Thanks for taking the time to write about this. I just started following you and I really enjoy your work. This event reminded me of the passage in the art of war by Sun Tzu
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
I'm sorry this happened to you, and I'm so incredibly disappointed by the division being so blatantly displayed. While I have been waiting to read this post since you first mentioned the encounter, I honestly was hoping you "put her in her place" with clever words. But I'm now realizing the clever words are meant to educate us that we may learn a better way to live, and even to respond to conflicts. Thank you for being a light. 🕯
I'm glad that you walked away unscathed--well, not entirely, but relatively so. In a petty way, I am sort of glad that the woman was unscathed: if my image of the encounter is at all accurate, she wanted some kind of aggressive retaliatory response, and she didn't get it. That hurts her, in a gnawing, rasping kind of way, more than any insulting word or gesture that might have reflexively come from you. You can deal with things like this (it is sad that you have to, but you are equipped to do so); she, on the other hand, still has to try to ride a canoe on a river of fire without any paddle, not realizing that there are oars just under her seat.
OMG! Another insult brought upon us all by the indecent DT and his supporters. It makes my stomach turn. Know that you are loved here by enthusiastic subscribers who feel really lucky to have you!
“The racial divide in America is a wound that runs deep. But for me, the solution isn’t in numbers or slogans or even safety—it’s in seeking wisdom, listening deeply, and staying true to my own quiet path. And so I walked away, carrying the sting but also the lesson: the slur says more about her than it ever could about me.”—-THIS. I am sending compassion to both of you…this business of a soul in a human body isn’t always easy and I’m incredibly sorry that such hatred not only exists but that it was directed at you so blatantly, Diamond-Michael. More darkness cannot drive out darkness and I am grateful that this world has your special light. A deep bow of love and compassion for you, Diamond-Michael. May all beings awaken to their light 🙏✨🩵
Thank you for sharing this—we cannot ultimately heal wounds if they are kept in the dark and under cover. All wounds must be exposed to light and air, so the telling of these painful stories, and one’s wise and skillful way of responding to the arrows thrown by hurt people, provide others with “the way” through without adding to the pain. You, D-M, are a great guide for us along this path. I was looking forward to reading this since you shared with us that incident.
I continue to reflect upon this post, particularly this line: "It’s about knowing when to speak, when to walk away, and when to seek deeper understanding of a world that often makes little sense." This is something I've struggled with all my life and I have not experienced the level of unleashed vitriol and racism in all its forms that you have. How do you know when the time is right to speak or walk away, or do you only understand this after responding instinctively because of your experience with the world and your dedication to understanding it and walking "free and easy?"
Thank you for sharing what happened to you and for sharing your response. You've prompted me to think deeply about things that are not comfortable -- my untested self harbors many unexamined narratives that could use airing out and releasing.
Again, thank you. I would like to buy you a cup of coffee next time you are in San Diego. Lestat's is great. There are other places just as great in close proximity to bookstores. A peaceful day to you.
It was a very intuitive reaction on my part to just walk away in the moment. Besides, the consequences likely would have been severe for me if I had taken a swing at her.
On another note, coffee the next time I’m in San Diego would be amazing. I’m a huge fan of Lofty Coffee in Little Italy and Communal Coffee in the South Park neighborhood.
Yes, it says so much more about her! I love reading your posts. May you continue to experience clarity as you walk your quiet path. Much love to you Diamond! We need more people like you!
Yes ✨ staying true to your own quiet path. You are wise, you are resourced. It’s wonderful to see the community here respond to your words. Thank you for sharing with us Diamond. 💎
What a drag that you had to experience that slur. It does say more about her than it does about you. Good on you for having the presence of mind to walk away, take the high road, and then share your experience, Diamond-Michael.
I'm curious as to what version of the Dao De Jing you use as reference. If I'm not mistaken, your quote about beauty and ugliness above was rendered by James Legge (in his 1891 version), as "All in the world know the beauty of the beautiful, and in doing this they have (the idea of) what ugliness is; they all know the skill of the skilful, and in doing this they have (the idea of) what the want of skill is."
Thanks for taking the time to write about this. I just started following you and I really enjoy your work. This event reminded me of the passage in the art of war by Sun Tzu
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
Hi Jimmy. I LOVE that Sun Tzu passage. Thanks for reminding me of this and please stay on the connect.
I'm sorry this happened to you, and I'm so incredibly disappointed by the division being so blatantly displayed. While I have been waiting to read this post since you first mentioned the encounter, I honestly was hoping you "put her in her place" with clever words. But I'm now realizing the clever words are meant to educate us that we may learn a better way to live, and even to respond to conflicts. Thank you for being a light. 🕯
So beautifully said Nancy. Yes, it’s been a week of vacillating emotions but filled with so many deep lessons.
