Category: Courage

Transformation

It’s easy to say, “We need transformation’; it’s yet another thing to be actively engaged in it. Transformation, by its nature, implies urgency to move from one state of being into another. Nature repeatedly shows us this. The butterfly is not alone in this emerging. Whether nature’s rapid transformations of insects and amphibians or the slow altering of the seasons, these shifts are essential for survival and the balance of life’s systems. And what are the consequences of not transforming?

Stagnation does not serve us. In traditional Chinese Medicine stagnation refers to restriction that hinders vital energy and ultimately causes pain and dis-ease. That’s why people seek movement in the forms of Tai chi and Qi Gong, to avoid stagnation and to maintain health’s optimum balance. And to a great extent it works.

But when we are identifying disease within our communities, our state and world, movement alone will not suffice. There must be clear thinking and honest assessing of the conditions causing our illnesses – literally and figuratively.

Wisdom would dictate that no single individual should be saddled with the obligation and responsibility of what we have come to know as leadership. Marx had it wrong, following is in fact the opium of the masses, organized religion is only a symptom. The giving away of our individual accountability to ourselves, our communities and the earth has led us to this imperiled moment. Handing our power to a leader brings a stagnation that we can not afford in this urgent time. Cooperation and community where everyone assumes responsibility to the whole is what is needed now. And that will be a transformative step that we have not yet tried.

Many of us prefer status quo thinking and are not prepared to rock the boat. Understood. There are people desperate to crown a new king to follow, both on the left and the right. Tucker Carlson and Pete Buttigieg come to mind in this delusional attraction. But transformation requires immediacy and I would say to you, if this is not your moment to be accountable as a human being, capable of clear thinking and decisive action, please step aside.

There are many brilliant minds and stellar hearts seeking to bring more than hope back to our existence. There are communities of people readying for the transformation needed for all of us to create better ways forward. Look to the ones creating community. Look to the ones invigorating more than resistance; look to the determined, to the unrelenting. The people refusing to accept ‘this is how it must be’. And maybe then you will realize you are an essential part in this massive shift – for all of us.

Waking From a Bad Dream

When the evils of humanity come so close that you can feel the stench of their breath on your neck, you know you better wake from the nightmare. We can no longer wait for the right moment to counter the ignorance that has swept this country. Manipulated from the pulpit and driven by greed, perhaps enough of us have now understood that the “American Dream” has been the world’s worst nightmare, and we are prepared to change the narrative. As the president scores points with gamers on the oil market and the rest of us hold on for dear life, this roller coaster ride of destruction has seemed endless.

But the truth is we can wake from this bad dream. It will not be one action, one march or one election that will stop the tide of delusion. It will require that enough of us, wake to find that we are still here. That our hopes for ourselves and our children are still here. That our aspirations of peace and equity are alive and well. That our love of the Earth is defiantly refusing to allow the continued raping of our Mother. When enough of us realize there are choices that do not include “drill baby drill” or distance ourselves from the threats of annihilation that keep us in fear, we will change course.

We must find strength in our mutual history from those who have defied the lawless laws of corruption and have encouraged us to never give up. The fearless ones, who could see that the nightmare has an end – and worked tirelessly to show us the way. Not any one of us have the solution, but together we are the solution.

Most recently Minnesotans taught the power of “we the people”. May we realign with our humanity however we can. 

Ten years after her murder, indigenous leader Berta Cáceres remains a beacon of hope in Honduras

“She Didn’t Die, She Multiplied.”The words and vision of slain human rights activist, Berta Caceres, reverberate throughout this podcast on Changing the Narrative. Bryan Rogers shares his passion for the environment and humanity in his role as Environmental Justice Director for The Webb at Milwaukee’s Walnut Way. The overwhelming number of data centers springing up in Wisconsin require a statewide and organized resistance to protect our water, our communities and our health.

Stand Up

Social media was abuzz prior to the nationwide March 28th rallies. There were legitimate concerns over allegiance with Democratic leadership that still refuses to accept that the vast majority of people want the US to stop funding Israel’s war machine – and to admit we are complicit in genocide. I understand those critiques and agree. In deciding my attendance at the rally, I weighed heavily the pros and cons. Being invited to emcee the Madison No Kings Rally, made my decision for me. I could have my say. And I was impressed with the speakers also invited for that day. The event challenged every nay sayer, in a good way. I am very glad I said “yes”and proud to be among everyone who attended.

