Happy Brunch Sunday from Florida. Raise your flutes or mugs and let's clink a cheers to a bit of connection between work, notices and ads in your inbox. Let us reach for connection in one virtual moment.
I am incredibly hopeful that we have all looked at what we do and how we speak, felt small for our insensitivities and abuses, and are rising into a new, functional awareness. May we continue to feel this awareness as we navigate our covid-spiced lives.
Let's feel more certain and deliberate and helpful to all of our brothers and sisters. As humans, we have a history of being incredibly harsh and murderous. While our brains want to look for the next life-threatening emergency, it's our job to manage our emotions and think intentionally and reach for love.
With that in mind, my intention is to continue with the silly London-accent email, continue the email brunch with my lovelies. Laughter and brunch are desirable to all, yes? There is space here for everyone. I am imagining a round table with chairs of all colors and sizes, creating an eclectic friendship.
Karen Armstrong, a British author known for her books on comparative religion, has said this: "If you let go of certainty and act in a compassionate way, you begin to lose your fear. When fear is removed, compassion flows. And from that flow, we release the power of hope."
So my hope is that we have all felt the ground shake, felt lost in the bright light that has shown on all of our behaviors, on our weaknesses, and our immense blessings because of "the way things are."
Don't be afraid.
Have immense compassion.
After the heartbreak, truly, I am ready to stand up again, doing what I do and holding space for all of you at the same time.
Today's Deep Breath: (Here's a practical juju nugget, our collective Next Best Decision.)
As a white woman, who grew up very poor and who was used by men and boys repeatedly, my next best decisions have been to hide. As I have begun to foster some strength on the inside, to say 'No,' to not shrink, I am discovering my own voice. And obviously, it is not British. I could not imagine speaking with my own.
Today, do whatever you can to say something in defense of You.
Today, listen to those voices who are also straining to be heard.
Let us wrap our collective arms around each other and fight the powers that oppress us all.
Until next time,
Tami Lowe