I'm glad that you walked away unscathed--well, not entirely, but relatively so. In a petty way, I am sort of glad that the woman was unscathed: if my image of the encounter is at all accurate, she wanted some kind of aggressive retaliatory response, and she didn't get it. That hurts her, in a gnawing, rasping kind of way, more than any insulting word or gesture that might have reflexively come from you. You can deal with things like this (it is sad that you have to, but you are equipped to do so); she, on the other hand, still has to try to ride a canoe on a river of fire without any paddle, not realizing that there are oars just under her seat.
I always look forward to your thoughts and perspectives Jackson. Thanks so much and please keep them coming.
OMG! Another insult brought upon us all by the indecent DT and his supporters. It makes my stomach turn. Know that you are loved here by enthusiastic subscribers who feel really lucky to have you!
Thank you Oma. I appreciate your words of understanding.
“The racial divide in America is a wound that runs deep. But for me, the solution isn’t in numbers or slogans or even safety—it’s in seeking wisdom, listening deeply, and staying true to my own quiet path. And so I walked away, carrying the sting but also the lesson: the slur says more about her than it ever could about me.”—-THIS. I am sending compassion to both of you…this business of a soul in a human body isn’t always easy and I’m incredibly sorry that such hatred not only exists but that it was directed at you so blatantly, Diamond-Michael. More darkness cannot drive out darkness and I am grateful that this world has your special light. A deep bow of love and compassion for you, Diamond-Michael. May all beings awaken to their light 🙏✨🩵
I appreciate you Deanna. Your words really resonated with me this morning. Onward and Forward my friend!
Thank you for sharing this—we cannot ultimately heal wounds if they are kept in the dark and under cover. All wounds must be exposed to light and air, so the telling of these painful stories, and one’s wise and skillful way of responding to the arrows thrown by hurt people, provide others with “the way” through without adding to the pain. You, D-M, are a great guide for us along this path. I was looking forward to reading this since you shared with us that incident.
Yes, rip that mask off. Oddly, this was a good reawakening for me. I’m now ready for what’s ahead.
Just wow. Sometimes it’s hard to believe this is 2024. Things are going backwards.
I know. So pathetically sad.
I continue to reflect upon this post, particularly this line: "It’s about knowing when to speak, when to walk away, and when to seek deeper understanding of a world that often makes little sense." This is something I've struggled with all my life and I have not experienced the level of unleashed vitriol and racism in all its forms that you have. How do you know when the time is right to speak or walk away, or do you only understand this after responding instinctively because of your experience with the world and your dedication to understanding it and walking "free and easy?"
Thank you for sharing what happened to you and for sharing your response. You've prompted me to think deeply about things that are not comfortable -- my untested self harbors many unexamined narratives that could use airing out and releasing.
Again, thank you. I would like to buy you a cup of coffee next time you are in San Diego. Lestat's is great. There are other places just as great in close proximity to bookstores. A peaceful day to you.
It was a very intuitive reaction on my part to just walk away in the moment. Besides, the consequences likely would have been severe for me if I had taken a swing at her.
On another note, coffee the next time I’m in San Diego would be amazing. I’m a huge fan of Lofty Coffee in Little Italy and Communal Coffee in the South Park neighborhood.
I will look forward to the coffee and the opportunity to talk more.
Yes, it says so much more about her! I love reading your posts. May you continue to experience clarity as you walk your quiet path. Much love to you Diamond! We need more people like you!
Thank you for your kind thoughts. Much appreciated. 🙏
Yes ✨ staying true to your own quiet path. You are wise, you are resourced. It’s wonderful to see the community here respond to your words. Thank you for sharing with us Diamond. 💎
💕💕💕 👉🏿Heather
What a drag that you had to experience that slur. It does say more about her than it does about you. Good on you for having the presence of mind to walk away, take the high road, and then share your experience, Diamond-Michael.
Yep, it’s been a drag for sure. But I’m working through it and am moving forward with greater light and love.
Damn.
It says so much about her. I’m sorry you had to experience this. 💚
I'm curious as to what version of the Dao De Jing you use as reference. If I'm not mistaken, your quote about beauty and ugliness above was rendered by James Legge (in his 1891 version), as "All in the world know the beauty of the beautiful, and in doing this they have (the idea of) what ugliness is; they all know the skill of the skilful, and in doing this they have (the idea of) what the want of skill is."
I use a number of versions but yes, Legge in the quote you’re referencing.
I enjoyed reading this post. Thank-you.
fantastic. a breath of fresh air in a foul atmosphere.