Musings Over Coffee
Here I sit with my morning coffee, thinking. Thinking about all that is going on in the world, feeling stunned and sad. As I learn about the protests and continue to hear about the pandemic…
*I am moved by people speaking out for justice, equality, humanity, change.
*I am encouraged by mayors and governors dealing humanely and intelligently with the protests, and the health providers saving lives by their wise care and counsel in the ongoing pandemic.
*I am humbled by all I need to learn about racism, inequality, poverty and lives far different than my own. There is much reading ahead: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkers, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me, Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights, Michelle Obama’s Becoming, and more.
*I am comforted and guided by rereading portions of the conversation between the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu in The Book of Joy by Douglas Abrams. In the chapter called “Suffering and Adversity: Passing Through Difficulties,” the Dalai Lama says, “Even a tragic situation can become an opportunity.” And Desmond Tutu asks, “What can you do to help change that situation? You might be able to do a great deal but start where you are and do what you can where you are.” And, so I will, by listening, reading and being open to what I need to learn and doing what is mine to do.
*I am in awe of this time in history and feel it is a gift to be alive and a witness to what is unfolding. I want to believe that good and hope will ultimately triumph.
*I am thankful for my best friend and husband John, our doggie Cosi who provided months of constant pandemic companionship and made us smile, the juncos who graced us with their nest in our patio until the fledglings fledged, the good friends who I can have long therapeutic talks with, and our home and garden* which provides daily beauty and nourishment.
May we all navigate these deep waters with health, wisdom, and, if we are lucky, good cups of coffee to wake us up just a little bit more to the challenge and wonder of this moment.
*P.S. That one outspoken squash blossom of last week’s post has now been joined by 12 others. Quite a chorus of hope!
Love you Kynn miss seeing you guys
Ditto, Diana. Looking forward to a visit…when the time is right. 💜
Nice reflections, Lynn. Love your book suggestions. I too have done a lot of checking on the pulse of this nation. I am uplifted by the voices of protest that declare we have to do better. THis is no way to run a country as idiologically divided as this one. This swell of rage has certainly got the attention of the populace as well as corporate America. I hope all politicians are paying attention. If not, they need to go. I hope we can sustain the energy it will take to make a difference.
It’s a long road, it seems, to make things right. But I feel we’re more than on our way to some lasting solutions for all people to have justice. Let’s hope!