The Silence Between the Notes
Dear James,
I think what I love most about the Christian tradition, besides the fact that Rabbi Jesus was such a mensch, is that the teaching of incarnation means that everything—everything—is sacred. That the divine pours itself into the container of all that is and renders it holy. You, me, all the people we accidentally otherize. Rain and drought, fire and starlight, our animal family and the community of trees.
We need this reminder in these terribly polarized times when we are tempted to identify entire populations as bad and wrong and align ourselves against them in the encampment of the righteous. How do we soften our precious ideologies and unclench the fist of our aching hearts to enfold the whole of humanity?
This holiday season is rough. It’s hard to celebrate when we know that horrendous violence and suffering is unfolding in Ukraine and the Holy Land, especially as Gaza continues to be bombarded and beautiful, innocent children are being victimized. I invite you not to turn away from this reality, but rather to breathe into the fire of heartbreak and stay present. To continue to read and keep informed across the broad spectrum of information sources, and to cultivate Beginner’s Mind again and again.
And also to offer yourself moments of reprieve, to fill your cup so you can be a source of sustenance for others. Eat with pleasure, drink with care, get out into nature, and rest deeply. Your body knows what you need. Trust it. To be an instrument of peace means to allow for the silence between the notes.
Here beside you, in prayer and action, with love,
Mirabai |