WTF? Where’s The Flower? Who’s The Friend?

WTF? Where’s The Flower? Who’s The Friend?

In 2018 when I wrote, an article called the Politics of Possession I thought maybe I was going out on a limb. While it received a lot of positive feedback, others shared they felt uncomfortable that I was talking about politics in this way as a spiritual person. We live in a very different world.

If you are uncomfortable with the mixing of spirituality and politics, you must be outraged by what’s happening now.

WTF?

Our government, founded explicitly on the separation of church and state, is trying to gaslight us into believing we are not just a homogeneously Christian nation, but a Christian nationalist nation. In this nation, wives must submit to their husbands, and women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people count less than white men. This is not the nation most of us believe in and is not based in the facts of our creation.

In their vision, some people (usually already wealthy white people and the corporations they own) are entitled to subsidies to enhance their riches while everyone else, including our land and prized institutions, pay a steep price.

It’s awe inspiring in its hypocrisy, greed, misogyny, bigotry, homophobia, and malice. The “it” in this sentence refers to the specific words, policies, and actions of the people who currently lead and administer our government. They lead in full, as they control all branches plus the court. And yet they blame everyone but themselves for the state of things.

And Yet…

And yet, with the paradox that always exists, the world has loveliness. In familiar and improbable places, we find grace and beauty, kindness and generosity. We find the counterpoints to the false promises of morality and righteousness. We find spirit and goodness in many forms.

So yes. WTF? What The F*ck!? But also, Where’s the Flowers? And Who’s The Friend?

Where’s the Flower?

I started a plant calendar last year to track when things bloom. It’s a way of focusing on the beautiful and life-giving flora in my neighborhood, honoring the beauty and, as time goes on, looking forward to the flowering that happens luxuriously and deliciously here. It’s a balm.

Who’s The Friend?

I am deeply appreciating friendship. These can be lonely times but also bonding times. Your friends may be human beings or non-human beings. Your friendships may be yet to unfold. Find and appreciate those who see you and who you feel safe being yourself with. This is treasure. 

If we are feeling anger or despair at times that probably means we are still breathing! Because WTF? Let’s also allow ourselves to relax and enjoy doing fun things if we are able, to admire the bravery of those standing up to tyranny and cruelty, and be in awe for our Mother Earth who, despite the disrespect being shown to her, will have the last laugh.

With love,

Mara