Long story short: my heart was hurting at the emotional standoff going on post election. I want love, forgiveness, compassion, and understanding for us. (Yes, I know why others don’t. I’ve heard you. )

“Accept, accept, accept,” said my Buddhist buddy, Kate, as we strolled along the edge of the silvery green water beneath a cloudy November sky slowly dropping golden leaves.

…As I navigated through the 5:00 PM central time dark back to my condo from our walk at Radnor, I processed her words, her perpetual state of meditative calm….Alrighty: I cannot change others. And if I get in the state in which I’d allowed myself to succumb—the problem, umm…is me.

My shaman, with whom I spoke to via bluetooth, articulated clearly despite the aphasia left from his stroke two years ago:
If you want love, you have to act in love, be the love. And, he echoed Kate’s words—accept, accept, accept.

…Like it or not, love is accepting where everybody’s at. (To the naysayers, it’s not the same as condoning, liking, agreeing, ignoring, or not continuing to champion social justice. And, please, I don’t want to argue with you.)

…My Methodist friend reminded me it would all eventually work out and to breathe. And, as far as everyone’s else’s twisty state, he suggested not to give a flying f*ck. (Well, sorta. Not his exact words, though, like me, he can lob a well-timed f-bomb.)

Other miracle recalibrations during my 24 hours of “coming back home:” a hot epsom salt bath. Plus, meditation and yoga. (I swear by at least 5 minutes of each daily, but I’d gotten off kilter with my morning centering practices.)

…Self-care is important. Self care = self-compassion. These times—they ain’t easy on any of us. Take care of yourself. Choose peace. It starts within. Choose love. Including for yourself….Mercy. Starts at home. —xxL

P.S.: Three shout outs to two authors/books and a special event: 
1) Nashville filmmaker, activist, and stage-IV-cancer-survivor Molly Secours has a simple, yet potent paperback book just out: The White Privilege Pop Quiz, Reflecting on Whiteness. It’s briskly climbing the bestseller chart at Nashville’s  hometown bookstore, novelist Ann Patchett’s Parnassus.

2) From the first eblast I unexpectedly received from Valarie Kaur, I’ve been captivated by this love warrior’s fiercely tenacious message. She recently encapsulated her “love project” between the covers of her recently published, See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love. A Sikh American, “she champions an ethic of love in an era of rage.”

3) You are invited! Join me and Grace, plus other featured young adults with disabilities for a unique, uplifting event this Thurs., November 19, (7-8pm CST).

AbleVoices is hosting the 2020 “I am Determined!” Exhibit Event in which 13 custom, artistically composited photographs will be showcased and the individuals featured will be celebrated. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about this project that recognizes the strengths, commitments, and passions of these young adults with disabilities.

You’ll meet each of the participants and also hear some of them perform and share their stories, discover how these uniquely composited backgrounds are created, and receive a print of your choice, and more. Reserve your spot and learn more HERE.