Susie will facilitate on Monday evening (May 17).
Planetary scientist and stardust expert Dr. Ashley King explains,"Nearly all the elements in the human body were made in a star and many have come through several supernovas." Most of the elements of our bodies were formed in stars over the course of billions of years and multiple star lifetimes.
We all come from a source. We are all related. We are born of stars, and like a star, each of us is unique unlike any other ever from the past or future. Can we see one another as siblings; knowing that we are each a bit different and yet related?
How can we love and embrace our differences and be kind to our siblings so they can suffer less and we can suffer less and stop causing suffering? Is this a time like no other? Or have we been here before?
Inside, most every one of us has very similar genes, organs, systems, and feelings. Outside we present in different forms, colors, shapes and sizes. Black, Indigenous and People of Color continue to suffer at the judgement, hands and rules of the dominant culture. This contributes to feelings of separation and hurt.
As a white woman, I have become more aware of my privilege in the world and how my skin color keeps me safer than others. This can trigger guilt and shame. When I see people of color on the street, in an elevator, on the other side of the counter, I want to say, I am sorry for the centuries and millennia of suffering of you and your ancestors. I want to be in solidarity, but sometimes I feel uncertain how to act because of the guilt and shame.
How can all of us take good care of our feelings - whether guilt, shame, anger, or frustration - and move freely into solidarity with all of our human siblings?
Thich Nhat Hanh’s offers these thoughts in The Art of Living:
It is possible to work, serve, and engage as a free person without getting lost in our work. We don’t miss out on the present moment striving or struggling to achieve a future goal — we live deeply each moment of our work. This is the meaning of aimlessness.
The peace, freedom, compassion, and loving-kindness we radiate already helps those around us to suffer less. We are not passive. To be passive means to be pulled, pushed, and swayed by circumstances or the people around us. But our freedom and sovereignty means the we don’t become a victim of circumstances.
With compassion and insight, we ask ourselves, “In this situation, what can I do to stop things getting worse? How can I help the situation improve?” When we know that we are doing our best on the path of relieving suffering, it is possible to be at peace every step along the way.
On Monday we will talk about how to take care of our feelings in order to come into more solidarity with all human beings.