“I can’t control the political circus, the next social media outrage, or the next economic shoe to drop. And neither can you.
But I can control how I show up. I can choose stillness over reactivity. I can choose to plant seeds in my inner garden when the outer landscape is on fire.”
This from a guy (me) who feels true sadness when the Cubs bullpen folds at an inopportune moment, or the Avs lose in a shootout. Things I have no control over! Affecting my soul! Just stop, Peter. Stop.
“Performative authenticity.” I’ve never seen those two words/concepts together—each modifying the other. It’s an oxymoronic phrase, right? Something to recognize as, indeed, inauthentic because of the performance aspect of it. “Who is the performer once the performance is over?” THAT is the authentic person. In verse 17 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu talks about an authentic leader who leads such that the people she leads believes they are the ones who have remained empowered to accomplish successes. THAT is true authenticity—never performative. If we as a populace could become better skilled at recognizing vacuous performances and transactional relationships, maybe, just maybe, we’d stand a better chance at compassion for all. As it is, those of us who do recognize, are best to follow your wisdom and stay grounded when the winds of hatred and forced changes blow.
This is beautiful. I understand about losing fiery friendships to stillness. I have been finding out that some of my friendships have transformed as I become more peaceful. I am no less the fiery activist I ever was, I still have a burning desire to bring peace to the world. But I have realized that the only way that I can bring peace to the world is if I am myself first peaceful.
Essential words for me:
“I can’t control the political circus, the next social media outrage, or the next economic shoe to drop. And neither can you.
But I can control how I show up. I can choose stillness over reactivity. I can choose to plant seeds in my inner garden when the outer landscape is on fire.”
This from a guy (me) who feels true sadness when the Cubs bullpen folds at an inopportune moment, or the Avs lose in a shootout. Things I have no control over! Affecting my soul! Just stop, Peter. Stop.
“Performative authenticity.” I’ve never seen those two words/concepts together—each modifying the other. It’s an oxymoronic phrase, right? Something to recognize as, indeed, inauthentic because of the performance aspect of it. “Who is the performer once the performance is over?” THAT is the authentic person. In verse 17 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu talks about an authentic leader who leads such that the people she leads believes they are the ones who have remained empowered to accomplish successes. THAT is true authenticity—never performative. If we as a populace could become better skilled at recognizing vacuous performances and transactional relationships, maybe, just maybe, we’d stand a better chance at compassion for all. As it is, those of us who do recognize, are best to follow your wisdom and stay grounded when the winds of hatred and forced changes blow.
Authenticity, moral clarity -- all those things are desperately needed right now. Thanks for posting, Diamond-Michael.
Indeed Diana. Many thanks and have a great day! 🙏
So true!! Thank you!
🙏
This is beautiful. I understand about losing fiery friendships to stillness. I have been finding out that some of my friendships have transformed as I become more peaceful. I am no less the fiery activist I ever was, I still have a burning desire to bring peace to the world. But I have realized that the only way that I can bring peace to the world is if I am myself first peaceful.