Life , and political views, and sadly seems like most things evolve into a competition. And human nature sadly grabs hold, losing is not an option. When anyone backed into a corner, and especially if they can't logically explain why they are right, or better choice, they strike out with words, which in turns makes some strike out physically. I see it everywhere in relationships, friendships, all different degrees. When BOTH parties listen, and make an effort to understand, compromise for the good of group, pair, team, country, then things can and would get better. We need to remember when things worked, functioned, progress achieved, happiness and the pursuit of equality etc.... then we will know peace and this sphere will spin a little slower and we can breathe again. ☮️🐧
Bless your kind heart my friend. I've been deep into my writing the past two days. a couple of new songs that needed to be born. Sometimes songs evolve over time, honing and creating, often stopping and walking away and coming back. But these two were kind of right there - its kind of like when its time for a baby to be born - it requires all my attention in the moment and there is no walking away :-) I'll be posting a demo of one of them in my wednesday blog. I remember hearing a writer talking about her 80 year-old poet friend. She was walking along the water and a poem came to her. so she hustled home down the beach but by the time she got there the poem had nearly passed her by....so she had to reach out and grab the tail of the poem and pull it back to her—and she wrote the poem from the bottom up as she reeled it in. Yes, I usually try to attend to the things said here....so much wisdom and companionship, good questions, and kind hearts. So my apologies ...and again, so very very kind of you to notice. I'm touched my friend.
Carrie, having now watched many times the video of those awful moments, I have come to a single conclusion: I am moved by the incredible physical courage displayed by the Secret Service agents who used their own bodies to shield the former president. They all knew well that they could be struck by rifle fire at any moment, but I saw no hesitation. I am glad to know that there are still such people in the world. If I could, I would thank each one personally.
yes, a great deal of courage and faithfulness even when in mortal danger. I'm being very careful with these images though. I know there are things I must see and need to not turn away from. But there are also things that I know will haunt me and I will not be able to unsee. So I'm being very careful about viewing footage from this violence or any gun violence, to not normalize any of it. I do the same actually with violent movies or media. I choose carefully it seems these days. But I do agree...when someone puts themselves in the literal line of fire for another human being, it is humbling.
I think its good to be naming non-violence as "active". I think there is sometimes this misunderstanding of the term. It is anything but passive, and often the harder reach. thanks Michael....I still believe there are bridges and places we can meet, that conversations can still happen. I think its easier for me to believe that because I see it happen all the time with music and art. We still see one another at the heart of a song. It still can happen. even now.
Yes, that's something that always bothered me as well, calling non-violence passive. It's just the opposite. Building bridges can still happen. Good, vulnerable art, like your songs Carrie, do this so well.
Unfortunately, winner-take-all excludes far too many of us from executive power, creating a very high stakes controversy. Why can't we learn to share executive power like the Swiss, so women and minorities could be regularly represented in executive decisions? Donald, Hillary, the libertarian, and green could have figured out how to work together if required to share power in proportion to votes earned. The definition of insanity is keep doing what we've been doing and expect a different outcome. We might even require consensus, or at least super-majorities to provoke or escalate wars (worst thing we can do to our neighbors and our budget), as well as for using nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. When will we follow Jesus lead of seeing king and slave as equal, and share power together, rather than trying to exclude each other?
I sounds like you have perhaps spent time in Quaker community or so other community that has a tradition of working for consensus. It is a longer process sometimes, but its a very powerful experience. Working toward some kind of consensus requires we listen, we speak respectfully, we realize it might take time, it asks us to negotiate controversy with a bit more grace, and be willing to say sometimes - for the good of the whole, I will step back and not bar consensus. its messy and human, but also when decisions are made there is a great clarity and strength moving forward.
Yes, studied Introduction to Quakerism at ESR last semester, recently joined ILYM, and pursuing MDiv after 50 years of trying to figure out life purpose.
Grew up Presbyterian, and when called that seminary a Unitarian advisor said his Episcopalian priest advised spending a year with Unitarians and a year with Quakers. Had already studied history of world religions, and Prof. picked me as TA to grade papers, so knew Unitarian perspective, but not Quakers. Apparently great, great grandparents were Quakers in VA before Civil War, but got thrown out for "Gay Dancing," which is no surprise as our family loves music and a good reel gets us moving. Clearly a sign from God to look into Quakerism, which soon helped solve many long-time problems where politics of every stripe had failed.
