On Tuesday morning, the day of America’s notorious election, I took my daily walk. For a brief moment I gazed at the sky to see a cloud formation that reminded me of Arizona’s flag. At that particular time I wasn’t even thinking about the election, I was reflecting on a fleeting but meaningful friendship I’d had with a friend who died of cancer last week. I was remembering her and how much she influenced my life in a short time. Just like our friendship, the cloud formation vanished as quickly as it appeared and I moved on through my day. I felt hopeful and inspired.
Over the years I’ve tried to keep a low profile with my political views, due to the nature of my work and out of respect for those near and dear to me who hold a different perspective. For the last 24 hours I’ve tried to write about the campaign and election in an objective way, describing how the process in general has affected me. I realized this morning I cannot, because I do not feel objective right now. So I will write what is getting me through these days and what I plan to do moving forward.
First, I show up at the Seed every day. I can’t think of a time when the Seed’s mission is more important: “Awakening Seed is an innovative, compassionate learning community that inspires global citizens by fostering curiosity, celebrating uniqueness, and promoting social justice.” The “celebrating uniqueness” and “promoting social justice” pieces are of particular significance. As human beings who are still learning how to be with one another, we will continue our daily practices of kindness and reflective living. In so doing, we help children see that even though we falter occasionally, everything we do and every human being matters. I have been greatly inspired by posts of many Seed alums in the last few days. As I read their words I know the Seed mission is alive and social justice will prevail in the hands of such wise, articulate humans.
Late Wednesday I received an email from my longtime friend in Maine who thought I’d like reading what their local principal, John E. Paige, sent out to his staff. Here is part of his message:
“ ‘The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to crush others. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished.’
― Ming-Dao Deng, Everyday Tao: Living with Balance and Harmony
So today, my advice to you all is to continue to be ‘the body that pulls an entire ocean from shore to shore.’ Be ‘faithful to your nature’ and continue to teach our children with love and kindness, stay on course and let the future take care of itself.”
I couldn’t have said it better and I’m confident the sun will continue to rise as we figure this out together.