I made the choice not to turn away as well as challenging my college freshmen not to ignore the horrific news and the sights filling everyone's screens. I said to them that this is the world you are growing up into and you need to know about its twists-and-turns, its grotesque nature, just as much as you need to remember the sun will come up tomorrow–the natural world goes on no matter how much it's being decimated in the name of war and economy. But no music assuaged my fears that the world tilted off-balance even more in the last week due to the ineptitude and selfishness of certain politicians in the US and abroad and the murderous intent of those who claim to fight for their God yet use women and children as human shields.
Thanks for your thoughts Michelle. Terrible week, leaving me speechless (a rare occurrence). Being with those we love makes a difference, helping us (me?) re-emphasize basics: compassion, empathy, outreach, effort.
Do you know one of the anthems of the Grateful Dead, Buddy Holly’s Not Fade Away? It was not until reading Call & Response today that I understood that that phrase—“our love is real, not fade away”—might echo the Buddhist invection to not turn away.
I made the choice not to turn away as well as challenging my college freshmen not to ignore the horrific news and the sights filling everyone's screens. I said to them that this is the world you are growing up into and you need to know about its twists-and-turns, its grotesque nature, just as much as you need to remember the sun will come up tomorrow–the natural world goes on no matter how much it's being decimated in the name of war and economy. But no music assuaged my fears that the world tilted off-balance even more in the last week due to the ineptitude and selfishness of certain politicians in the US and abroad and the murderous intent of those who claim to fight for their God yet use women and children as human shields.
Love your conversation with the basketball shoe attendant.
Thanks for your thoughts Michelle. Terrible week, leaving me speechless (a rare occurrence). Being with those we love makes a difference, helping us (me?) re-emphasize basics: compassion, empathy, outreach, effort.
Do you know one of the anthems of the Grateful Dead, Buddy Holly’s Not Fade Away? It was not until reading Call & Response today that I understood that that phrase—“our love is real, not fade away”—might echo the Buddhist invection to not turn away.