“Be accepting. Of everything. People's differences, their similarities, their choices, their personalities. Sometimes it takes a variety to make a good collection. The same goes for people."

-Colleen Hoover

Profound words from a bestselling American author inspire this week's post. Recently, government agencies announced we are in the endemic (regularly occurring in an area or community versus nationwide or worldwide) stage of Covid 19. I expected this pandemic to bring a divided nation closer together, like September 11th, 2001. However, we grew further apart, cynical, hurtful, and less understanding of another's perspective. We cannot get out of our way long enough to offer empathy.

In a previous blog, I discussed one of the ethical practices of yoga called Ahimsa, which translates as non-harming - by word, action, or thought. Many relationships fell by the wayside during the last several years. Some Covid related, some not. We are granted a finite number of breaths and heartbeats in this lifetime. It is time to surrender the sword and resolve differences with an individual or group. Here is a quote about empathy - "Walk a mile in my shoes. See what I have seen. Hear what I have heard. Feel what I have felt. Then maybe you will understand why I do what I do. Until then, don't judge me."- Unknown.

The following is an image of a piece of wall art that hangs in our office. I see it every day but often forget to pause and understand the significance of the words of H.H. The XIVth Dalai Lama.

The common thread that binds us together is living the human experience. While we may not agree in principle on all issues, it is worth the effort to hold space for each other and try. I leave you with the following song by Luke Bryan that reinforces a crucial point - most people are good. Until next time -

Namaste,

Tim

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