“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops 

of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” 

Mahatma Gandhi, Lawyer, politician, activist and writer

I was especially touched by Gandhi’s words this week. Although he is known for his activism I think of him as a warrior for peace. With so much chaos in the world due to the Pandemic and major life changes that have occurred we’ve seen, first hand, how inhumane some people can be. We’ve seen what appears to be little value for human life. We’ve seen black men, especially, singled out and killed by police. There is an underlying ongoing culture of discrimination that has reared it’s ugly head more publicly. In addition to being black there are biases against anyone that is perceived as “being different”. It feels like there’s a darkness and yet I believe that light and love will prevail. We have an opportunity to change these biases but first we must change our own. No one said it would be easy. Change and peace begin within!

This week I’ve found myself riding a rollercoaster of emotions – disbelief, horror, anger, deep sorrow, grief, gratitude and hope. Whew! One minute up and the next one down. People are horrified and grieving after watching the brutal murder of George Floyd. This has triggered global protests demanding justice! Some are peaceful and others violent. Throughout history there have been cries for justice and equality for black people and some progress has been made but not enough. Their lives matter! Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others – their lives matter! And if this isn’t enough we are in a global pandemic where there is so much loss and grief in the world.  Please don’t lose faith in humanity!

To not dwell in a downward spiral I had to dive deep within to seek the spark of hope I hold and remember that I have a choice to lean more and more into the consciousness of love. I searched for another warrior of peace to help me. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality . . . I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” Take a deep breath now and lean into the consciousness of love. I believe this too. We are all a part of the whole!

We can make a difference if we are willing to value, accept, and love one another. We can choose to lead by example and protest peacefully as warriors for peace while we speak our truth. Violence and destruction of property aren’t the answer. Communication channels close. People want to be heard and then have solutions created and implemented. Will we allow our differences to divide us or can we see the truth that we are all connected through the love of our Creator? Will we allow our fear and lack of understanding one another to prevail or come together peacefully to create solutions as we set aside our differences? There is a peaceful way, I believe.

I’ve learned that black people and others who look different from me want to feel safe, free, love their families and communities as much as I do. They want to succeed, take care of their children, and flourish socially and economically just like me. Why not seek to understand, value our similarities, accept that we have differences and be willing to work together to create solutions that benefit everyone?

Once again I’m reminded of the inspirational lyrics of hope sung by singer-songwriter and actress Andra Day’s “Rise Up”, “You’re broken down and tired of living life on a merry go round and you can’t find the fighter but I see it in you. So we gonna walk it out and move mountains. We gonna walk it out and move mountains. And I’ll rise up, I’ll rise like the day. I’ll rise up. I’ll rise unafraid. I’ll rise up and I’ll do it a thousand times again.” 

Even though I’m tired and confused at times I know that I must change me first. We’re not alone and together we can make a difference and create change for the betterment of this world and humanity as we follow the examples of these warriors for peace if we are willing to change. The rollercoaster ride will feel bumpy but I believe that love will prevail! How about you?

I’m grateful for the amazing response to my “Ignite the Spark of Hope – Stay Connected Meditations and the Introduction to Channeling Luminus and the Messengers of Light during these “stay at home” times. Thank you for your feedback. Ignite the Spark of Hope – Stay Connected Meditation will be offered on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2020 from 2p-3:00p AZ time. 

Channeling Luminus and the Messengers of Light will be offered on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, June 9, 2020 from 2p-3:30p AZ time. All sessions will be offered via Zoom and recorded. Check out the ways you can join – individual sessions, donation, or the new Be Inspired option. If you are interested in participating or receiving the recordings please register at victoriabarna.com.