There are as many ways to make the world better – as there are people.
The determination of those who step up to the front lines is remarkable. They lead important movements, care for the hurt and brokenhearted. The trailblazers guide, influence and motivate – often into uncharted territory.
The frontier I seek, and my preferred way to change the world, is through personal transformation, less ego and doing better. Directing my energy to heal wounds and increase self-knowledge develops me and my relations with my inner circle. As I grow so does my influence – like a rock sending ripples on a calm pond.
A day came when my need to do something MORE exploded. My fight instinct was triggered. So, I did things; large and small. My foray into a world of resistance, politics and social conflict was challenging. Hot buttons were pushed and deeply buried wounds exposed – casting me into a dark place. Forget about rocking the boat, I went into the sea. The experience certainly brought more insights, but it was unsettling and stressful.
Struggles aren’t good or bad, they inform.
My walk through that Dark Night of the Soul reaffirmed and deepened how I want to show up in the world.
By reframing my outlook on obstacles, I found ways to change the world personally and as an ally. Focusing my energy on what I want, not some looming doom – I found the stamina and creativity to contribute.
Symbolically I renamed a folder for email keepers – from “RESISTANCE” to “FREEDOM.” That’s where my ActBlue receipts go. How I participate with the freedom community has evolved and matured. Moments of temper still pay a visit, but they don’t derail me for long.
My internal candle supports the cause, as does my low-key external contribution. Knowing how to personally meet communal moments of unrest is important. Every approach when activated creates a bigger more diverse impact – and is more likely to succeed.
I want to be a part of a world that works together, rocks the boat, when we notice people and communities being wrecked. We’re all different, as are our talents and strengths to make waves. No need to tip the boat over.
“If the shoe doesn’t fit, must we change the foot?”
― Gloria Steinem
Strong emotions … and the many ways to deal with them. With everything going on this week I employed more than one. Upping my endorphins with serious cardio absolutely morphed my mood. As did attending my favorite Gentle Yoga & Meditation class . . . and my extreme hip-hop dance class.
“… one visualizes taking in the suffering of oneself and of others on the in-breath, and on the out-breath giving recognition, compassion, and succor to all sentient beings. As such it is a training in altruism.”
But I do have a sphere of influence; its size is irrelevant. This must be where I start; with my family, my friends, my neighborhood. It’s not hard to see how an act of kindness makes someone’s day. Or the value of speaking up when bullied, despite a hammering heart. Who knows the ripple these acts might have. What I say; my actions – are my responsibility. Let me be accountable.
These are the people who’ve walked in my shoes and know what’s possible. They show me how drama, vanity and discontent are often “festering sores” – no matter how close I hold them. Possibly . . . Probably, taking off the armor and letting in the sun “wouldn’t hurt a bit.” 
Thinking along practical lines, if I genuinely want to release these anchors, knowing I have them and why is helpful; but wanting to drop them? It’s complicated.
A friend of mine once played electronic war games. When I said my preference (total judgment) was “to build a peaceful world” – she said; yeah, ran that scenario and was promptly annihilated. Right. The bully takes advantage. I saw it growing up, at school, at work – now in the government. Self-preservation kicks in. Not everyone wants the world I want. But there I go judging again.