November 10, 2016—Day 314 (WD 595)

by | Nov 21, 2016 | Sunrise Pages

sunrise-pages-november

The Sun Still Rises, Full Universe –

It is a cool, clear, and sunny morning.  The brightness of the day is uplifting; it’s helpful.

The sun still rises, Dear One, and the birds are singing.  The world has not stopped – rivers still flow, and my heart still beats.

Then again, I am privileged.  I am white and male.  I had the good fortune to be born already fitting into the top echelon of this country’s hierarchy.  Things likely will not change much for me.

This is a serious division in this country; one that is not at all understood.  I know how my thoughts and beliefs fill in a small part of the picture, but there is so much more I don’t get; so many perspectives of others, with different circumstances, from different demographics, whose American experience has never been anything like mine.

I am sexist, bigoted, and homophobic.  I have been raised in a culture with a defined hierarchy and deep, subtle beliefs.

I want to open my heart to everyone.  I want everyone to be afforded the same great American experience.

Not because it’s politically correct, or that I’m told that I have to.

It’s because it saddens me when I recognize the prejudgment I hold, based on someone’s looks, race, gender, age, sexual orientation or identification, or beliefs.  I think about how hurtful and unfair it has felt when I have been excluded.

I know that, individual-to-individual, I believe in the kindness in everyone; in the opportunity for connection.

And, I know that I lose this opportunity with my prejudging beliefs.

Every time I close my heart, I lessen myself, and close myself to the beautiful world around me.

 

I offer Today’s Prompt:

Dear One, please meditate on loving-kindness.

Begin with yourself, holding yourself with love and light, with all your weaknesses and imperfections.

Then, one-by-one, expand outward to your loved ones, honoring and appreciating their presence in your life.

Next, offer loving-kindness to those outside your circles who you don’t know well, or at all.

And, finally, to those with whom you most disagree.  Wish them love and kindness, and wish yourself the strength of love to continue to hold your heart open and be accepting of us all, just as we are.

 

There is no one right or wrong.  There’s just Love.  There’s just Us.  Thank you, Dear Guides!