I have been struggling to write. I am hearing so much from farmers, and yet there is a line...what is mine to tell and what is theirs to tell? I don't know the answer. And as an Executive Director for a non-profit, I wrestle with the need for income (donations or earned revenue) and the need to provide gathering opportunities no matter the cost because of the need. In other words, I think I (like so many others) am living in a world of "yes, and." I'm acknowledging a need to spend hours a day thinking, reflecting, planning...activities that many don't see as action, and yet without them, there is no compassionate response. Thank you so much for your post.
Hello John. Thank you for writing this. Our friend Leslie Boies gave us similar. Talk yesterday at the UU church. She talked about cultivating compassion, bearing witness and being comfortable with the unknown. We need more things like this. Bill and I are helping others with things that they cannot do at the local level. I write my blog, hoping to connect people to The good things and still exist, and Bill as you know, it is very involved with maintaining our water quality. Thank you so much and much love to Brenda and good luck for her on her upcoming race
We're musicians with a new album, hosting a concert and inviting our community to gather and remember that we have each other to rely on, come whatever may. Art will not save the world but it offers moments of grace and it reminds us of our common humanity. The uncertainty we're facing isn't anything new, as Joe Campbell said; “When we talk about settling the world’s problems, we’re barking up the wrong tree. The world is perfect. It’s a mess. It has always been a mess. We’re not going to change it. Our job is to straighten out our own lives.” I'm with you John, in believing it's through generosity, loving kindness and our own curiosity and willingness to learn that we meet the challenges of our short, precious time here on earth. We can't know the outcome in the long run of whatever's transpiring now, we can only bring our attention to it and be of help to those less fortunate than we, who are suffering. I also like what Mr. Rogers said about times of crisis; that we should look for the helpers, and I would add, be a helper...it's the ultimate form of peaceful resistance.
Such important reflections John. Thank you. 🙏“Perhaps it would help to see generosity in the face of greed, kindness in the face of hatred, and wisdom in the face of ignorance for the radical and subversive acts of defiance and rebellion that they were millennia ago and are again today.”
Beautiful words. Thank you. My kids have been walking our elderly neighbors dog and it’s keeping me rooted to the important things right now - neighbors, care, sweet little dogs, generosity, kindness.
John, you are the light that shines through. I thank you and your friends and colleagues to strive on the path of compassion and righteousness despite such massive macros hurtling against you. If that’s not courage, I don’t know what is. More power to you 🕯️💜
Thank you John for your analyses and suggested responses to the actions of our current “leaders.” Responses can’t be “one size fits all.” Here on Sub stack I see the principle of “from each according to their means” who are the helpers of others in this resistance, as well as models for others who are looking for a good fit. Best thoughts for your IronPerson partner.
I have been struggling with Part II of my Thoreau, McKibben, the Storm and me. At every turn there is more evidence that I have been an incredibly naive American. I find courage in the research and the knowing that Hurricane Helene did not take away my ability to write, it was just hard and a horrible prelude to the election.
Last night I took Janisse Ray’s Gardening Journal class. The illustrator of All We Can Save taught. Madeleine Jubilee Saito is calm, precise and radical. I felt my creativity return. I appreciate being alive at the same time as so many monks like you and Madeleine. And your readers.💫
Thanks for the post, John. After following some of what you do in the nearby community, it breaks my heart that projects seem to be fading to dust. In my tiny way, I'm sharing voices and faces of local artists and scientists, and supporting as many environmental non-profits, local and national, as we can. We entirely shop local now so we can look into the eyes of our local organic farmers, fishmongers, Coop employees, and others, and put fewer delivery trucks on the road that profit billionaires more than workers. I formed a small support group for women addicts and alcoholics, some in the court system, and seeing the light come back on in their eyes gives me hope.
I have been struggling to write. I am hearing so much from farmers, and yet there is a line...what is mine to tell and what is theirs to tell? I don't know the answer. And as an Executive Director for a non-profit, I wrestle with the need for income (donations or earned revenue) and the need to provide gathering opportunities no matter the cost because of the need. In other words, I think I (like so many others) am living in a world of "yes, and." I'm acknowledging a need to spend hours a day thinking, reflecting, planning...activities that many don't see as action, and yet without them, there is no compassionate response. Thank you so much for your post.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment, your kind words, and all you do in our community. Together we will prevail.
