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Less Hate, More Love, More Thought, More
Unity
by Maria Gracia
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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.
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