"never worked hard a day in my life"

In the past week(s) there is so much sadness, anger, and grief all around.  The news continues to bombard our senses.  How are you, personally, holding and handling it all?

How are you, really?

This message comes to you as a continuation of last week's musings..."Who gets to decide?" as we reflect more deeply on the power of recent words, what impact you are experiencing, and what you need right NOW.

As the U.S. marked another anniversary of independence, the majority of the country (and perhaps the world) struggled with fear of what the future will hold.  As one knowledgeable person shared, "Even people who are experienced experts feel unable to predict what will happen next."

And the human body does NOT like that uncertainty. 

No wonder so many are feeling the sensations, emotions, and thoughts of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.  It is so difficult (i.e. impossible) to think clearly and act effectively from those states.

Moving through those emotions, listening to the clues within, and responding with care to move back to internal safety is not just a matter of feeling better...it is a matter of necessity for figuring out how to channel sustainable and efficient action.

For several years now, I have received mail, email, and text messages from a political party which differs markedly from my values.  The content is almost always alarming. 

When I can move through my first reactions, however, it's informative to observe the language and tactics of influence they display.

These messages are just words - and yet, words contain immeasurable power as they build and tear down laws, contracts, and people.

Words are used to stir people to action or de-escalate tragedy.

Words. 

Language. 

Influence. 

Without lifting a finger.

Similarly, on a personal note, I was recently told I'd "never worked hard a day in my life."  Despite this coming from someone who clearly doesn't know me well (regardless of our family relation), these words stirred instantaneous hurt, offense, anger, shock, and - ultimately - sadness.

It didn't immediately help that I knew he was wrong, that it was likely his idea of a joke, or that I recognize many people have to work much harder than me - under nearly unlivable conditions - to survive each day.

My body, my emotions, were already reacting.

My guess is, you know that feeling, too.  You read something, hear something, or say something and your entire body shifts into a different state before you can even process what just happened.

Our lives are full of words. 

Words in songs, news, conversations.  Words in our heads.  Words that escape us.

It's ironic, perhaps, that this message comes only two weeks after a message about how hard it is to find the "right" words. 

Or, maybe, not surprising at all given that silence is the other side of the same coin, and just as expressive.

• How have words affected your recent thoughts, emotions, and actions?

• What are ways in which you are using the power you wield with your words?

• How are the words in your head and heart finding meaningful, constructive expression?

If you're anything like me, the words are coming too fast and forming words feels like too much effort.

Maybe you're craving silence.  Or a scream that cannot be constricted into the boundaries of words and sentences.

Maybe the sadness is beyond words, deeper than the Grand Canyon.

Maybe your body seeks movement - running, dancing, fighting - to escape the messages the words around and within you keep pressing to deliver.

How can you honor what you need in this moment?  How can you listen to your body, your deepest knowing...the space beyond words?

You matter.  You can make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here