Our collective work of unification.
I suspect many of us were glued to screens witnessing violent demonstrations protesting The Electoral College Certification Process at the United States Capitol Building on Wednesday. The images are frightening and disturbing. We know, sadly, that we are a nation divided. I am distressed by the division, and my sincere hope is that the work we do as the emerging community of Becoming Jackson Whole -- orienting ourselves to be present to the present moment without judgment and striving to cultivate more compassion in our lives -- is an antidote to the anger, hatred, and violence that has become commonplace in social-political circles in our great nation.
I write these words in hopes that we, as a community of people deliberate in our practice, can bring to our consciousness a commitment to pick up the work of unification. No doubt the work is hard and the road forward is long, steep, and winding with no promise that we reach our hoped-for destination. We, who have the pleasure and privilege of living here in the Tetons, are used to long, steep, and winding. I am confident in our ability to pick up this work. Most certainly, some of you are wondering how we might begin to engage the work of reconciliation and unification. Here are a few thoughts:
Begin with an understanding that each is beloved, no matter ideological affiliation. One of my favorite descriptions of our humanity comes from Brené Brown—“wired for struggle, but worthy of love and belonging.”
Work hard to deescalate social-political conflict at home, in the office, and in our own social circles and social media networks. We’re going to have to act, rather than just observe or opt out. We’re an emerging community equipped to take action. We can do this. I’m reminded of Glennon Doyle’s wisdom, “We can do hard things.”
Listen. Have you found yourself tuning out, maybe even crossing your arms? Seeking understanding of others is right in line with the sacred instruction to “love our neighbors.”
Give care to those who are anxious, afraid, and distressed. We are so close to emerging from the most anxious time of our lives, as we seek to keep our family and loved ones safe from this virus while also struggling to retain our own livelihoods. So many need an extra measure of nurture and care, and we are just the people to provide it.
Let me be clear. We will not be defined by the destruction and disappointment of this week, but, rather, by the love we show for one another—those with whom we agree and those with whom we disagree. Most certainly, we have learned through our practices begun, nurtured, and sustained through Becoming Jackson Whole that the starting line for this work is not a finger pointed toward a capitol mob, but, rather, at our own heart center.
Will you join us?