Found Exhortation

Discussion of physical aspects of yoga (on and off the mat)
Contact your local representatives asking for or thanking them for a permanent ceasefire resolution.
Contact your federal representatives asking for or thanking them for working for a permanent ceasefire, tax dollars for humanitarian aid not bombs.
Learn, listen, talk about it.
Do what you can about one of the crises in our current world.
Enjoy a moment of beauty.
Say something sweet to someone today.

My walk in the neighborhood led me to Eastern Market this morning although I was not looking for anything in particular. A small group of people were standing at the four corners of 7th and C Streets Southeast, standing vigil for the children in Gaza and asking for ceasefire.
I asked if I might join them and they offered me a sign. The demonstrator next to whom I was standing was most curious about what led me to be supportive of Palestine and we mostly talked about Quakers and Quaker emphasis on peaceful and fair solutions.
How could I not, in this small way, not add my voice and add my physical presence when I imagine how much more brave to be speaking out and how much more painful for those with friends and family and familiar places under siege.

On Monday morning, I joined in the first two hours of the day of prayer (Shacharit are morning prayers) and action led by #RabbisForCeasefire on the National Mall. They gathered and prayed and then spoke to all their members of Congress know that their’s is a religion that privileges peace and freedom for all beings over retribution. I would have stayed longer—I felt right at home—and taking care of my biological needs took precedence.
They brought their own temple and articles of worship. Centuries of practice.
What do you see in your philosophies? Your holy works?

I saw three rabbits, as well-blended into their environment as they were, and also a hawk circling overhead.
What natural and acquired protection do you have?
How much does you more harm than good?
Of course, I am asking myself the same questions.

With each new horror — another I have been blessed to avoid proximity and immediate impact—I ask myself (and make some follow through) on how I can contribute more both to speaking out against injustice, inequality, and warmongering, and also to making collective life more joyous.
On a day I grieve and speak my outrage , I share work, and food, and moments of beauty.

A friend once suggested that I took photographs to give myself separation. I do gain perspective, as I do from meditation. The chaos will not go away, and our relationship with it can change.


What does it mean to be here? I ask myself how am I present? What am I doing while I am here?