Wednesday, November 03, 2004
The Day After Yesterday
So, it looks like Bush is going to be President for another four years, eh? This news is enough to dishearten anyone who carries the dream of a more loving, more free, more ecological future in their heart. But if you stay disheartened for more than a moment, then maybe you need to read Revolution of One again. I know that I plan on doing so, because sometimes I need to relearn those lessons myself!
The change that you dream of in this life starts and ends with you. It's not about who wins or doesn't win a national election. It's about the content of your heart, and the actions that you take to follow your heart.
Think of the dandelion, with its bitter roots and leaves that give rise to such a bright and sunny flower. A dandelion seed may find itself alone in the center of a Wal-Mart Super Center parking lot. This little spot of ground is about as devoid of life and love and hope as the surface of the Earth can get short of a nuclear holocaust. And yet, does the dandelion even pause to examine its surroundings? No. It lays down its roots, forming the first crack in that vast expanse of blacktop and concrete. Before you know it, a tiny community of "weeds" may be growing in the crack exposed by such pioneer species.
Also, think of the tree. When a newly sprouting sapling lays down its first roots, would anyone guess what a majestic being is being born? It looks so small, and it may be surrounded by a barren wasteland. But trees are among the world's greatest gardeners. Simply by surviving, a tree transforms its environment. It creates a microclimate around itself that contributes to the flourishing of its companion species and the creation of a whole new ecosystem. All of this potential for revolutionary transformation is contained within a package that you can hold in the palm of your hand.
So, if you're feeling depressed about the results of this election, I have two pieces of advice.
First, take the time and effort to acknowledge and honor your feelings of depression, frustration, rage, despair, and so on. When you choose to live in your heart, these feelings often come with the territory. Be gentle with yourself, and whatever you do, don't try to deny or repress these very real feelings of sorrow in the presence of unpleasant circumstances.
Second, remember the lessons of the seeds -- the dandelion seeds, the tree seeds, and beyond. Whole ecosystems may be destroyed, but as long as a few good seeds survive, an entire world of potential is preserved within their flesh.
Each of us who carries a revolutionary love in our heart is one of those seeds. Nourish yourself -- protect your heart -- let your love become manifest in your life. Soon enough, like the dandelions overtaking the parking lot, or the trees clinging to bare rock, we will create the world of our dreams together.
1 comments
The change that you dream of in this life starts and ends with you. It's not about who wins or doesn't win a national election. It's about the content of your heart, and the actions that you take to follow your heart.
Think of the dandelion, with its bitter roots and leaves that give rise to such a bright and sunny flower. A dandelion seed may find itself alone in the center of a Wal-Mart Super Center parking lot. This little spot of ground is about as devoid of life and love and hope as the surface of the Earth can get short of a nuclear holocaust. And yet, does the dandelion even pause to examine its surroundings? No. It lays down its roots, forming the first crack in that vast expanse of blacktop and concrete. Before you know it, a tiny community of "weeds" may be growing in the crack exposed by such pioneer species.
Also, think of the tree. When a newly sprouting sapling lays down its first roots, would anyone guess what a majestic being is being born? It looks so small, and it may be surrounded by a barren wasteland. But trees are among the world's greatest gardeners. Simply by surviving, a tree transforms its environment. It creates a microclimate around itself that contributes to the flourishing of its companion species and the creation of a whole new ecosystem. All of this potential for revolutionary transformation is contained within a package that you can hold in the palm of your hand.
So, if you're feeling depressed about the results of this election, I have two pieces of advice.
First, take the time and effort to acknowledge and honor your feelings of depression, frustration, rage, despair, and so on. When you choose to live in your heart, these feelings often come with the territory. Be gentle with yourself, and whatever you do, don't try to deny or repress these very real feelings of sorrow in the presence of unpleasant circumstances.
Second, remember the lessons of the seeds -- the dandelion seeds, the tree seeds, and beyond. Whole ecosystems may be destroyed, but as long as a few good seeds survive, an entire world of potential is preserved within their flesh.
Each of us who carries a revolutionary love in our heart is one of those seeds. Nourish yourself -- protect your heart -- let your love become manifest in your life. Soon enough, like the dandelions overtaking the parking lot, or the trees clinging to bare rock, we will create the world of our dreams together.
1 comments
