A Thought for these Times… and All Times

These may seem like frightening times and in purely human terms, perhaps they are, but if they are, those demons we grapple with are of our own making.

As for me… I am calm.

I remain joyful and grateful.

As a Marine and Dignitary Protection/Counterterrorism/and Emergency Response Specialist I was always calm when things seemed desperate… because… why not?

The tougher it got and the closer to death I was the calmer I became.

There is a certain peace in letting go of expectations and simply doing what you can do and accepting what you can’t.

Life will unfold as it will and there has as of yet never been a time in human history where these same old dark stories has not played and replayed - it’s always the same people with different faces.

All I can do…all any of us can do is stand firm without fear or anger or hate but rather with courage, compassion, and love.

We should never become what we loathe.

I feel sad for those who throw their lives away on anger, fear, and hate.

These things destroy souls from the inside.

Love heals.

I can’t control what happens, but I can control my response (not reaction), and in doing so … I lead by example.

Whenever something that reflects the tragic darkness in humanity does occur - we are called upon to choose between reflecting deeper darkness - or replacing it with brighter light.

And, you mat be wondering...

"What can I do? I'm just one person!" - said 8. billion people.

At no time did Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. or Black Elk teach anger, hate, fear, or vengeance.

They all taught courage, wisdom, forgiveness, and love.

That’s the philosophy I follow.

Love is my religion.

So my friends, let’s lead the way together… and turn the corner in a new and healthier direction.

Let’s never lose sight of our individual role in making this world a better place…

Healing not Harming

Here is one final thought I offer in hope that it helps us to keep our positive perspective and avoid allowing “circumstances” to cause us any discomfort…

Remember:

If you are sad you are allowing yourself to exist in the past- and the past no longer exist except in your mind… it’s over.

If you are anxious you are allowing yourself to exist in the future and the future doesn’t exist yet… it hasn’t happened.

If you LIVE in the Now you can choose to focus on all that is strong and beautiful in life… and you can be strong and beautiful yourself. So… why not?

Namaste’ Y’all