Meeting the Moment with Courage

The poly-crisis that we’re collectively living through is reaching a fever pitch right now. It can seem absurd or even irresponsible to allow space for joy, dreaming, and creative expression while so many of our worldwide relatives are suffering at the hands of runaway capitalism, militarism, and religious & political fundamentalism. Rage is a rational response to the current state of things. But what are you going to do with it?

You see, emotions provide powerful information. They tell us whether or not our needs, including survival, social, emotional, physical, or spiritual needs, are being met. So the rage, fear, anxiety, and/or despair that you may be feeling are trying to tell you that something is out of alignment. But again, I’ll ask - what are you going to do with that? Because we always have a choice, even if it’s only in how we choose to respond.

I’ve given this a lot of thought in my contemplation practices, and what keeps coming up for me is that we each have a unique role to play. It’s our responsibility to go inward to uncover what that is and then bring it out into the world, the best we can. Please understand that activists and organizers across generations of changemakers have said that the work to evolve our culture forward takes many forms.

It could mean being an advocate, a disrupter, a policymaker, a protector, or a care provider. Your highest work in this moment could be to be a devoted and present parent. Or a birthworker. An integrity-driven business owner. Or a teacher. Of course, this doesn’t even begin to encapsulate all the moving parts of cultural change, but I think you get the point. What we each do matters, and it’s up to each of us to figure out how we can best be of service for the benefit of all beings.

Wannabe authoritarians and their machinations thrive on despondency - a loss of hope and courage. When we willingly give up our power out of despair and a sense of helplessness, they win. When we buy into Us vs. Them narratives because self-righteousness is easier than the arduous pursuit of mutual respect, care, and collaboration, they win. But when we lean into joy, into relentless love, into community, and courage, we alter the timeline. We defy the odds. We reclaim what’s ours — what can never truly be taken without our permission.

Let us use this season of reflection to begin our journey back toward the opposing extreme and sit with the question: How can I channel my strong emotions in the highest way possible? How can I use the immense energy of rage or fear or grief as a catalyst toward profound, liberating transformation?

As for me, I’m preparing to publish my first book—my labor of love and transformation—as a gift to the world. After many years of swimming in uncertainty and self-doubt, I’m delighting in this new territory of confidence and inner alignment.

Does that mean I’m not nervous? LOL Don’t be silly! But I’m going to do it anyway. Because to have courage is to engage with heart. And this is what my heart is calling me to.

This little light of mine? I’m ready to let it shine. And this light in me sees the light in you. Let’s shine together.