Washington DC. It’s been a very difficult w
eek here in the eye of the storm. We are now getting a heaping dose of what so many people in this world live through in regimes whose leaders are driven by power, greed and a vision of prosperity reserved only for a chosen few.
For those who are despairing, I can only encourage you to try not to be too overwhelmed by the news. We mortals don’t have the sensory capacity to fathom the enormity of what is taking place in the world right now. These are epic, tectonic shifts. And this period will go down in history as a very dark time – hopefully right before the dawn…. At least that’s what I’m betting on.
For now, as elders we have a role to play – to spread light in the only ways that we’ve ever had. We still have to be loving and kind to others – that hasn’t changed. The need is only more acute.
It is my fervent hope that, as the shock subsides, an organic resistance will start to take form. And that these extreme times will give rise to a counterculture inspired by strategic vision and a whole lot of heart.
In my own elderhood, I’ve made a remarkable discovery. That my heart is capacious enough to hold grief and joy simultaneously. With some cultivation, this super-power is available to all of us. And it will serve us in great stead if we are to survive the dark months and years ahead.
It’s refreshing to read your words, which confirm what I’m feeling, but don’t want to admit to myself. Thank you, Abbie.
Beautiful reminder of the power each of us contains and can use to help our world.
Thanks, Abbie for your succinct note that encourages our thoughtful responses to current government policies and leadership.
Holding grief and joy simultaneously. Amen, Abbie.