Some people have asked to hear my opening – so here it goes. And you can find the full hour of amazing speakers below.

“When our humanity is under attack, what do we do? Stand up fight back.

When our dignity is under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back.

When our love is under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back.

First, I want you to look around and take in the tapestry that we are. Feel the courage and the kindness that we share. There is an attack on our humanity occurring daily. It manifests through ICE raids and separating families; it happens through the incessant war industry that’s always searching for targets instead of working towards peace. 

And it is in the destruction of our home, the earth, with unnecessary pipelines, and data centers destroying our health and our communities. 

Both parties have created this moment and it is incumbent upon us, “we the people”, to restore human dignity, compassion and trust.

You’re not sheep. I have sheep. I know the difference. Sheep are wonderful, but we share something that sheep don’t have. We have the ability to choose. By being here, you are choosing hope over despair, empathy over disregard, and action over ineptitude.

We are the ones refusing to let ignorance win. You and others who couldn’t be here or are gathering in over 100 locations in Wisconsin, are stepping up to be frontline.

We’re the defenders of our mutual humanity, regardless of our differences. We are here together to show each other how powerful peace can be, and I, for one, love you and thank you for your efforts. 

There are 50 grassroots groups, non-profits and pro-democracy organizations participating in this event. Find some that resonate with you and get active. You are needed. 

Speakers and speeches from March 28 in Madison.

They include: Paul Smith, United Turtle Clan, Oneida Nation; Sinceree Dixon, League of Women Voters; Ajak Johnson, Badger Collective; and Rev. Judge Everett Mitchell, Solid Rock Baptist Church

Photos from NO Kings Madison

Over 10000 in Madison on March 28. Over 70,000 throughout Wisconsin.

Embracing Life

Sometimes it takes great courage to get out of bed in the morning. The weight of circumstance has shifted the balance of life. But this is not a time to cower and hide. This is the time to embrace life. 

Spring is gradually replacing winter. That is its nature. And it is our nature to appreciate the warmth and to be amazed at the green sprouting up. My sheep devoured dry hay all winter, now go in search of the moist green shoots and I am happy for them. They are wise. They understand time.

Memories come. Some harsh, some sweet. But can I let go of the bitter, can I accept its teaching and move on? Can I trust that the lesson taught was valuable and that it deepened my capacity to live more fully, or simply regret?

Because true living is not automatic. We are not robots. We have choice. There is nuance. We have the opportunity to discover something new and miraculous with every moment. 

We can bear witness to the power of life, but even more satisfying, we can co-create with it. We can enjoy the dance and allow it to be unique to us. 

I know the weight of circumstance has brought despair. I know it has brought doubt. We are being led by people who have forgotten the preciousness of life. And there are far too many in influential places who echo the insanity of the ignorant. The voice of humanity is being suffocated, but only if we let it. This is where courage comes in. This is where remembrance comes in. Hold those moments close, when you witnessed life’s kindness and beauty. They live within you still.  

We have choice. That is where freedom lives.  Embrace Life and walk away from fear. 

Meet Thelma and Louise. They were the first sheep at Echo Valley Farm. They lived for eighteen years. When I bought them and they went into the back of my SUV, I said “You must be Thelma and Louise – and this is your last ride.” We all lived up to that. Sweet memories.

Just One Drop

The robins have returned unaware of the snow dump and deep freeze that would welcome them back to Wisconsin. I watched one perched high on a tree. It seemed he was trying to catch a bit of sun that was beginning to break the darkness. Feathers puffed, I wondered if we shared the same bewilderment of a world gone mad. I took birdseed and water to their haunts, hoping to help them ward off the bitterness, and realizing I was helping myself as well. 

What can be done when leaders and echo chambers continually batter us with ignorance and beat the drums of war? What can be done? One drop of kindness in whatever way means a lot.

The doubt maker is busy spinning dark thoughts and doom. But the sun has already begun to warm the air and the birds are flocking to grab whatever nourishment they can, as they sing… Yes, they still sing in spite of it all. 

