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Less Hate, More Thought,

More Love, More Unity

by Maria Gracia Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest Organizing Article is available. Years back, I had an allergic reaction to something I ate. When I went to an allergist, he could not pinpoint exactly what food caused this. But he told me that it was likely not one thing I ate, but a combination of a number of foods. So, I may have eaten one thing that raised my histamine levels, and then another thing that raised those levels a bit more, and then that final thing I ate was the culprit that threw my body over the edge, resulting in a severe allergic reaction. Luckily, with changes to my diet, educating myself to gain a deeper awareness of foods that contain potentially harmful ingredients, applying what I learned, and continuing to be careful, the problem hasn't recurred. I was recently thinking of this, following the tragic and horrifying murder of George Floyd. As was the case with my allergic reaction, it certainly wasn't the only devastating racial/hate incident that has ever happened, but it was indeed abhorrent, as well as, the tipping point. The United States, and other countries, as you well know, have been turned upside down since that date. My heart goes out to George Floyd and his family and friends...as well as others who have died (or have been seriously injured) since. My heart goes out to anyone who has ever experienced racial injustice. My heart goes out to those who have been innocent victims (individuals and businesses) and have suffered great loss throughout this crisis. My heart goes out to law enforcement and military personnel who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe...and who wouldn't dream of doing so without it being in the most safe, unbiased manner possible. My thoughts go out to leaders who have a very hard job on their hands, and my hope is that intelligent minds and hearts from ALL pieces of our puzzle can work together to find solutions to these challenges. As you can imagine, addressing this topic has been no easy task. I truly feel it's important to be as sensitive as possible to each and every person. We're all from different walks of life. What one person feels in his or her heart and mind may be completely different from someone else's perspective. Plus, I want to keep my web site and newsletter focused on organizing, and not use it as a political platform or have anyone feeling like I'm exploiting the tragic circumstances for my own personal gain. (Thus, there is no sponsorship on this page.) So, I decided to address this from the perspective of 'less hate, more love, more thought, more unity.' In organizing, and life as a whole, it's important to find mantras we live by. 1) Less Hate: Hatred didn't begin with Floyd's death, of course. Hatred has always been present in the world. With all of the technology and media outlets these days, it's much more visible. This week's challenge. I'm sure all of my GON readers will wholeheartedly agree that holding onto hate is one of the most toxic things we can do for our minds, bodies, and souls. It's toxic to the minds, bodies, and souls of others as well. Recognize when hatred is present. Hatred is a wound that must be healed, in the most peaceful, loving way possible. When you recognize hatred, do anything you can do to eradicate that hate with love. 2) More Love: Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.' This week's challenge: With everything we say and every action we take, may it be said and done with the goal of love and light. I know...this is not always easy, especially when tensions are so high. It's easy to get angry when someone says something we don't agree with. Still, we all know that even one unkind word, thought, or action often triggers another unkind word, thought or action...and this darkness can spread rapidly. On the other hand, spreading love, respect, and kindness is contagious as well. 3) More Thought: Think of the phrase 'step outside of our box' in the sense of opening our hearts and minds to many ideas, outside of those beyond our own walls. When we allow ourselves to view circumstances from many different angles, it allows us to see a much larger perspective. If there's one thing for certain, especially from an organizing perspective, continuous improvement is vital for our growth as human beings, to help keep everyone safe from harm, and to live our lives and work together in the most productive, peaceful ways that benefit and build-up everyone in our communities...now and in the future. This week's challenge: Listen...truly listen...with an open mind and an open heart...to views from 'all walks of life' and 'all perspectives.' The best solutions are often found somewhere within ALL of the ideas presented. 4) More Unity: The world is hurting. People are divided. Helen Keller once said, 'Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.' Just imagine what we could 'see' and accomplish with sound, calm minds, a whole lot of teamwork, and cohesiveness. This week's challenge: Go out of your way to help another person. Share an act of kindness. Be a shining star for someone who needs your light. Vote when you have the opportunity to do so, for leaders who you feel are going to be the most beneficial on a local, state, and national level. Be safe...be healthy...be peaceful...and spread goodness as much as you possibly can. We need it now more than ever. Back to Organizing Articles Index