Really hoped to see you live at Western YM (after 25+ years since Wesley Blue Note in Bloomington, IL where an ISU prof. invited me), but hospital steroids and high heat could have gone bad again. My nephew recently moved to IU-Bloomington, so more opportunities ahead.
First learned consensus in a vegetarian housing co-op at U of IL in early 2000s. Spent decades with all four political parties looking unsuccessfully for answers to war and many issues. Finally realized Jesus had the solutions all along, and Quakers rediscovered the critical need for equality to achieve lasting peace using consensus.
Particularly impressed Quakers reunified over slavery before the Civil War, which proved consensus may seem slow at first, but moves far faster than anything else long-term because we choose to listen to each other. Now convinced and currently sharing new insights with skeptical and very hierarchical National Catholics.
Carrie, as often happens, you gave thoughtful and beautiful language to the tangled mess of thoughts and feelings I am holding today. Your words were a gift to me, and I value and appreciate them. And I will study them, for they have much to teach about writing, deep spirituality, and reflection. Thank you. And please seek your own rest.
there is too much hate we all agree. You don't have to agree with people, as I have some friends who support the former President (I do not use his name, as I do not like to curse,) but at some point you have to back off, and not go down that rabbit hole of hate. I see where some blame Biden for his rhetoric, but is ok with rhetoric that came from January 6th. There has to be a better way
I agree with Phil's well expressed comment. A classmate said this morning that sadly this young man was relentlessly and mercilessly bullied in high school where he ate lunch alone. A tragedy all the way around.
Being alone is particularly hard on young people and women, and not easy for most older guys without very careful practices to balance excessive isolation. Covid isolation likely contributed to all these problem, and limited counselors are swamped with youth.
Life , and political views, and sadly seems like most things evolve into a competition. And human nature sadly grabs hold, losing is not an option. When anyone backed into a corner, and especially if they can't logically explain why they are right, or better choice, they strike out with words, which in turns makes some strike out physically. I see it everywhere in relationships, friendships, all different degrees. When BOTH parties listen, and make an effort to understand, compromise for the good of group, pair, team, country, then things can and would get better. We need to remember when things worked, functioned, progress achieved, happiness and the pursuit of equality etc.... then we will know peace and this sphere will spin a little slower and we can breathe again. ☮️🐧
I’m just a little concerned, dear Carrie, as it is unlike you to not comment on the comments. Holding you in the light tenderly.
Bless your kind heart my friend. I've been deep into my writing the past two days. a couple of new songs that needed to be born. Sometimes songs evolve over time, honing and creating, often stopping and walking away and coming back. But these two were kind of right there - its kind of like when its time for a baby to be born - it requires all my attention in the moment and there is no walking away :-) I'll be posting a demo of one of them in my wednesday blog. I remember hearing a writer talking about her 80 year-old poet friend. She was walking along the water and a poem came to her. so she hustled home down the beach but by the time she got there the poem had nearly passed her by....so she had to reach out and grab the tail of the poem and pull it back to her—and she wrote the poem from the bottom up as she reeled it in. Yes, I usually try to attend to the things said here....so much wisdom and companionship, good questions, and kind hearts. So my apologies ...and again, so very very kind of you to notice. I'm touched my friend.
Carrie, having now watched many times the video of those awful moments, I have come to a single conclusion: I am moved by the incredible physical courage displayed by the Secret Service agents who used their own bodies to shield the former president. They all knew well that they could be struck by rifle fire at any moment, but I saw no hesitation. I am glad to know that there are still such people in the world. If I could, I would thank each one personally.
yes, a great deal of courage and faithfulness even when in mortal danger. I'm being very careful with these images though. I know there are things I must see and need to not turn away from. But there are also things that I know will haunt me and I will not be able to unsee. So I'm being very careful about viewing footage from this violence or any gun violence, to not normalize any of it. I do the same actually with violent movies or media. I choose carefully it seems these days. But I do agree...when someone puts themselves in the literal line of fire for another human being, it is humbling.
Thanks for your call for non-violent action. It's something we need so much in our divisive world.