Hello John. Thank you for writing this. Our friend Leslie Boies gave us similar. Talk yesterday at the UU church. She talked about cultivating compassion, bearing witness and being comfortable with the unknown. We need more things like this. Bill and I are helping others with things that they cannot do at the local level. I write my blog, hoping to connect people to The good things and still exist, and Bill as you know, it is very involved with maintaining our water quality. Thank you so much and much love to Brenda and good luck for her on her upcoming race
Thank you, Kate and Bill, for all you do and for this thoughtful comment. I shall pass on your wishes to Brenda!
We're musicians with a new album, hosting a concert and inviting our community to gather and remember that we have each other to rely on, come whatever may. Art will not save the world but it offers moments of grace and it reminds us of our common humanity. The uncertainty we're facing isn't anything new, as Joe Campbell said; “When we talk about settling the world’s problems, we’re barking up the wrong tree. The world is perfect. It’s a mess. It has always been a mess. We’re not going to change it. Our job is to straighten out our own lives.” I'm with you John, in believing it's through generosity, loving kindness and our own curiosity and willingness to learn that we meet the challenges of our short, precious time here on earth. We can't know the outcome in the long run of whatever's transpiring now, we can only bring our attention to it and be of help to those less fortunate than we, who are suffering. I also like what Mr. Rogers said about times of crisis; that we should look for the helpers, and I would add, be a helper...it's the ultimate form of peaceful resistance.
I'm basking in the warmth of your thoughtful and generous comment. Thank you, Lorian, for being a helper.
Such important reflections John. Thank you. 🙏“Perhaps it would help to see generosity in the face of greed, kindness in the face of hatred, and wisdom in the face of ignorance for the radical and subversive acts of defiance and rebellion that they were millennia ago and are again today.”
Kim, thank you so much! 🙏
🙏
Beautiful words. Thank you. My kids have been walking our elderly neighbors dog and it’s keeping me rooted to the important things right now - neighbors, care, sweet little dogs, generosity, kindness.
Thank you, Lindsey, and to your kids!
Thank you, John. This expresses so much of what I’m feeling. Speaking of scientists, are you aware of this letter? https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/13gmMJOMsoNKC4U-A8rhJrzu_xhgS51PEfNMPG9Q_cmE/mobilebasic
I just read about it, but I had not seen the document. Thank you for sharing.
John, you are the light that shines through. I thank you and your friends and colleagues to strive on the path of compassion and righteousness despite such massive macros hurtling against you. If that’s not courage, I don’t know what is. More power to you 🕯️💜
Thank you, Swarna, for your company on the path.🕯
Thank you John for your analyses and suggested responses to the actions of our current “leaders.” Responses can’t be “one size fits all.” Here on Sub stack I see the principle of “from each according to their means” who are the helpers of others in this resistance, as well as models for others who are looking for a good fit. Best thoughts for your IronPerson partner.
Hello monk friend, John.
I have been struggling with Part II of my Thoreau, McKibben, the Storm and me. At every turn there is more evidence that I have been an incredibly naive American. I find courage in the research and the knowing that Hurricane Helene did not take away my ability to write, it was just hard and a horrible prelude to the election.
Last night I took Janisse Ray’s Gardening Journal class. The illustrator of All We Can Save taught. Madeleine Jubilee Saito is calm, precise and radical. I felt my creativity return. I appreciate being alive at the same time as so many monks like you and Madeleine. And your readers.💫
Thanks for the post, John. After following some of what you do in the nearby community, it breaks my heart that projects seem to be fading to dust. In my tiny way, I'm sharing voices and faces of local artists and scientists, and supporting as many environmental non-profits, local and national, as we can. We entirely shop local now so we can look into the eyes of our local organic farmers, fishmongers, Coop employees, and others, and put fewer delivery trucks on the road that profit billionaires more than workers. I formed a small support group for women addicts and alcoholics, some in the court system, and seeing the light come back on in their eyes gives me hope.
Thank you John for this reflection, and good luck Deborah! (I somehow know she has the diligent preparation fully handled).
Thank you so much, Michelle.