It’s difficult, sometimes, to be a human of this world.

Day after day we experience the tragedy of intolerance, abjectivity and political unrest. Those of us who are mindful may question the integrity of a system that does not view a man for that which he is — the entirety of a life’s path we can’t possibly know.

Often these events serve to remind us of the impermanent nature of our own lives, as we struggle to find that softness of breath within.

Knee-jerk reaction might compel us to ‘respond in force’. Though, in doing so, are we not losing the better part of our own humanity?

As I view the injustices from last evenings post, I can’t help but to think of a question once posed to the venerable Thich Nhat Hanh. Simply, “what is the most difficult aspect of a spiritual practice?”

He thought for a moment before answering simply; “Not to allow yourself to be overwhelmed by despair — that is the hardest thing. Because when you are overwhelmed by despair, that is the worst thing that can happen to you.”

Indeed, when we are overwhelmed, we lose our capacity to remain truly open. Our hearts shift under the burden of ‘not fully knowing’, as the mind struggles to find our peace within.

Immediately, we may feel angry, perhaps even outraged. Certainly, unwilling to offer space to any aspect of this unfolding.

But, space is where it begins, my loves. Likewise, maintaining the energy of equanimity and compassion, that is where our collective healing begins.

Healing for ourselves for having witnessed such pain.

Healing for those directly impacted.

Healing for those acting upon their own internal suffering.

And, we most respond to each with the integrity of a heart, undeterred.

“We can begin right now,” Thay said. “to practice calming our anger, looking deeply at the roots of hatred and violence in our society and in our world, and listening with compassion in order to hear and understand what we’ve not yet had the capacity to hear and understand…When we have listened and looked deeply, we may begin to develop the energy of brotherhood and sisterhood between all (beings).”

Though difficult, at times – my darlings, compassion is the only one true way.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️