Yes, the sore heart has to be the common ground. What really stays with me is the insistence on returning there, and ever beginning again. This quiet, local, individual care may be the most honest form of resistance we have. The same understanding has been coming to me, slowly, as I walk in nature.
Thank you for mentioning nature and stating that the sore heart-yours, mine and others, has to be the common "ground". Linking nature and understanding is something that has existed well before the 1st sunrise in 1492. Native Americans well understood and practiced this for centuries. And still do. Many of those we watch on the news "arresting immigrants" are simply fulfilling James Baldwin's prophecy of"moral monsters". No one is illegal on stolen land.
I agree, I honestly think that nature has a subtle alive intelligence that has sadly been forgotten. I learn so much from the woods I walk in and from growing things in my greenhouse and garden, the seasons live in all of us too.
Indigenous cultures have their own Creation stories. But one common thing is that the earth, the trees, fruits vegetables and animals were here 1st bringing a reverence that we all can learn from and share in. Living in Oregon, I have 2 spots that speak to me profoundly. Even 15 minutes there gives me freedom to exhale everything I need to and my heart feels washed and clean.
Also the act of creation isn’t a one-time event, the world is continuously being created each moment, and we are part of that unfolding. I always feel that when we make space to connect with the larger consciousness of Nature, we step out of our human-centric perspective for a moment and tune into a larger wisdom of unfolding that we can then choose to partner with. We re-member our place in the Wholeness.
My heart breaks for you all over there. Strength to you from Australia - You will be in my mind and heart as I join in being with St Mary's in Exile in South Brisbane tomorrow.
“My lens on the human condition will not let me forget that human beings on the giving end of unfolding scenes of cruelty are themselves in a dehumanized condition. They too are distressed inside, living in fear. This is not an excuse for anything, but it is a piece of the reality before us that we must also take seriously.”
That comment resonated with me as well. People that are emotionally and spiritually healthy do not commit such acts of inhumanity. I am at a loss at to how to reach people in such a state of distress to have them rethink what they are doing to others , as well as themselves.
Me, too. I am lost as to how to meet the deeply dehumanized with my imperfect humanity. How do we resist their violence and cruelty with compassion rather than anger? Their hearts and ours are sore in such massively different ways. This is the question of our times, how do we heal them through togetherness, even through love rather than all this tragic, unnecessary divisiveness?
This—“Their hearts and ours are sore in such massively different ways” really hits home for me. I will say this. Just connecting with likeminded people online restores a little faith in humanity. 🙏🏼💙🙏🏼
I, too, struggle with how to have meaningful connection with friends who hold political views I find incredibly offensive and cruel. I know them to be good people who give to charity, were there for their elderly neighbors during Covid, go to church each Sunday. I have tried to gently probe their beliefs, to understand what they are so afraid of, but they shut down, and resort to "Let's just not talk about politics." I'd love any suggestions from you or others on how to engage with the "other side."
Maybe don't probe? Just be active in doing good in areas where you can affect change and invite them to any part of that work they are willing to do? Work together. Find someone or something to love together.
Those who can please consider donating to the Hennepin Medical Center Mobile Pediatric Services - who are going to homes to provide medical services to families afraid to take their children to their medical appointments
It seems to me knock at the door should be from a friend or neighbor -I am hopeful
I am holding on to Dallas Willard’s words about truth. If there’s a quarter in your pocket then it’s true there’s a quarter in your pocket. The simplicity of this helps me realize that truth is a thing that has been greatly abused. I’m standing with you in pain. Love to all of you.
I found this rendition of Mr. Rogers song "Won't You Be My Neighbor" by Lady Gaga a touching anthem for our times when so many are experiencing being so unwelcomed. (Touching, even with my misgivings that it is part of an upcoming Superbowl ad, I believe!) Timely. https://youtube.com/shorts/gvENpW_99rY?si=xJ3n74NwztLcdYun
You words comfort me, they give me a peace,a feeling of solidarity,a reminder there is good, when we are surrounded by the hate & fear being fed into our world.
Keep loving, keep showing up,speaking up & standing for the good of everyone.
Amen and amen. I have been thinking of you and the people of On Being as this crisis and the beautiful strong swell of human love has unfolded. I thought to myself, Krista will give words to this. Maybe she will use the words human and humane, elegant and unfolding story of our time. Brutal and beautiful. It nourishes my own faith to know that your faith, the relational groundwork you and others have been doing for decades, are there in that place. We are rooted with you and rooting for you, over here in Virginia, but also in the goodness we refuse to surrender.
You have said everything that my heart has been holding and knowing. Thank you for calling us to remember that dehumanization is not one sided or political. The brutality that traumatizes enter every single one. May it be so that there are enough of us—and I believe there is—longing and allowing our hearts to be opened to a way of dignity, humane and loving goodness.
Your words hit home - I just had a similar revelation yesterday, telling a friend - children on both sides are watching us and learning to hate and fear one another. They are getting anesthetized to the violence. Is this the world we all want to create? For them and for us, we need to collectively stop and learn how to love one another again.
This so true: the children are watching. Watching us. How we respond, what we say outloud about those inflicting the cruelty, what action we take. Let us show them how to respond.
Yes, the sore heart has to be the common ground. What really stays with me is the insistence on returning there, and ever beginning again. This quiet, local, individual care may be the most honest form of resistance we have. The same understanding has been coming to me, slowly, as I walk in nature.
