Hari Om

It is certainly lovely to be back on the cushiopn at The Beside, and with you all for this morning practice of sitting, breathing, and sharing thoughts and poems. That is really all this is. Just some time taken away from the grinding weight of capitalism, war-mongering corporate policies, the attacking police state in our neighborhoods, and the subjugation of 1/3 of th epopulation by another 1/3 while 1/3 sit by and wait idly to be next on one of the two sides. Does this seem glum? Well, it may be. I am okay with recognizing that a good portion of my energy is is actively resisting the violence of this culture on a very personal and interpersonal level. This is what makes this practice so vital to my survival in these times. I need rest. I need respite. I need solace. And I think so do you.

When we begin to sit with these stirring of emotions by seemingly outside forces, “you must speak up…over the clatter…of my noisy heart” is a directive for connection. Allow the healing to be louder than the pain for a moment at a time.

Then we take some guidance from the great bell hooks, once again with the magic.

Appalachian Elegy 16 bell hooks go high up climb to the very top look out remnants of majesty remain here where soldiers stand watching their gods die what will be given in return for shelter an end to hunger sanctuary look from the mountaintops an army of broken promises land invaded then left as though there were no other way to claim belonging

My question today, to you and to me: What other ways have you learned to claim belonging than domination and subjugation? Let us know in the comments.

All in Love,

Michael

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