I HAVE A DREAM
This is the day we commemorate the short life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. While he is adored and respected today, when he was alive he was feared and hated because he was working for radical change. He called for people to alter the structure of society, and to do so would require individuals to change from the inside.
“We have moved from the era of civil rights to the era of human rights, an era where we are called upon to raise certain basic questions about the whole society.”
The call for Change
The message he brought to the world, and to the cause he championed, was far larger than segregation. He worked for justice, equality and peace. He opposed militarism and violence of any kind, yet he believed it takes action – nonviolent action – to bring about change.
Last week, we talked about winter being a natural time of reflection and introspection. I gave you 5 questions to consider to help you use winter as your own season of contemplation. It is important to remember that this process only works if you give it time.
Looking out my window, the garden looks pretty. The apricot tree is full of beautiful pink blossoms. The day lilies are green and bunching up. The irises are tall and beautiful. I am thinking that they may have buds on them. Suddenly, I remember it is January. The day lilies should not be green and forming beautiful bunches. The irises should not be tall and gorgeous. They should be dormant, below ground and resting.
Now that Christmas Day has passed, we are in the period of time when everyone is looking toward the New Year. Once again there is hype and an exaggerated focus on parties, fun, resolutions and having the “perfect” person or activity with whom to share the celebrations.
At this time of year, many people are asking themselves how to make it through the holidays. One way to help yourself through the season is by practicing self-compassion.