Thank you for mentioning nature and stating that the sore heart-yours, mine and others, has to be the common "ground". Linking nature and understanding is something that has existed well before the 1st sunrise in 1492. Native Americans well understood and practiced this for centuries. And still do. Many of those we watch on the news "arresting immigrants" are simply fulfilling James Baldwin's prophecy of"moral monsters". No one is illegal on stolen land.
I agree, I honestly think that nature has a subtle alive intelligence that has sadly been forgotten. I learn so much from the woods I walk in and from growing things in my greenhouse and garden, the seasons live in all of us too.
Indigenous cultures have their own Creation stories. But one common thing is that the earth, the trees, fruits vegetables and animals were here 1st bringing a reverence that we all can learn from and share in. Living in Oregon, I have 2 spots that speak to me profoundly. Even 15 minutes there gives me freedom to exhale everything I need to and my heart feels washed and clean.
Yes, I know just what you mean. I have to go outside everyday, just to feel whole.
Also the act of creation isn’t a one-time event, the world is continuously being created each moment, and we are part of that unfolding. I always feel that when we make space to connect with the larger consciousness of Nature, we step out of our human-centric perspective for a moment and tune into a larger wisdom of unfolding that we can then choose to partner with. We re-member our place in the Wholeness.
My heart breaks for you all over there. Strength to you from Australia - You will be in my mind and heart as I join in being with St Mary's in Exile in South Brisbane tomorrow.
“My lens on the human condition will not let me forget that human beings on the giving end of unfolding scenes of cruelty are themselves in a dehumanized condition. They too are distressed inside, living in fear. This is not an excuse for anything, but it is a piece of the reality before us that we must also take seriously.”
~ Krista Tippett
That comment resonated with me as well. People that are emotionally and spiritually healthy do not commit such acts of inhumanity. I am at a loss at to how to reach people in such a state of distress to have them rethink what they are doing to others , as well as themselves.
Me, too. I am lost as to how to meet the deeply dehumanized with my imperfect humanity. How do we resist their violence and cruelty with compassion rather than anger? Their hearts and ours are sore in such massively different ways. This is the question of our times, how do we heal them through togetherness, even through love rather than all this tragic, unnecessary divisiveness?
This—“Their hearts and ours are sore in such massively different ways” really hits home for me. I will say this. Just connecting with likeminded people online restores a little faith in humanity. 🙏🏼💙🙏🏼
I, too, struggle with how to have meaningful connection with friends who hold political views I find incredibly offensive and cruel. I know them to be good people who give to charity, were there for their elderly neighbors during Covid, go to church each Sunday. I have tried to gently probe their beliefs, to understand what they are so afraid of, but they shut down, and resort to "Let's just not talk about politics." I'd love any suggestions from you or others on how to engage with the "other side."
Maybe don't probe? Just be active in doing good in areas where you can affect change and invite them to any part of that work they are willing to do? Work together. Find someone or something to love together.
☮️☮️🙏☮️☮️
The heart of this feels like a true reckoning with all this country was built upon.
Those who can please consider donating to the Hennepin Medical Center Mobile Pediatric Services - who are going to homes to provide medical services to families afraid to take their children to their medical appointments
It seems to me knock at the door should be from a friend or neighbor -I am hopeful
Tony, thank you for this recommendation. I have donated with thanks to you.
I am holding on to Dallas Willard’s words about truth. If there’s a quarter in your pocket then it’s true there’s a quarter in your pocket. The simplicity of this helps me realize that truth is a thing that has been greatly abused. I’m standing with you in pain. Love to all of you.
Blessings,
J
There are enough of us!
I found this rendition of Mr. Rogers song "Won't You Be My Neighbor" by Lady Gaga a touching anthem for our times when so many are experiencing being so unwelcomed. (Touching, even with my misgivings that it is part of an upcoming Superbowl ad, I believe!) Timely. https://youtube.com/shorts/gvENpW_99rY?si=xJ3n74NwztLcdYun
Thank you for sharing, writing, we must speak for justice with peace in our broken hearts..
You words comfort me, they give me a peace,a feeling of solidarity,a reminder there is good, when we are surrounded by the hate & fear being fed into our world.
Keep loving, keep showing up,speaking up & standing for the good of everyone.
Amen and amen. I have been thinking of you and the people of On Being as this crisis and the beautiful strong swell of human love has unfolded. I thought to myself, Krista will give words to this. Maybe she will use the words human and humane, elegant and unfolding story of our time. Brutal and beautiful. It nourishes my own faith to know that your faith, the relational groundwork you and others have been doing for decades, are there in that place. We are rooted with you and rooting for you, over here in Virginia, but also in the goodness we refuse to surrender.
You have said everything that my heart has been holding and knowing. Thank you for calling us to remember that dehumanization is not one sided or political. The brutality that traumatizes enter every single one. May it be so that there are enough of us—and I believe there is—longing and allowing our hearts to be opened to a way of dignity, humane and loving goodness.
Thank you Krista. Our hearts are indeed sore. I’ve been bewildered for a while- knowing all that’s going on yet feeling that I know nothing.
Everyone’s hearts, sore.
Will guns or good, grace soothe us?
Stay human, humane.
Thank you, Krista. I always think of you when I think of Minnesota and the Twin Cities. "My heart is sore."
Your words hit home - I just had a similar revelation yesterday, telling a friend - children on both sides are watching us and learning to hate and fear one another. They are getting anesthetized to the violence. Is this the world we all want to create? For them and for us, we need to collectively stop and learn how to love one another again.
This so true: the children are watching. Watching us. How we respond, what we say outloud about those inflicting the cruelty, what action we take. Let us show them how to respond.