A Facebook post pointed out that it was considered taboo to talk about religion and politics, and that instead we should have been taught how to have thoughtful conversations about these very topics.
As a result of the duality we’ve created by not talking about fundamental beliefs, a boiling chasm of division continues to heat up and widen.
It’s hard for many of us to witness what is happening in the United States right now. There is a decline in civility, camaraderie, truthfulness, and democracy itself. We hear the word politics used a lot—but how do we really define that word at its core?
Many of us in Venerable Women define politics like this: the ways we care for and treat one another as a society. Simple.
Why would I take on this taboo topic in my weekly inspiration? I have consciously chosen to speak out for these reasons: 1. I am the founder of a women’s organization that serves those who choose to manifest a kind and loving world, 2. I believe I must use my voice in times of crisis knowing that to remain silent about injustice is the same as being complicit, 3. I want you to know you are not alone and that you matter, and 4. our shared inspiration and elevated action can propel us forward in positive ways.
After the weeks we’ve just had, we can feel disheartened to say the least. When severe loss or disappointment of any kind shows up in our lives, it’s hard to wrap our heads around what we thought would be happening and what appears to be happening instead. Add uncertainty and fear to the mix and we can be knocked off center in ways that make us wonder if we will ever come back into balance again.
In 2000 my aunt Joan, who was like a mother to me and a matriarch in our family, died unexpectedly at age 59. On my flight to Baltimore from Minnesota, the loss of Joan in my life felt surreal. I sat empty and numb in my seat and was not sure what I would do when I got off the plane.
What happened when I arrived at my aunt’s house, feeling absolute hopelessness and helplessness about losing her—and then moving into new phases of this loss, gave me some clues how to navigate disappointment of any magnitude.
Don’t try to go to your happy place too soon. Fully feel the loss until you experience a sense of movement or some sort of shift in what you’re feeling.
Have reflective time but don’t isolate. Stay in close contact with supportive, loving, high-vibe people.
Keep up or develop a personal peace practice to use at any time so you can come back to center.
Decide what is yours to do to move in a positive direction—and then commit to do it.
Let’s replace outdated taboos and old ways of being with awareness, higher consciousness, and understanding. May you open yourself to access hope, possibility, and loving transformation. Our responses matter.
In venerable partnership and love,
Dawn Morningstar, Founder of Venerable Women
