Grow in Wonder

One act of genuine kindness. One intentional smile. One word of praise or well-wishing can turn a nation around. I’m not talking about saccharin sweetness; I’m talking about the possibility of rediscovering our humanity again. You can’t do that wrapped in fear. It means nothing if offered falsely. Human dignity can only be offered from those who are actively engaged in living it. This is where religion and reality part ways. This is where morality based on some hypothetical theory falls short. Dignity is not an intellectual exercise. You can’t make it up. 

From what I can tell people are starving today for a bit of truth. You can’t and won’t get it from the force feeding of sameness that streams through our smart devices. It’s a cultivated art, this discernment of what is valuable and necessary and what is not. It’s a practice, this ability to separate the wheat from the chaff and an even greater practice to do it without judgment. These things take time and attention. It pays to not be distracted.

And we can discover our similarities despite our differences. The ability to grow in wonder of the myriad colors and distinct beauty that each life holds is a gift. That ability comes from the surrender of self-importance. It’s possible, it feels good and it’s infectious.

Life is for those who never stop learning. Living is a practice and not to be taken for granted. Time is the toll keeper that reminds us of our journey’s end. And gratitude and love are the sweetnesses that keep our cup from becoming bitter. 

One act of genuine kindness. One intentional smile. One word of praise or well-wishing can turn a nation around. Try it.

Enjoy this conversation with my friend, Si Maata as we speak about our Humanity, being Indigenous and Queer at this auspicious and difficult time. You can find Si’s creations at Gathering the Stories and streaming at Free Story Radio