When I am burdened by the day’s troubles, my husband often reminds me that “the morning is wiser.”
This morning, I am especially present to the wisdom that comes with rest and from reminders that we are in community.
This week has reminded me that when our bodies hold trauma, and that trauma is reactivated in the body, it is natural to want to act and react quickly, to bring the body back to baseline (to restore homeostasis or equilibrium), to fix things that are broken (sometimes beyond repair), to do something (or many things) in order to avoid paralysis of inaction, and frankly, to act in ways that we think will allow us to survive.
While this is natural and understandable, the morning reminds me of the wisdom of pausing, of taking time to respond rather than react, of being vulnerable and honest in community, of reconnecting with my core values. It reminds me that while I am grappling with many tensions related to next steps in response to the world around me, that I will not let fear determine those next steps. It also reminds me to have grace for myself and for others holding similar tensions. It reminds me of the wisdom of holding space.
When I can pause, I am reminded of the power and importance of my work and my voice. I am reminded that I am not alone, and that through community, we will find a way forward. Courage comes in community. Loving is courageous. Listening is courageous. Continuing to speak out, with, for, and alongside is courageous. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the acknowledgement of fear and the strength to continue in spite of it.
I continue to wish you moments of gentleness and respite, as my dear friend and colleague wished me coming into this weekend. In the ways we can, let us be with one another, encourage one another, support one another, and love one another, in word and deed.