It’s hard to select a topic these days. It’s not that I can’t think of anything to say, it’s more about choosing a subject that is safe to explore in a public space. I feel like I have to be more cautious and not cross a line into something that might be perceived as political. I acknowledge that, as a friend once said, the fact that I started a school nearly 50 years ago, could be viewed as a political act. Nevertheless, I’m feeling extra cautious about my commentary of our world.
Whenever I get to this place that feels tricky and overwhelming, I return to a practice I learned from my yoga teacher years ago. It’s a practice of asking myself what is true. I make a list of what feels true at the moment. Here’s my current list:
- Everything changes.
- What is difficult now will eventually transform into something else.
- Kindness matters in big and small ways.
- Good people are doing good things in the world even if we don’t always see them.
- At the Seed we show up on a daily basis to make the world a better place.
- Compassion is a generous way to relieve suffering.
- Every word that comes out of my mouth, and the intention behind it, matters.
- Taking time to notice small things opens awareness of how to handle larger issues.
- Looking for the good elevates the way we live in the world.
- Our community is precious and all are welcome.
Writing this list isn’t going to solve all the world’s problems or even my own set of challenges. But it does help me pause to remember that I have choices and can make small adjustments to improve my quality of life. In so doing, perhaps I can be of better service to those whose lives touch mine.