And it lived in the house. Like, with the family.
And that is quite literally all I know about it. I simultaneously wish I knew more and am glad that I do not.
But I can’t resist that as a title. It’s just too good.
Over The Weekend, I Learned My Great-Grandmother Had a Pet Squirrel Named Corky.
It will remain a weird mystery.
Today, I’d like to share this video from Dr. Nicole LePera, who goes by The Holistic Psychologist on social media. I highly recommend her Facebook and Instagram accounts as well as her YouTube Channel.
She asks, “Do you have trauma brain?” Here are some signs she mentions:
1) Obsessive desire to be chosen by others without any awareness about how you and your body feel about the connection
2) Chronic social anxiety
3) Need for consistent distraction
4) Ego states of self-judgment and comparison
5) Lack of trust that leads to procrastination, self-sabotage, and shame cycles
If you notice any connections or resonance with these, be kind to yourself, know you’re not alone, and know that you can find help for these.
Captions are available when viewing from YouTube.
Sometimes, I find hope here…
There’s enough.
There’s enough, and in fact, more than enough to have substantive change in this world. There are enough varied skills, talents, positions, forms of action, sources for inspiration and imagination, and resources.
What feels scary in this time is that harmful forces are organizing and becoming more entrenched in their power. So more is likely required of us in our skills, talents, positions, forms of action, sources for inspiration and imagination, and resources.
But there’s enough. There’s always been enough.
There’s still more of us and more of these than is needed to enact and build substantial change.
Is there will?
Any Place
and
Any Moment
can be
the Space
and
the Time
of
Revelation
and
Awareness.
Any single place and any single moment can open us to understanding and connection.
I’ve been learning a bit from Thomas Merton lately. Merton (1915-1968) was a Monastic Christian who lived in Kentucky. I love a particular both/and in his personal faith: He was a mystic, yet not at all removed from the world. He delved into some of the largest challenges and traumas that humanity has faced. He was a practical theologian and a humanitarian, grounded deeply in a sense of mystical communion with God and other people.
These two aspects of Merton’s faith really came together when he was simply standing at an intersection. He was standing on the corner of 4th and Walnut (now Muhammad Ali Blvd.) in Louisville, Kentucky. As he watched people walk by, he was suddenly overcome with a deep sense of connection. He said he was, “suddenly overcome with the realization that I loved all these people. . .” as they “walked around shining like the sun.”
It changed his whole life.
He probably wasn’t expecting that when he was out running some errands. But any place and any moment can introduce us to a revelation of understanding and connection. Any place and any moment.
When in Louisville a few years ago, I went to this corner. It’s really fitting because there’s still a great deal of foot traffic. There is a placard that commemorates this place and moment, and right behind it, is 4th Street Live — two city blocks typically blocked off for foot traffic with restaurants, and often, live music.
I snapped a photo of this place. I also stood there and remembered people I know as well. It was a meaningful experience.
And it was a good reminder.
Any Place
and
Any Moment
can open us for
Understanding
and
Connection.
Any single one at all.
I am from Louisville, and my heart is there today.
Breonna Taylor was shot and killed on a night at home when she was just trying to sleep.
#BlackLivesMatter
#BreonnaTaylor
#Louisville
or
2. What do you want it to be?
This year, I grew nothing. Or so I thought.
I stepped outside, and this little orange ball caught my attention. One of the tomato plants that I last minute, oh what the heck, transplanted late into the season gave me a single precious, tiny, orange, unexpected tomato.
And I enjoyed it so much.
Communities participated in the formation of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, just as she participated in forming communities toward inspired action.
Communities participated in the formation of Dawn Wooten, just as she’s bravely spurring communities on toward decisive action as a whistleblower.
Communities participated in the formation of John Lewis, just as communities emerged from him, making good trouble.
You are a part of communities.
They’ve shaped you, and you’re shaping them.
Who’s to say you’re not as empowered?
That we’re not as empowered?
Who’s to say you haven’t been formed for such a time as this?
You, the person you are, coming from people who are?
Or that you’re not actively shaping people for such a time as this? — the ones we form, nurture, and love?
Who’s to say our communities aren’t just as powerful, brave, and life-giving?
That tiny thing you’re great at. . . is a big deal. Really. When shared with others purposefully and resourcefully, it catalyzes change. So what is it?
– Do you have an ability that seems tiny only because it comes so naturally to you?
– Do you engage with it regularly to the point that it doesn’t seem like a real gift?
– Do you forget to marvel at it because it seems so routine or easy?
Well, that’s a gift you need to put into the world. Purposefully.
That’s a gift that seeks greater expression in your community, neighborhood, nation, and world.
These days, when we see the great needs and concerns around us, and when we ponder our fears about needs and concerns to come, we can become absolutely overwhelmed. Our meager work and purposeful sharing can seem. . . well, tiny. It may feel that way, but. . .
That tiny thing? Do not underestimate what it can do.
– When placed strategically with the gifts of others, it can become organized change. It can become organized resistance. What resources can you bring uniquely — money, connections, abilities? Some of which come so naturally to you? Do all you can to make those things fit with the leadership and commitment of others. Look purposefully for where they can be placed alongside the great work that is already happening. Your tiny gift will easily multiply.
That tiny thing? Do not underestimate what it can do.
– When launched into the world with intention, that tiny thing may add a level of care that increases relational safety. Even if only for a moment, it matters. In this current climate, people are reasonably fearful and discouraged. Your tiny thing in a tiny moment may serve as a reminder of human worth and connection. It may provide a needed boost which encourages others to put their gifts into the world too.
So what is it? What is that tiny thing?
In actuality, it might not be so tiny.
Smuggling Grace 