Be Gentle

Each morning my husband and I walk before we start the day.

Mama Earth welcomes us to a new day.

Recently, a doe and her fawns have been greeting us on the path. They stop, big ears turned toward us, listening.

Deer magic reminds us to be gentle with ourselves and others.

The first half of this year has been extraordinary. Even as I see the possibilities that are appearing, I recognize the stress of it all.

I find myself alternately tired, wanting to hide and incredulous, wanting to fight.

I know I’m not the only one.

So, Deer shows up with her wide eyes, her gentle energy.

With her big ears she reminds us to listen well. Listen to the voices of those in pain, those who have lived in fear for generations, those who have lost loved ones.

Listen to the voices of black mothers, who must send their sons and daughters into a world that isn’t just.

Listen to the voices of those who are at higher risk of the virus, higher risk of not surviving should they get it.

Listen to the voices of the workers who have lost their jobs and are trying to find a way to support their families.

Listen to the voices of the little children who will always remember the year that schools shut down and they couldn’t see their friends, grandmas and grandpas.

Listen and be gentle.

It can be hard to take all of this in. I want to turn away. I want to turn off the news and social media. The unkindness I see turns my stomach. But Deer reminds me that it is important to be witness. To take a stand for what I believe.

**To be clear on my stand: All lives can’t matter until Black Lives Matter. And yes, I will wear a mask to protect my neighbors, friends, family, and unknowable others.**

And to be gentle.

To take breaks from the news when it overwhelms my soul.

To walk in nature.

To enter waking meditation, gaining direction and comfort from my connection to Source.

And to be gentle with others, who are all mixed up in their feelings, their experience in this intense time.

Gentleness does not make excuses for poor behavior. It does not mean that we hold our tongues. It does guide the tone of our disagreements.

Like Deer, we can stand with strong legs, bound through barriers quickly. Like Deer, we listen first, before making a move. Like Deer, we honor our heart’s whispering and take a stand for a better world.

Dearest, this week, be gentle with yourself.

Take time to listen to your heart’s whispers.

Take time to nurture your body’s longing.

Take time to BE.

Take time to fill your own well.

This will give you the fuel to do what is yours to do in remaking the world.

With all my heart,

P.S. – Next week I’m giving gifts! More info coming soon….