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this moment in time is so fraught with reactive energy, with anger. emotions are high, and for a good reason, because there is much suffering. but in the heat of it all, there is a blindness to empathy for one another.

i’ve seen people be attacked from all sides just expressing empathy for the suffering. for expressing their love and empathy for their Jewish friends, for expressing their opposition to anti-Semitism and horror of the attacks on Oct. 7th. for expressing their empathy and deep concern for Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank, especially the children and families in Gaza dying by the thousands, and their opposition to Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiments. some have expressed that they’ve felt frozen, because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing in the face of so much suffering. i know i have felt that way at times as well. threading an impossible needle of empathy and love.

i think this quote embodies some beneficial advice at this time. advise that i am attempting to use to guide my words and actions. 

may we move in the direction of love, of empathy and compassion towards all who are suffering without discrimination or favor, leaving no one out. 

as astonishing as it may be, such a position will be unfavorable to some. we can’t please everyone. however, our loyalty, our vow, our practice is to embody love and healing in this world for all who need it. so walk, speak, offer your hands, your art, your heart and mind in service to the transformative power of love.

beyond the duality and delusion is oneness. we are interdependent. we are family. we are in this together. 

~j

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