“The greatest strength lies in not resisting, but withdrawing. In choosing the path of least resistance, you preserve your energy. In saying nothing, you say everything.” Words I needed to read this morning as I contemplate letting go of the events I can’t control and the minds I can’t influence.
Great post and reminds me of our recent conversation, Diamond-Michael.
Similarly, the message in The Bhagavad Gita, when Krishna advises Arjuna that inaction is also a form of action. However, in that conversation, Krishna is urging Arjuna to act without attachment. Still, Krishna's teaching also emphasizes learning to discern when action or inaction is the best 'yoga' or path to follow.
"Pleading the Fifth on the Fourth becomes for me a symbolic act of restraint and self-protection, related to the assertion that freedom includes the right not to perform, not to confess, not to explain oneself to power." Love this.
To honor your post I almost did not reply, so take these remarks with an apology. Your post reminded me that it has been a while since I read Frederick Douglass' famous take on this day, since the title alone provides ample material for reflection. I will be quiet now. Thanks.
Your words today were very calming despite the images that popped up in my mind.As I imagine some of the things you were describing I must acknowledge that I’ve had a privileged life. I have rarely known fear in the ways that so many on the planet live with.
I have never liked fireworks or Fourth of July … I guess, since the Vietnam war whenever I even thought about “bombs bursting in air”, I empathize right into being a village woman in some part of the world where violence and war are tearing it apart. When I hear those loud booms, I think of how it would feel to wonder if you’re going to arrive home to your family and find your family dead and your home destroyed.
If only fireworks could be silent maybe I could enjoy them….
I will take a long hike on the coast near this beautiful place I live. I will feel the power of nature and feel gratitude. I imagine the rest of my day in prayer, meditation and tears for where we are as a nation.
I know there’s enough to go around if we share and I believe in the power of the human spirit that is uncorrupted by greed.
I have grandchildren so I will let myself wallow and grieve today but tomorrow, I will pick myself up, dust myself off and get back in the fight.
I want be in an America I am proud of, that remains a beacon of hope to many across the world. We are not that now, but I have been to enough protests to believe we’ll get there again.
Thank you again for your daily dose of perspective, which I often so desperately need in these heartbreaking times.🙏🙏🙏🙏
“The greatest strength lies in not resisting, but withdrawing. In choosing the path of least resistance, you preserve your energy. In saying nothing, you say everything.” Words I needed to read this morning as I contemplate letting go of the events I can’t control and the minds I can’t influence.
Great post and reminds me of our recent conversation, Diamond-Michael.
Similarly, the message in The Bhagavad Gita, when Krishna advises Arjuna that inaction is also a form of action. However, in that conversation, Krishna is urging Arjuna to act without attachment. Still, Krishna's teaching also emphasizes learning to discern when action or inaction is the best 'yoga' or path to follow.
So happy to read this as I just purchased my first copy of the Bhagavad Gita. Can’t wait to read it.
Oh, I'm so excited for you. What translation? We'll have to have another conversation once you read it.
"Pleading the Fifth on the Fourth becomes for me a symbolic act of restraint and self-protection, related to the assertion that freedom includes the right not to perform, not to confess, not to explain oneself to power." Love this.
To honor your post I almost did not reply, so take these remarks with an apology. Your post reminded me that it has been a while since I read Frederick Douglass' famous take on this day, since the title alone provides ample material for reflection. I will be quiet now. Thanks.
Great to hear from you Jackson. Have a good 4th weekend.
🙏
Your words today were very calming despite the images that popped up in my mind.As I imagine some of the things you were describing I must acknowledge that I’ve had a privileged life. I have rarely known fear in the ways that so many on the planet live with.
I have never liked fireworks or Fourth of July … I guess, since the Vietnam war whenever I even thought about “bombs bursting in air”, I empathize right into being a village woman in some part of the world where violence and war are tearing it apart. When I hear those loud booms, I think of how it would feel to wonder if you’re going to arrive home to your family and find your family dead and your home destroyed.
If only fireworks could be silent maybe I could enjoy them….
I will take a long hike on the coast near this beautiful place I live. I will feel the power of nature and feel gratitude. I imagine the rest of my day in prayer, meditation and tears for where we are as a nation.
I know there’s enough to go around if we share and I believe in the power of the human spirit that is uncorrupted by greed.
I have grandchildren so I will let myself wallow and grieve today but tomorrow, I will pick myself up, dust myself off and get back in the fight.
I want be in an America I am proud of, that remains a beacon of hope to many across the world. We are not that now, but I have been to enough protests to believe we’ll get there again.
Thank you again for your daily dose of perspective, which I often so desperately need in these heartbreaking times.🙏🙏🙏🙏