I think its good to be naming non-violence as "active". I think there is sometimes this misunderstanding of the term. It is anything but passive, and often the harder reach. thanks Michael....I still believe there are bridges and places we can meet, that conversations can still happen. I think its easier for me to believe that because I see it happen all the time with music and art. We still see one another at the heart of a song. It still can happen. even now.
Yes, that's something that always bothered me as well, calling non-violence passive. It's just the opposite. Building bridges can still happen. Good, vulnerable art, like your songs Carrie, do this so well.
I care very much and do my best to stay in the light your posts Carrie help. I wanted you to know that
Thank you
Unfortunately, winner-take-all excludes far too many of us from executive power, creating a very high stakes controversy. Why can't we learn to share executive power like the Swiss, so women and minorities could be regularly represented in executive decisions? Donald, Hillary, the libertarian, and green could have figured out how to work together if required to share power in proportion to votes earned. The definition of insanity is keep doing what we've been doing and expect a different outcome. We might even require consensus, or at least super-majorities to provoke or escalate wars (worst thing we can do to our neighbors and our budget), as well as for using nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. When will we follow Jesus lead of seeing king and slave as equal, and share power together, rather than trying to exclude each other?
I sounds like you have perhaps spent time in Quaker community or so other community that has a tradition of working for consensus. It is a longer process sometimes, but its a very powerful experience. Working toward some kind of consensus requires we listen, we speak respectfully, we realize it might take time, it asks us to negotiate controversy with a bit more grace, and be willing to say sometimes - for the good of the whole, I will step back and not bar consensus. its messy and human, but also when decisions are made there is a great clarity and strength moving forward.
Yes, studied Introduction to Quakerism at ESR last semester, recently joined ILYM, and pursuing MDiv after 50 years of trying to figure out life purpose.
Grew up Presbyterian, and when called that seminary a Unitarian advisor said his Episcopalian priest advised spending a year with Unitarians and a year with Quakers. Had already studied history of world religions, and Prof. picked me as TA to grade papers, so knew Unitarian perspective, but not Quakers. Apparently great, great grandparents were Quakers in VA before Civil War, but got thrown out for "Gay Dancing," which is no surprise as our family loves music and a good reel gets us moving. Clearly a sign from God to look into Quakerism, which soon helped solve many long-time problems where politics of every stripe had failed.
Really hoped to see you live at Western YM (after 25+ years since Wesley Blue Note in Bloomington, IL where an ISU prof. invited me), but hospital steroids and high heat could have gone bad again. My nephew recently moved to IU-Bloomington, so more opportunities ahead.
First learned consensus in a vegetarian housing co-op at U of IL in early 2000s. Spent decades with all four political parties looking unsuccessfully for answers to war and many issues. Finally realized Jesus had the solutions all along, and Quakers rediscovered the critical need for equality to achieve lasting peace using consensus.
Particularly impressed Quakers reunified over slavery before the Civil War, which proved consensus may seem slow at first, but moves far faster than anything else long-term because we choose to listen to each other. Now convinced and currently sharing new insights with skeptical and very hierarchical National Catholics.
Thank you for all you do to share the light!
Your songs are always a balm to my soul. Thank you!
Thank you for helping to keep us grounded Carrie
Carrie, as often happens, you gave thoughtful and beautiful language to the tangled mess of thoughts and feelings I am holding today. Your words were a gift to me, and I value and appreciate them. And I will study them, for they have much to teach about writing, deep spirituality, and reflection. Thank you. And please seek your own rest.
Thank you Jeff. A deep bow.
The darkness could not overcome the light
there is too much hate we all agree. You don't have to agree with people, as I have some friends who support the former President (I do not use his name, as I do not like to curse,) but at some point you have to back off, and not go down that rabbit hole of hate. I see where some blame Biden for his rhetoric, but is ok with rhetoric that came from January 6th. There has to be a better way
Sending hope and loving kindness to all.
I am here from Canada and I care and am holding all my American neighbors in the light. May we all find peace amongst this needless tragic event.
I agree with Phil's well expressed comment. A classmate said this morning that sadly this young man was relentlessly and mercilessly bullied in high school where he ate lunch alone. A tragedy all the way around.
Being alone is particularly hard on young people and women, and not easy for most older guys without very careful practices to balance excessive isolation. Covid isolation likely contributed to all these problem, and limited counselors are swamped with youth.
Sending love.