no peace with oppression

Last weekend my family and I re-watched, "How to Train Your Dragon." Despite seeing it several times, it still hits me in the heart.  And, these days especially, my heart is easily hit.  ❤️‍🩹

In one scene, the main character, Hiccup, is asked by his lone friend, Astrid, why he didn't kill the dragon.  In a society immersed in the belief that dragons are the enemy and the main threat to their survival, Hiccup sparing the life of a dragon was unthinkable.

His first response seemed to indicate failure.  "First viking in 300 years not to kill a dragon."

Astrid reminded him, however, that although he was the first not to kill a dragon, he was also the first to ride one.  So she asked again, why HE didn't kill it.

His final answer?  

"He looked as scared as I felt."

Hiccup trusted his intuition, took a chance, broke the mold, and empathized with the fear of the dragon rather than using his fear as an excuse to attack.  

Out of that risk and self-trust came something beautiful, new, and unbelievable which shifted the whole course of his culture.  (You might even say he helped to create a new "woke" culture!)  😉

There's no question this is a time of intense anger, threat, and fear.  

The question that remains...how do we respond?  

Do we enfold ourselves in the protection of cynicism?  A shield from disappointment, the reminder that, "Yup, here it is still...no surprises there" and "wouldn't have expected otherwise."

Do we view everyone as a potential dragon?  A monster who may breathe fire, spit poison, or dissolve us from the inside out (I mean, not to be graphic or anything!) 🤣 

Do we escape continuously into other worlds with avoidance and distraction and hope this will pass while we’re not looking?

Do we give up on the hope and promise of human rights, justice, and compassion for all and default to looking out only for ourselves?

Do we find a way to sustain ourselves, pick one another up when we fall, and reach out gently to the "dragon"?  Can we empathize with the fear or suffering that is causing the threat to our way of life?

Simplistic and naive?  Maybe. 🤔 

I'm not saying it's easy, quick, or emotionally safe.  

I'm just asking...how do we effectively protect against the continued harm if we pull further and further away from one another?  

This article written by Daniel Hunter at Waging Nonviolence reminds us all that "we have to pay grave attention to our inner states, so we don’t perpetuate the autocrat’s goals of fear, isolation, exhaustion or constant disorientation." This feels particularly salient as I hear how widespread the sense of despair is in this moment.

The article lays out 10 ways to be prepared and grounded.  

Number 1?  Trust yourself.

Number 2?  Find others who you trust.

And Number 3?  Grieve.

Last week I had the honor of gathering with a small group of lovely and loving individuals to join together in these first 3 steps.  There is power in listening to your own emotions, connecting with others who are just as dedicated, and processing all the feels.  And I hope you're doing lots of all three!

The article is full of additional useful advice from experienced activists, and they summarize so many excellent points about the imperative of your own well-being, choosing your approach, and being focused in your efforts so you can have your greatest impact.  I hope you'll take a few moments to check it out...chances are you know someone else who could benefit as well.

For now, I'll leave you with the phrase that keeps echoing through my mind since we sang it in a visit to my childhood church recently..."We will make no peace with oppression."

Advocating for social justice and protecting your wellbeing is not a passive process.  

Nor does it have to be aggressive.  

I will not make peace with oppression.  And I will also not use the oppressors' tactics of fear, othering, hatred, lies, or dehumanizing.  I will keep practicing ways to add safety, connection, compassion, and justice to this world and to my communications.

What about you?

Maybe you, too, will befriend a dragon, change the course of your community, and fly in ways you never imagined possible.

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