Yesterday, participating in a demonstration that celebrated the work of Congressman John Lewis and protested the autocratic policies our national government is imposing, the hot sun pounding down on us, people in passing cars waving or giving a thumbs up –and some giving a thumbs down–my heart ached for those who are suffering because of this administration.
I know some people will say it’s inappropriate for me, as a tai chi instructor, to take a public stand in this way, but tai chi has opened my heart to the needs of my fellow human beings–not only for health but for support and encouragement. And beyond that all those basic needs that for many are being destroyed, whether because of climate change policies, cuts to medicare and medicaid, cuts to departments that provide needed services in education, health, scientific research, and more.
In tai chi we often say, “yield to the incoming force and redirect.” If only there were a way to apply that to the current political situation! I am one elderly person, and there’s little I can do to change the direction of our government. Yes, I can use my disposable income to support the causes I believe in. Yes, I can act in as caring and courteous a way as possible to all I encounter. And yes, when someone presents me with a lie or piece of misinformation/disinformation or their bigotry, I can get into a bit of good, necessary trouble by saying sorry, that really doesn’t wash OR I can’t accept that OR if that’s your attitude we have nothing to say to each other. If that offends someone, so be it. A tiny bit of good and necessary trouble.
