Buddhas Resistance

The past few days have been a whirlwind.  I wasn’t able to sit on election day, since I was standing in line at the poles (with Craig Robinson of the Office Fame! (true story)).

The evening was a blur of tears and whiskey – and I woke up the next morning with a vibration in my head and a pull to sit, for a long time.

I sat for an hour yesterday morning, and truly deeply sought refuge in my sitting more than I have had before.  It wasn’t about playing around in concentration states or having wild experiences – it was about simply taking refuge.  It was beautiful.

Last night I went to ATS and sat again with the community.  It was healing to sit with the larger group, and we did a metta practice for all sentient beings which was appropriate.  I was just so buzzed with emotion that I had a hard time staying focused, though by about 20 minutes in I was settling in.  I was also sleepy from staying up to late, so I was fighting that as well – but so happy to be with other people.

Despite my difficulty in focusing – it was such a powerful evening.

We spoke about the difference between action fueled by anger, and action fueled by compassion.  Action fueled by anger burns itself out quickly, while action fueled by compassion has a deeper well of fuel to burn – and it’s able to be sustained for longer periods of time.

We should not be passive, the buddha didn’t teach passivity.  We should reach down into our unending well of compassion and light a flame to burn us through the next 4 years, or god forbid 8 years.

We should connect in deep love with one another, vulnerable communities, and difficult people.  Connect with their suffering, as even those who oppose us suffer in their fear of the future.  Connect and feel compassion for the suffering of all beings everywhere, for the health of the planet, and the safety of the world.

Let that fire of compassion and connection burn, and resist.

Resist the greed, hate, and delusion.  Stand up in resistance against the destruction of our rights, our country, and our planet.

Connect in love, and resist.