New to this community- and oh my. My heart is full. Full of love and hope. What an unexpected delight. I was (am) also the funny one - attuned to things many others didn’t seem to see/hear/know - and continue to be the one who asks the questions that aren’t meant to be asked. (But need to be). What a joy to find you all.
You can do this hard thing. A kind word to a stranger. A pittance of your time, attention, or kindness to ignite another’s fortune. Meeting a stranger’s eyes instead of looking away. You may find a need there. Speaking softly and thoughtfully when the winds are whirling with shouts and dissension. Every point is the start for a line of thought. Being present in the company of others and BEing present in a moment for yourself.
We need to keep moving from rule of nepotistic monarchy to rule of a minority to rule of majority, and proceed to rule of supermajority to consensus minus one to consensus to spiritual union. Then everyone is included equally and we eventually get sustainable peace by avoiding selfish force. With shared executive power, women and minorities regularly share a seat, voice, and vote, ensuring better decisions for all in the long-run. Who prefers autocratic unilateral executives in both parties dragging us into endless wars?
In this troubled time, I am often at a loss for words; sometimes afraid to speak the words I know need to be spoken. These words speak to and for me, in this community, as a way to find courage in the word 'belonging':
Sustainable peace requires the equality of consensus (spiritual union), not the force of majority rules, which even most churches use despite Jesus making clear the beggar, king, and leper are all equal.
We need shared power, in proportion to votes earned, particularly at the executive level to end winner-take-all (exclude everyone else…non-billionaires). We need multiple political parties based on inspirational themes, such as Quaker SPICES, to avoid dividing us by uncontrollable race, gender, disability, age, etc.
I smiled as I read about your Aussie mix. I had two Aussies, both loyal and true. One deaf, whom I taught Native American Sign Language, he was my protector and soul dog. His sister was sweet and fiercely fabulous, they both had the joyful Aussie smiles and I miss them still today. It is my favorite breed. They were courageous, funny and my “Velcro dogs”. (You do know “dog” is “God” spelled backwards….unconditional love all the way). I get my dog fix for the time being with my neighbors fur babies.
Unlike our four legged friends there is scant respect for opposite sides and agitators don’t make it better. It sure makes it hard to decide the best way to keep peace. On many campuses, there is a frightening element of anti semitism that has become pervasive. Violence to uphold peace is never the answer, but fear has become a real force since pandemic and PTSD has unleashed its own crazy response to the unhinged.
Deep breaths would be a wise practice for all to practice. My dad always said “ count to 10 before you say or do something you haven’t thought through.” Wise man, although when I was young I never quite paid attention to that wisdom gem. Hindsight is 20/20.
It’s easy to stir up emotions, much like pack mentality. But cooler heads must prevail, the adults don’t need snipers drawing a bead on students.
Like John and Yoko sang in the bed “all we are saying, is give peace a chance”. Perhaps if they pipe that in Through the speakers at campuses, voices will be raised on all sides in common accord.
One can only hope…perhaps they need to gnaw on a bone, tug on a rope, or chase a tennis ball to get their ya-yas out.
Now I’m going to go to my neighbors for the love of a dog, and the grace of God...
Kiss Lili on the nose for me , scratch under her chin and let those soulful eyes bring calm to your spirit.
We have an Aussie Shepherd mix with heeler. He is a rescue dog, tan/black/red coat, almost 5. He is loving and fierce and treats my husband as the Big Dog. He is protective of me, and careful not to make me say No!
WOW! How this share opens my heart and enjoys the imagery of each of you, Carrie and Lily, having each other's back. In my work with couples-we often work towards that practice of connecting over and over to sending and receiving the message , "I Get You-I Got You.". (aka love).
This community shares a soul connection-a connection with heart and mind and rhythm. Your music. Your poetry. Your love and concern for this world and those who share it shines a light on the path...
We are all walking each other home! Thank you Ram Dass Thank You Carrie Newcomer. Thank you Community.
I had a glimpse of this post early morning, before work, and in a hurry, only sensed, that this was a piece deserving to be read in quiet time, paying full attention. Now, when all the work, chores and errands of the day are done, I've read it slowly aloud. What a wonderful, courageous, and wise post!
***
A pack of coyotes seems to be stronger than a single dog (no matter how brave a defender she is), or a single human; but their predatory plans dissolve in the face of solidarity.
This is what autocrats and tyrants are most afraid of: solidarity. This is the recipe for all who face a predator: "Together we stand, divided we fall."
Wisdom shows that communal soul spurs its magic at the center of a good song, at the heart of an "honest human story of love, grief, joy, suffering or humor," when we turn to wonder and "stop lining up on either side of an intractable statement and instead meet "around the CREATIVE "heart of our most important questions." I think a new course rises when we deeply pause, wait and reference in silence the anguish and sorrow within. Pausing, taking time, before acting is hardest of all. We need ritual and training if we are going to embody it. Too often people in charge put legal council, finances, and insurance anxieties before the cry for help! Training for the long game of deep listening is needed. I'm curious where protests are happening and the University is not acting with violence?
"Courage has everything to do with loving something or someone enough to brave the scary parts." made it into my journal this morning. Thank you! It's easier to be brave for something or someone--a thing I need to remember when I'm anxious.
Carrie, Thank you, as always, for speaking new life into my often weary heart! Your words and your songs, filled with truth and love and wonder and awe, are such treasures! THANK YOU!
New to this community- and oh my. My heart is full. Full of love and hope. What an unexpected delight. I was (am) also the funny one - attuned to things many others didn’t seem to see/hear/know - and continue to be the one who asks the questions that aren’t meant to be asked. (But need to be). What a joy to find you all.