Vermonters are picking up where Minnesotans left off as the resistance to the inhumanity of ICE is growing. A video of a person solo dancing in front of a line of ICE showed the dancer testing ICE’s inability to join in or at least to laugh. They couldn’t do either. Whatever you do, do not surrender your ability to be joyful. 

Grateful for the good news that the majority of people are opposing the grotesque display of military might and loss of life extending from Palestine and now into Lebanon and Iran. 

Every awakening is cause to celebrate. It is in those drops of clarity that the river of kindness will again flow into peace. 

The sun will warm us once again and while we still breathe, we have choice. 

check out definacedispatch.substack.com for weekly “Content to Amplify”

Lead With Love. Not Compromise.

It’s almost done. We’ve normalized lying. We’ve normalized bullies. We’ve normalized child abuse. We’ve normalized genocide. We have done so cloaked in the United States flag and sanctioned by the Bible.  

The Israeli war criminal visits Washington to ensure the United States plays hardball with Iran. Another ship is blown up in the Pacific, killing two and leaving one survivor for the coast guard. No word on his condition or if he was indeed rescued. That’s 126 people killed. No mention of wrongful death lawsuits filed by families of fishermen. Murders continue unabated.

The Epstein files are wreaking havoc in Europe and Great Britain, but we’re quite willing to allow pedophiles and crypto maniacs run our show. And ICE is not even close to being abolished, let alone reigned in as Bondi’s DOJ hearings made mockery of truth, justice and humanity. 

Yet there was Bad Bunny, reminding us we are all America. Reminding that Love is greater. Demonstrating truth to power in the most celebratory ways. Viva the Puerto Rican independent spirit – may we all learn from it.  There was Brandy Carlile with a powerful and almost mournful America the Beautiful. 

It’s Black History Month. I am grateful that my social media connections are filled with remembrances championing the strength and clarity of those who walked before us. The ones who faced hatred but did not flinch. They held to their humanity – as we must now, too. James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Frederick Douglas and countless more. Read them. Drink in their wisdom and stop cowering in White fear.  

Look to those supporting our mutual hope for humanity, that we may still win.

Lead with love and fight like hell.

America First is America Alone

We are desensitized to killing. Leadership no longer recognizes nor respects international law or the norms of human decency. The United States / Israeli partnership continues the genocide of Palestinians. Turning our backs on this slaughter has empowered it. We have forsaken the independence of Ukraine and the slaughter in Sudan. The United States Christmas bombing in Nigeria was useless propaganda that harmed innocent civilians. We’re still unclear about the nearly one hundred sailors and fishermen blown up in the Caribbean. And as we learn of eighty civilians and soldiers and thirty-two Cubans killed by our bombs in Venezuela, we are distracted by the desire to take over Greenland. No time to mourn. Threats of militarization and regime change have been made regarding Mexico, Iran, Columbia, Cuba and continue in Venezuela. 

America first is now America alone. Might is right has replaced our humanity. And who will stop the United States military, led by ruthless capitalists stealing land and oil and protecting their ultra rich crony pedophiles? 

A senseless murder in Minneapolis at the hands of ICE brings the ruthlessness back home. The lies and propaganda still work on a handful, but the streets are and will continue to be lined with human beings saying “No More”. No more disappearing our neighbors and friends. No more theft of our souls.

Project 2025, the authoritarian playbook disguised as a manual for the creation of a Christian nation, is afoot, and the ignorant are all for it.

If you’re still supporting this madness, it’s doubtful these words will touch you. I write for those who see the calamity before us and to encourage the silent fringe to wake up, that we may remove the bullies we have empowered and allow the possibility of peace to reign.

Reclaiming our humanity with courage and dignity will stop this death march.  

In our human belonging, we are never alone.

Vigil for Renee Good, brutally murdered by ICE in Minneapolis, 1/7/26

Warriors of Love

Take time for the stillness in your heart. As we emerge from a year of brutal cruelty, we must take stock of our strengths. This battle is not over. Our humanity is not lost. We have been silent for too long, complicit with a status quo that never cherished our individuality, never championed our gifts. This is a time to draw upon the wisdom born of compassion and empathy. It’s not a time to cower in fear. This is our moment to rediscover the gratitude for the life we have been given; and to hone the courage needed to repel the ignorance devouring us. 

