Padmasambava Stupa - A Place of Peace - No Matter What
It’s a radical act to stop. Thich Nhat Hanh
The clouds come and they go. … We need to practice to be aligned with these times. … Nurture that which is constructive not destructive. … We practice to release the reactivity that results in more polarization. Cynthia Jurs (pre-election meditation practice)
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
There is a field. I'll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass,
The world is too full to talk about.
Ideas, language, even the phrase each other
Doesn't make any sense. Rumi
We, the people,
The ancestors of our great, great grandchildren
Call forth the deepest wisdom
And the highest compassion
From the heart and soul of America
For the benefit of the entire Earth community
And the next seven generations
May Wisdom Prevail in the USA
May Peace Prevail on Earth. (Wise USA)
Election day has arrived here in the U.S., and I felt guided to pivot to a Tuesday post before election results begin to roll in rather than wait until tomorrow/Wednesday when results are known whether final or not. No matter what, I pray that today and the days ahead be peaceful, individually and collectively and that no matter who wins we begin to repair the fabric of our ideals and values torn asunder by a crumbling system that has seemed to thrive on polarization. Costly polarization to each and every one of us.
As election day neared, I have been present to the deep wisdom being called forth, not by the conflict profiteers of mainstream media, but by the vast networks of communities engaged in the deep work of raising consciousness. I have been uplifted and inspired by their words and invitations to participate in conversations, meditations, and sharing. They remind me that the peace I desire in our country and around the globe begins right here with me, for without peace within, there can be no peace beyond.
Wisdom from many traditions, many avenues both spiritual and political. Wise words to calm and center our over-anxious selves at a time of change, dissolution, and uncertainty. This is what I seek out just a few hours away from polls beginning to close on the Eastern seaboard of the US this election day 2024.
These are the voices that remind me that ‘no matter what’ the outcome of today’s votes my job is to breathe, to be present, to be clear and grounded, to trust. For indeed while the stakes of this election seem monumental (and, I believe, that they are), there is something greater at play in our world. I trust that the hand of the divine is present, no matter the outcome.’
No matter what, we must end our reactivity to the world, to others, indeed even our reactivity to ourselves. Reactivity separates us from one another, from ourselves, and from Source. No matter what envision a future where we move beyond the reactivity of fear into the mindful choice of calm abiding peace, compassion, and love.
‘No matter what.’ These three words have resonated deep within me over this past week in the wake of an experience which led me to write a lengthy ‘no matter what’ letter to a family member to communicate the love I felt for them, no matter what they had done. As events unfolded over several days, I was present to maintaining a sense of calm despite moments of worry. I felt the power of being at choice rather than falling into the trap of reactivity lurking in such situations.
The depth of love and compassion I felt writing presenced the power of these three simple words, ‘no matter what’ as an opening to less reactivity and more mindful, thoughtful response. I realized that no matter what the outcome of this election is, we need that mindfulness, that thoughtfulness, that compassion and care more than ever in this evolutionary moment of choice. No matter what, we are invited to make our way into Rumi’s field beyond right and wrong, the field where peace abides, and a new world is waiting to be born.
No matter what, let us join together to co-create that field and to romp joyfully in the Oneness that is.
Labyrinth in the Woods Out Back