How do I alleviate suffering? – Me? I’m not famous or powerful; have a relatively small sphere of influence; not to mention am often quite self-centered and judge-y. Hmfp.
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.
Yes, there are times I’m melodramatic and full of judgment. Some of those judgments are sound; and thankfully I’m not alone with my drama. I’m grateful for my sangha; “there I take refuge.” With my tribe I have the courage to be real – to grow; to find what I have to offer.
Pema Chodron says:
“Taking refuge in the sangha—other people on the path of the bodhisattva-warrior—doesn’t mean that we join a club where we’re all good friends, talk about basic goodness together, nod sagely, and criticize the people who don’t believe the way we do. Taking refuge in the sangha means taking refuge in the brotherhood and sisterhood of people who are committed to taking off their armor.”
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.”
The choice of acting with kindness, speaking up; the willingness to be vulnerable with my tribe – are choices I make every day. One day at a time.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
“Do What You Can, With What You Have, Where You Are” – Teddy Roosevelt