Doubt is not our friend. As we engage in a world corrupted by greed and poisoned with artificial truths, we must shake off indifference. We must become Warriors of Love. 

In honor of those who came before us, with all of their hopes and dreams for our better world and for those who will come after us, we must fight. 

Fight using the weapons we already hold: clarity, discernment, choice. History has repeated itself, because we have allowed it. But in that history, there has been a singular vision that has triumphed again and again. That vision is the possibility of peace. Not a ‘pie in the sky’ peace. It is a fundamental part of who we are and have always been. More of us are needed to cherish and cultivate it.

The ignorant laugh, but in truth the external power used to curtail us is nothing compared to what we carry – when we choose to deploy. 

Deploy love and kindness. Help one another. We’ve got this. 

WELCOME 2026!

Watch You Are In Charge – with the encouraging words of Prem Rawat

What Matters Most

The house of cards is crumbling. And for many, the overwhelm is taking its toll. We’re being forced to admit that our racist and murderous history is not simply in our past, but is and has been ever present. We have a choice. Those who cheered on this grotesque turn, are either in continued support of it, or are in full blown regret. Some are paralyzed by the fear of what we’re witnessing and now reckon with their participation in creating it.

Those who rejected and continue to resist the ICE raids on families, the disappearance of children, the murder of fisherman and the dismantling of our government’s checks and balances also have choices. Paralysis is not a choice. It’s capitulation. We can give up, assuming it’s too late and too hard to change – or we can continue to resist.  

And this is the tricky part; how do we resist? 

Knowing what matters most to us as individuals and collectively is our way out. Respecting ourselves and each other, caring for and listening to each other and acting with the confidence of people who know that the power we inherently carry will triumph. 

The sun always dispels darkness. We have power that we have yet to tap. Not the power of conquistadors, but the power of seeds yet to be planted and harvested. We have all allowed this ignorance to reign and now it is our time to choose differently. We can discover and nurture our strengths. There’s great power in resilience, in clarity, in the ability to circumvent doubt. There is worthy power in aligning with compassion and empathy. And there are powers no one will ever dominate: our ability to love and to feel gratitude. These are the seeds of our becoming.

Nurture what matters most. 

The Evin Prisons Bakers’ Club, Surviving Iran’s Most Notorious Prisons in 16 Recipes by Sepideh Gholian is a hard hitting look at the life of women political prisoners in Iran – their courage, sorrows, joys and triumphs told by one who has survived and thrives.

This Changing the Narrative podcast is translated by Fatemeh Jamalpour. Reading the book and engaging in this conversation with Sepideh has deepened my humanity and encouraged my resistance. Take time with this. 

The Evin Prisons Baker’s Club with author Sepideh Gholian

Dismantling the Master’s House

When Audre Lorde wrote, “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house,” the door opened again to the dismantling of the systems that oppress us – if we let them.

And just what is the master’s house? The patriarchy that continues to subjugate women the world over are the pillars. In the walls are hidden the abuse of women and children and the inhumane secrets of generations. The floors are made of capitalism dependent on extreme extractions of the earth and of human blood, sweat and tears.  And religions, that abandon simple truths in order to align with power, are the roof of the master’s house. The master’s house is a tight little package that we have accepted and we continue to support – until we don’t.

And what are the tools that we should not use to dismantle this prison? The lies of scarcity, that there is not enough; that life is about ‘dog eat dog’ and ‘might is right’. That heaven can only be found in dying and life is about sacrifice and pain and that we are separate from one another and all Creation.  These are the tools the master has used to build his house. 

What then are the tools to dismantle this prison? Knowing who you are is key. Recognizing the preciousness of life and the connection we all carry to our Creator and to one another sweeten the effort of dismantling. Love and compassion are our strengths. Courage and clarity are essential. And the hope that is born on this effort is never forsaken. It carries on.

“Nobody’s free until everybody’s free”. Let us join the host of human beings who have traversed this course. Enough of inhumanity. It’s time we depart the master’s prison and bring the willing home. 

For inspiration, courage and clarity:

Fannie Lou Hamer – “Until I am Free You are Not Free Either”

Angelou “No One of Us is Free until Everybody’s Free“