THE DAILY SPARK

OUR COMMON HUMANITY

When we are judging we are pointing at each other and not pointing at the problem.  In our political system, we point right or left, left or right.  This prevents us from pointing at the actual problem.  As a result, we demonize each other.  If we can identify the common problem, we can find a way to move forward. 

“Anytime we are having these conversations, we need to remember that the common enemy is injustice, not each other.” Quote by Lisa Nichols

Paraphrased from a podcast on One Commune with Jeff Krasno and Justin Michael Williams

REFLECTION:

  • Is there someone you are demonizing?  In our divided country, there is much finger pointing… labeling – left liberals… right conservatives. 
  • How can you stop finger pointing and find our common humanity – what unites us?
  • If injustice is the enemy, what can you do to make your world..the world more just?

ONLY LOVE

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Quote by Martin Luther King

REFLECTION:

Today, we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King.  This quote has extra meaning for me given what occurred at the US Capitol last week.  Hate is a very strong, emotionally charged word yet in my opinion, that is what we saw demonstrated by some of the protesters.

While you may not have participated in these demonstrations or even known anyone involved, as people, conflict, differing opinions and views are part of the human condition resulting in separation, division and even hate..  Yet, MLK’s words serve as a reminder that only love can drive out hate (or intense dislike) with someone in your orbit.  How would things change with love?

  • Identify someone in your sphere that you dislike immensely or even “hate”  
  • What if you could see them as a person (despite being an adult, their behavior is more childlike) who is really afraid?  How does that change your view of them?  Can you find compassion for them? Can you send them some loving kindness (even if it is only in your thoughts)?
  • How would showing up as your “Best Self” change the relationship?  How would love change them?

VICTIMS AND VILLAINS

“If we can forgive what has been done to us…

If we can forgive what we’ve done to others . . .

If we can leave all of our stories behind. Our being
villains or victims.

Only then can we maybe rescue the world.

But we still sit here, waiting to be saved. While we’re
still victims, hoping to be discovered while we suffer.”

Quote by Chuck Palahniuk is an American journalist and author of award winning novel, Fight Club (turned into a movie) among other books.

REFLECTION:

  • What has been done to you that you need to forgive?
  • What have you done to another that needs to be forgiven?
  • What story do you need to leave behind to get on with living?