Chaos is the word I’d use to describe the atmosphere the last couple of weeks where I live – just south of Nashville, TN. It’s overwhelming. Mass shooting at an elementary school, protests, expulsion of representatives in the legislature…it’s almost too much.
These words from Charles Wagner ring true:
“A society in which each member is preoccupied with his own well-being is organized disorder. This is all that we learn from the irreconcilable conflicts of our uncompromising egoism.”
I’ve done what I can to put action behind my beliefs. And at the end of that I’m still left with chaos. I can’t live in these emotions indefinitely. So, this week I looked to simplicity, and here’s what I found.
Writing: I had to put pen to paper and express my outrage, sadness, and despair. It helped me move through this by connecting with what’s going on internally.
Meditation: My time in silent meditation calmed me. I haven’t reached true peace amid the turmoil. But I have tapped into that pure link to my Higher Power, and that sustains me.
Others: Reaching out to others who are experiencing the same things I am has strengthened me. We are joined in our humanity, pain, and – ultimately – our hope. And I can, in turn, be of service to them.
This path is simple – connecting to myself, God, and others – but not always easy. Sometimes I want to sit in despondency. And that’s ok for a short time. But eventually I’ve got to stand up, hand in hand with others, and affect change. We won’t get there without connection. But – mark my words – we will get there.