Decisions for Hard Times

Decisions are rooted in deep soil. They have consequences and offer direction. Certain decisions in life come about slowly, forming and shaping us long before we’re conscious of a decision unfolding, Those simmering types of decisions contain the qualities of longing, intuition, and imagination. The rational component of pros and cons seem to unfold organically.

Recently, I made such a decision that I see reflected elsewhere on Substack. I made the decision that the inmates running the asylum we call Washington DC, will not and cannot define me; I decided to dive into the conscious practice of kindness; nourish and develop a sense of unity and community. I decided to give myself to my writing in ways that would express that. And, I decided to lift up those around me, who just like me are suffering and scrambling daily so we won’t be swallowed whole by the devastating daily news of war and corruption.

These decisions were not immediate. They’ve been working on me my entire life. They were born in my grandmother’s garden, sitting by her side as she taught me how to gently harvest tomatoes and green beans. They seeped into my consciousness when I heard her whispered prayers giving thanks for the bounty.

From the mud, the lotus grows and blooms. I’ve decided the type of chaos, destruction and corruption currently existing in our politics, can only be buffered by how each of us shows up in the world. I’ve decided to show up as a writer, a poet, a philosopher, a lover of nature. Part of the decision is a commitment to being an up-lifter, an encourager, and someone who holds the practice of kindness as essential to a life well lived. We are meant to care for each other. This is the decision that has been working on me, waiting for me to awaken to it and claim it.

The current “so-called” leader in Washington wants us to despair. He want us to feel weak and defeated; to crawl to him with misplaced devotion, Mr. “I, and I alone can fix it.” He sees himself as our salvation, a god on the hill, who turned away long ago from the grace of serving others. Humility is a strength unknown to him, and so is the practice of kindness. His altar is money and more and more and more. His more can only lead to his own destruction. We see that beginning to play out.

My artist friend Beth L. Gainer often says “Art is my salvation.” Art is salvation, growing from the most curious and open parts of ourselves. Anything we create in the spirit of openness and learning, also creates us. Beauty is a radical act.

As the infection permeating the cells of the Washington body, rot, die and fall away, there is an invitation to renew. Things will never go back to the way that they were, but we are being presented with an opportunity to make things better than they are, and hopefully better than they were. A citizenry that practices kindness, caring and creativity is patriotic and provides an illuminated path home. And as the old adage states, “home is where the heart is.”

Here is where my heart is: I embrace the glorious diversity and creativity of the American people, who give me hope and faith. I believe in democracy – hold these truths to be self-evident that we are created equal; that we have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. My happiness is defined by feeling safe in my home, having food on the table and breathing in the beauty of this land. I’m blessed with a husband and family, a writing life, and the presence of nature. I know joy from a dozen small things that remind me what I have decided: We are here to care for each other. And no amount of corruption or blood-sport politics can change that.

If you doubt the optimism in such decisions, this is a good time to read or re-read Viktor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning. It underscores how the commitment to love and beauty will get us through the worst of times. Frankl’s decisions served him and more importantly, served those around him. That was the big lesson for me. In dark times, it’s not just our own selves that must be cared for — we keep our humanity alive by caring for those around us.

What decisions are you making in your life right now that help you navigate these dark waters? Let’s have a conversation.

Gratitude for the hope, faith and love inspired by some of my Substack community. I wish I could remember all of the names and stories that have touched me, but here are a few:

Bob Metivier for his fidelity to poetry

✨ Prajna O'Hara ✨ for how she shows up in the world and inspires my path

Camilla Sanderson for her commitment to personal growth

Deborah Gregory for her reminders of where enchantment lives and thrives

Meri Aaron Walker for demonstrating courage and kindness in the face of adversity

Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne who keeps the light burning brightly in Haiku

Julie Schmidt for deep thoughts on the liminal and in between spaces

And to Susan J Tweit for always reminding me of the power, comfort and revelations found in nature