’s pursuit.

We mustn’t choose safety over humanity’s purpose.

And so, today, in spite of my fear – I choose to be here. Today, in spite of my fear – I choose all of you.

Yes, there may be difficulties ahead – though, this community?

Is both my heart and my purpose.

“We mustn’t let fear steal our humanity.”

Oh, my goodness – yes. For in the end, it is precisely this fear which shall reveal our inner truth.

In peace, my loves ~

Namaste ❤️