Sadly, this is not one of those articles where my wacky humor helps turn heavy topics into something light. This time my heart aches after reading about a group of kids who had to stay home from school for two days because political rhetoric led to a bomb threat at their school. Luckily, when I was ready to cry into a bucket of ice cream, a well-timed hug brought much needed balm. Now I am enjoying the quiet contentment of my geriatric cat purring next to me as I write. Thank goodness for the sweet moments that soothe an aching heart.
As we move into the frenzied time prior to the election, the divisive messaging is intensifying. But I refuse to accept that we have to tolerate this as the new norm. Not only is it mean, the news story mentioned above highlights that it is dangerous. We do not have to embody this vitriol! Let’s reconnect to our core ethical values for how we relate to each other. I know it will take focused intention, but I know we can do better, be better than what is being modeled. Here are my wishes for each of us as we go forward:
Let’s Be Respectful
Respect involves showing the other person that they deserve to be treated with dignity. This trait cannot be dependent upon conditions. It’s easy to be respectful when we agree, but it takes real maturity and character to be respectful even when there is hurt and anger.
Let’s Practice Humility
Searching to be right, the greatest, or the most accomplished only serves to separate us from each other. We all have positive and negative attributes, and if we can recognize this, we can engage in the very vulnerability that leads to connection.
Let’s Look for the Positive
We are all human. Our interactions may not always come in pretty packages and we may make enormous mistakes. Seek out the positive in people. We tend to get what we expect to find.
Let’s Lead with Compassion
To me, compassion involves practicing the radical act of living out of our shared humanity. No matter who we are or the afflictions we have, we wish from the depths of our being that the other can be relieved of suffering and find peace.
Let’s Embody Kindness
Kindness is to be caring without the need for personal benefit or gain. Dr. Doty said, “Kindness ripples out and makes it more likely that your friends and those around you will be kinder. It is a social contagion that puts our society right.”
Let’s Be Good Company
We can act like a benevolent grandparent who receives another without judgment or distortion, asks for nothing, yet takes pleasure in learning, observing and understanding the life experience of another just as it is. We manifest this attitude by being non-manipulative, non-clinging, non-demanding. We let the other be themselves.
Let’s Love with Abandon
Give love freely and abundantly. Maintain concern for others and embrace the part we each can play in helping to make life more comfortable for others.
Let’s Hold on to Hope
When we have hope, we see that above the clouds lives the beautiful shining sun. We have the capacity to see potential, even if this means rethinking assumptions, changing attitudes, and taking fresh action.
There is so much good in this world, I hope we never lose sight of it or take it for granted. Together, let us bring out the best in ourselves and each other.
