Today I learned that I am not at all relieved with the way this election turned out. I am not joyous, I am not vindicated; if anything I am aware. While I do celebrate that we have a black woman as Vice President Elect and a proven experienced leader as President Elect, I am not at all comforted by the trajectory my country is set upon. It is clear there is a gaping wound, a vast divide in the United States. I would go so far as to say the very word “united” ceases to exist. What I am sharing here is my opinion, my story through this learning experience. It is not facts, of course there will be some thoughts based on factual information but please remember this is one person speaking on their truth, not THE truth that is meant to be manipulated, persuaded or forced upon anyone else. If you are reading this, I would encourage you to listen, to be still, to be open.
If I were to guess, if I asked every American to give me a one word response to why the voted for the presidential candidate of his or her choice, I would think there would be a pretty limited vocabulary of answers. Words perhaps like freedom, democracy, good, evil, justice. Why are we at such odds in seeking the same things? I like to think we humans all are after the same things: things we need: love, health, safety, and peace. Over the years, l’ve noticed that I can trace everything down a path to needing to love or be loved, needing to be healthy/safe or provide heath/safety for others, or to create peace for myself or be a part of creating peace for others. If there is fear or anger there is usually an absence of one of those four. If I am in pain or sad, usually an absence of one of those four things. If I think about the people who have hurt me the most over the years and really listen or see the whole picture, it is because that person was not loved, not healthy, not safe, and or not at peace. What makes me happiest? Being healthy and safe, seeing others having the same, being at and creating peace for others, and most of all loving and being loved.
I wonder what our country, our world would look like if each of us would listen to the other about what makes us feel loved, safe, healthy and peaceful. Can we find ways to ensure that everyone has these four things without bringing harm to another? I am a realist to know that it is unlikely we may ever get to that end but I for one am willing to move forward imperfectly in pursuit of this. I am willing to listen and accept. I want to know what makes you feel loved, healthy, safe, and at peace. Would you do the same for me, for others? Would you do the same for yourself? I for one feel loved when I love, I feel safer knowing others are safe, I am healthy in providing ways for others to be healthy, and find peace in fostering peace for others.
I will leave you with one of the best quotes for these times even if it is getting a lot of use these days. I will share in a non biased way in the words of RBG: “fight for things you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you”.
May we all be loved, may we all be safe, may we all be healthy, may we all find peace.
My ears are open, I am ready to listen.
Love, light and peace be with you,