You can do this hard thing. A kind word to a stranger. A pittance of your time, attention, or kindness to ignite another’s fortune. Meeting a stranger’s eyes instead of looking away. You may find a need there. Speaking softly and thoughtfully when the winds are whirling with shouts and dissension. Every point is the start for a line of thought. Being present in the company of others and BEing present in a moment for yourself.
We need to keep moving from rule of nepotistic monarchy to rule of a minority to rule of majority, and proceed to rule of supermajority to consensus minus one to consensus to spiritual union. Then everyone is included equally and we eventually get sustainable peace by avoiding selfish force. With shared executive power, women and minorities regularly share a seat, voice, and vote, ensuring better decisions for all in the long-run. Who prefers autocratic unilateral executives in both parties dragging us into endless wars?
In this troubled time, I am often at a loss for words; sometimes afraid to speak the words I know need to be spoken. These words speak to and for me, in this community, as a way to find courage in the word 'belonging':
"Alone as we are, our small voices
weave into the one big conversation".
Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
from the poem, Belonging
Sustainable peace requires the equality of consensus (spiritual union), not the force of majority rules, which even most churches use despite Jesus making clear the beggar, king, and leper are all equal.
We need shared power, in proportion to votes earned, particularly at the executive level to end winner-take-all (exclude everyone else…non-billionaires). We need multiple political parties based on inspirational themes, such as Quaker SPICES, to avoid dividing us by uncontrollable race, gender, disability, age, etc.
Another beautiful, timely reminder, Carrie, for these challenging times. May we all protect who and what we love.
I smiled as I read about your Aussie mix. I had two Aussies, both loyal and true. One deaf, whom I taught Native American Sign Language, he was my protector and soul dog. His sister was sweet and fiercely fabulous, they both had the joyful Aussie smiles and I miss them still today. It is my favorite breed. They were courageous, funny and my “Velcro dogs”. (You do know “dog” is “God” spelled backwards….unconditional love all the way). I get my dog fix for the time being with my neighbors fur babies.
Unlike our four legged friends there is scant respect for opposite sides and agitators don’t make it better. It sure makes it hard to decide the best way to keep peace. On many campuses, there is a frightening element of anti semitism that has become pervasive. Violence to uphold peace is never the answer, but fear has become a real force since pandemic and PTSD has unleashed its own crazy response to the unhinged.
Deep breaths would be a wise practice for all to practice. My dad always said “ count to 10 before you say or do something you haven’t thought through.” Wise man, although when I was young I never quite paid attention to that wisdom gem. Hindsight is 20/20.
It’s easy to stir up emotions, much like pack mentality. But cooler heads must prevail, the adults don’t need snipers drawing a bead on students.
Like John and Yoko sang in the bed “all we are saying, is give peace a chance”. Perhaps if they pipe that in Through the speakers at campuses, voices will be raised on all sides in common accord.
One can only hope…perhaps they need to gnaw on a bone, tug on a rope, or chase a tennis ball to get their ya-yas out.
Now I’m going to go to my neighbors for the love of a dog, and the grace of God...
Kiss Lili on the nose for me , scratch under her chin and let those soulful eyes bring calm to your spirit.
You can do this hard thing. Thanks for sharing.
We have an Aussie Shepherd mix with heeler. He is a rescue dog, tan/black/red coat, almost 5. He is loving and fierce and treats my husband as the Big Dog. He is protective of me, and careful not to make me say No!
WOW! How this share opens my heart and enjoys the imagery of each of you, Carrie and Lily, having each other's back. In my work with couples-we often work towards that practice of connecting over and over to sending and receiving the message , "I Get You-I Got You.". (aka love).
This community shares a soul connection-a connection with heart and mind and rhythm. Your music. Your poetry. Your love and concern for this world and those who share it shines a light on the path...
We are all walking each other home! Thank you Ram Dass Thank You Carrie Newcomer. Thank you Community.
I had a glimpse of this post early morning, before work, and in a hurry, only sensed, that this was a piece deserving to be read in quiet time, paying full attention. Now, when all the work, chores and errands of the day are done, I've read it slowly aloud. What a wonderful, courageous, and wise post!
***
A pack of coyotes seems to be stronger than a single dog (no matter how brave a defender she is), or a single human; but their predatory plans dissolve in the face of solidarity.
This is what autocrats and tyrants are most afraid of: solidarity. This is the recipe for all who face a predator: "Together we stand, divided we fall."
Wisdom shows that communal soul spurs its magic at the center of a good song, at the heart of an "honest human story of love, grief, joy, suffering or humor," when we turn to wonder and "stop lining up on either side of an intractable statement and instead meet "around the CREATIVE "heart of our most important questions." I think a new course rises when we deeply pause, wait and reference in silence the anguish and sorrow within. Pausing, taking time, before acting is hardest of all. We need ritual and training if we are going to embody it. Too often people in charge put legal council, finances, and insurance anxieties before the cry for help! Training for the long game of deep listening is needed. I'm curious where protests are happening and the University is not acting with violence?
"Courage has everything to do with loving something or someone enough to brave the scary parts." made it into my journal this morning. Thank you! It's easier to be brave for something or someone--a thing I need to remember when I'm anxious.
I am greatful for this substack community that chooses love. I walk with you in solidarity.
Thank you Carrie for a beautiful story and a great message.
Carrie, Thank you, as always, for speaking new life into my often weary heart! Your words and your songs, filled with truth and love and wonder and awe, are such treasures! THANK YOU!