Finding Your Power in a Time of Chaos
The secret of change is to focus all of your energy,
not on fighting the old, but on building the new.
... Socrates
As we approach the transfer of political power in the United States, most of us are still trying to make sense of the outpouring of hatred and violence that is threatening a peaceful transition.
This is the culmination of politics that for years was designed to divide us through messages of hate and fear, and recent rhetoric that was designed to turn that hate and fear into violent action.
As a result, the stability of our government and our society is at stake.
As I was sorting out my thoughts and feelings about what I see happening to our country, I came across a message from Krista Tippett of The On Being Project
Krista wrote “We are creatures made, again and again, by what would break us.”
I believe that she is right.
This is a time that could break us. It will also give us the opportunity to find the strength and wisdom within us to meet the challenges. When enough of us do that, we will be transformed, and so will our world.
But at the moment, it feels like a time of darkness in our country and around our planet.
I am reminded of a message from Valarie Kaur, founder of The Revolutionary Love Project. She asks us to consider: Is what we are experiencing “the darkness of the tomb or the darkness of the womb.”
I like the analogy of the womb. As the time of birth approaches, the mother reaches a point of severe pain, with contractions coming rapidly, one after another. Many women have said it felt like dying.
The technical term for that part of the birth process is transition.
The mother is reminded to breathe through the pain. Soon after, she gets the urge to push the baby out. As hard as it is, she is told to push through the pain.
Breathe, then push. Breathe, then push.
Soon, a new life is born.
If we can see the transition we are going through now as the birthing of a new world, we can see that the turmoil and chaos will pass. The good news is that we each get to contribute to what comes next.
Breathe. Take long, deep breaths to get your balance.
Then push. Take whatever action you can take to support the birth of the new world that you want to see rise out of the chaos.
We are being called to counter hate and fear with the transforming power of love, which shows up in every act of kindness, no matter how big or small it may seem.
This is a time to claim the power of love, knowing that we can help birth the new world that will emerge from the chaos.
What are your thoughts? Please leave a comment below.
Help us spread the message of kindness.
If you know others who might appreciate these ideas, please share below.
We’re grateful that you are on this journey with us.
With love from our hearts to yours,
Pat and Larry
