Diwali, Veterans Day and #Mizzou. There’s a reason that these three events have converged on 11/11, a date which is connected with key historical events and holds a spiritual significance for many.
Today is another day in the fight against hate and intolerance. It’s becoming a dark and difficult time for people who are different, be it gender, sexual orientation, race, socioeconomic status, etc., because conversations are stopping and people are digging their heels in on either side.
Hope and discussions are turning into accusations and shaming. Open dialogues are closing. People are afraid to speak their mind. Due to the age of instant information, frustration, sadness, fear and even hate is taking over.
But I believe that today has mystically come together to remind us of the foundations of who we are and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel to remain focused on. It’s a day that has become one to help recenter ourselves.
In the United States, we are celebrating Veterans Day; a day to acknowledge and thank all the individuals who have served and are serving in order to preserve for our freedom and rights and keeping us safe. I know for me, that since my brother, Phil, was in the Marines, my understanding of the sacrifices our service people give has deepened. That their sacrifices allow me to have these conversations, to share my thoughts on my blog and to be who I am. it’s also a constant reminder that I need to fight my own fight to ensure freedom, equality, and liberty in my own way and to keep moving forward.
Keep moving forward…
The beautiful celebration of Diwali helps us to remember to move forward and that good will be victorious over evil. Its a reminder that there is always a light in the darkness. Perhaps its a little dimmer at times but its there and we need to keep moving towards it.
For me, the culmination of today’s converging events, serve as a reminder to listen and talk, support and challenge, teach and learn and to have patience and persistence. The road is never easy and has its challenges and dark times have to come, in order to give way for light to appear. But its up to each of us to push through the bad and the darkness, to keep fighting for what we feel is our own truths and to allow the light to shine through.
Just some musing and thoughts as I process recent events and try and find my center to help me understand what is going on in the world around me.
Until next time,
Peace, Love and Pandas!
Hello World, Its Me, Brian 