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How Do I Respond? (Part II)

Last week, I described some of the ways I respond to the chaos of the world. Most of those were inwardly focused spiritual practices, and I believe in the importance of being as spiritually centered as possible in order to respond effectively to the world. As a contemplative person, I readily admit that I would just as soon stay focused on quiet, inner meditation. The world can be a messy, dangerous, and difficult place. I don’t like conflict.

The world can also be a place of beauty and joy filled with incredible people. Seeing that truth depends on our perspective: how we choose to respond varies depending on how we choose to see what is going on around us.

Where do I place my focus? How do I choose to see others, especially those with whom I think I have little in common or whom I dislike?

It seems overly simple to say, “It’s all a matter of perspective.” Yet, I think it is as simple as that. When I take the time and energy to see outside of my own limited understanding, I see a glimmer of a broader point of view. When I take the time to listen to others—really listen, especially to those with whom I disagree—I can hear beyond what I’ve been telling like-minded people and myself. When I allow my heart to break open to the fear and the brokenness of not only others but also myself, I begin to experience compassion. We are in this world together. We share common, God-given DNA, and basic needs like food, water, shelter, love, and the need to be loved.

Instead of seeing with eyes of ‘doom and gloom,’ I press toward a perspective of loving-kindness for others and myself. I begin to hope, even in the most difficult of situations, because I see signs of resilience and courage in the actions of others.

In Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in without Going Crazy, Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone offer a good perspective that I choose. Here is how they define active hope:

Active Hope is not wishful thinking.
Active Hope is not waiting to be rescued
By the Lone Ranger or by some savior.
Active Hope is waking up to the beauty of life
On whose behalf we can act.
We belong to this world.
The web of life is calling us forth at this time.
We’ve come a long way and are here to play our part.
With Active Hope we realize that there are adventures in store,
Strengths to discover, and comrades to link arms with.
Active Hope is a readiness to engage.
Active Hope is a readiness to discover the strengths
In ourselves and in others;
A readiness to discover the size and strength of our hearts,
Our quickness of mind, our steadiness of purpose,
Our own authority, our love for life,
The liveliness of our curiosity,
The unsuspected deep well of patience and diligence,
The keenness of our senses, and our capacity to lead.
None of these can be discovered in an armchair or without risk.

I choose to respond with active hope. I choose to get up each day and see what simple acts of kindness I might do. I seek the places and ways I might stand and speak for justice. I choose to do my best to see others as Christ sees, realizing that sometimes my eyes will have tears in them. I choose to try my best to stay curious and open, to respond with love and merciful grace, and to do what I am called to do at any given moment.

Blessings,

Donna