Getting Through Today

I can so easily become heavily burdened by the racistsexistmoneyhungrydeceitfulmasterfulmanipulation called life in these United States.  This morning I pondered the thought that many folks are painfully aware that our society (indeed, our world) is in desperate need of transformation – I’m certainly not the only person with this realization and burden.  Yet, we all somehow get through each day.  How?  What is it that we do to stay centered, what do we tell ourselves?

I’ve experienced some very difficult days these past few weeks, during which I completely forgot that I’m connected.  I allowed my inner turmoil to jeopardize my relationship with my family, and I was so internally focused that I lost sight of my connection with nature.  I forgot how much calm and perspective I've derived in the past from walking slowly among the trees, from looking closely at a flower. 

In my quest to live freely, I'm deeply comforted by the unconditional love of my family and immensely grateful for the ever-present opportunity to indulge myself in the simultaneous euphoria and grounding offered by nature. 

So I will get through today.  And what about you?  Are you ever overwhelmed by the injustice and insanity offered up on a platter daily? Pretending that things aren't so bad is not a truth that can maintain a strong connection.  Looking closely at a flower may not impact you like it does me, but hopefully you can find something that will remind you that life is diverse, and cannot begin to be summed up by your own perspective or experience. Knowing how downward-pulling disconnection can be, I encourage you to somehow make yourself remember that you're connected!  Our sustained connection to each other and to the Earth will make the transformation of our society and world possible.

Copyright August, 2013 by Dianne Durham

A Work of Art

I think about commissioned art:

does the commission cause a compromise? 

If anyone ever commissions me to write a poem

I hope I will confer with the Writing Spirit

then

just

let

the poem

Be

I listened to Amy Goodman interview Cornel West a few weeks ago¹ and I was incredibly moved by Dr. West’s courage to expose the hypocrisy of the Obama administration.  A well-known philosopher and intellectual, Dr. West spoke freely and passionately.  His words weren’t beholden to anyone with power or influence, but to his own standard of moral integrity. 

I'm inspired by his words to do likewise:  to not allow the promise of success, comfort, or any convenience to weaken my character, and to not allow the various agendas of people and powers to compromise my art.  I don’t pretend that this will be easy; it will be a work of art.  May we all develop the eye for detail, the perfect timing, the critical analysis and profound courage that will create the masterpiece of an uncompromising life.

¹ http://www.democracynow.org/2013/7/22/cornel_west_obamas_response_to_trayvon

Copyright August 2013 by Dianne Durham

Out of Water Experience

Can  you imagine imposing rules

on a fish?

it would simply swim away and never come back.

but don’t you remember? we used to be fish!

During the past couple of years of devoting my energy and time to social justice issues, I’ve come to realize that we’re living outside of our element.  The economic, political, and judicial systems that govern our society are by nature inflexible constructs.  We are by nature flexible; thus, any system, regardless of how efficient, constrains our flexibility and hinders our authentic expression. 

The imagination is a place where anything can happen, anything at all, a place without constraints.  I submit that this is our true element.  

My grandmother used to always tell her young grandchildren, Remember who you are and what your name is!  Her intention behind these cautionary words was for us to always be mindful of our behavior, and they are actually quite profound.  When we remember our true nature and live accordingly – i.e., as flexible, imaginative, and creative beings -- we will be free!


Copyright August 2013 by Dianne Durham