We are living through an extraordinary period of time. With a pandemic, social unrest, racial injustice, economic uncertainty, political polarization, climate challenges, etc., many of us are feeling overwhelmed. A lot has changed; and we aren’t certain what things will look like on the other side of all of this.
And the entire global community is simultaneously dealing with similar challenges. Could it be a universal “wake up call” to get us to stop, take stock, pay attention? I believe it is. I also believe it could be a time of enormous opportunity. Why?
Because we have come to a point in the road where we get to choose, each and every one of us, who we want to be as human beings and how we want to show up for ourselves and each other. Whether we, collectively, want to move in a direction of hope, love and healing or if we want to stay stuck in the status quo of indifference, intolerance, inequality and hate. The call could not be any clearer.
Humanity is calling out for me…for you…for all of us to embrace what it means to be human. Humanity itself is defined as ‘the quality of being humane; kindness; benevolence; marked by compassion, sympathy, and consideration for all human beings.’ So how can we embrace that humanity?
Here are a few suggestions using some of my favorite quotes:
Recognize our oneness: “Oneness is not just a spiritual platitude. It is a belief, a core principle and life-defining orientation that we are all interconnected. This ‘we’ is not restricted to just humanity. The ‘we’ includes all living things.” Understand that we are all each other’s consequences. Each of us, individually, impacts the whole.
Support one another: “Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” This is a form of demonstrating love – when what’s important to another human being is also important to you. Wearing a facial mask is a good example. Also, standing up for, being an ally to and advocating for someone.
Take Responsibility: “The wound is not my fault, but the healing is my responsibility.” It’s up to all of us to facilitate collective healing. That means opening the door for voices to be heard and truth to be sought out and shared. Real truth about our history, our systems, our country. A real recognition of where we’ve been and who we are. Healing cannot come without it.
Demonstrate Love: “The most beautiful way to see love is to be love.” I created this affirmation for when I see or hear about some of the mean ways in which we treat each other -- “Today, I will not allow someone else’s hate to consume me. I will focus on a consciousness of love for myself and those around me.” Shine your light - the world needs your light; and vibrate at the frequency of love.
Get Involved: “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” Look for ways you can make a difference. Find something that you are willing to stand for and put your time, talent or resources behind it. We can all do something that can help make a difference.
I’ve been working with ‘We Stand Undivided’ now for two years and I am still inspired by all of the good I see happening as a result of people deciding to come together. I am hopeful because I know that love IS stronger than hate, that love IS the answer, and that love IS the most possible thing in the world!
CLICK HERE to learn more about We Stand Undivided.
