There is no question in my mind that our political system is fragmented, distorted, and dysfunctional in more ways that can ever be understood from the outside looking in. However, as Senator Jeff Flake put it, “this spell will eventually break.” I commend Senator Flake for the optimism he so wholeheartedly and level-headedly iterated in his speech on the senate floor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uVk0KdPLpc), that same optimism that at times feels so fleeting to me. I have this inkling that hope is not the only light that guides him, however. For a Republican senator from Arizona to openly criticize not only the trajectory of our country, but also to rebuke our Republican president for his behavior with such vehemence there must be deep discord. Such a deep would, in fact that this senator resigned his position. With his passing the torch, the senator shares some wise words. And, I’ll be honest… I don’t usually spend my time listening to those who “cross my party line,” or “don’t share my values.” And, that’s precisely his point. I don’t respect the senator for crucifying our president, rather I commend his feeling of responsibility to speak out against actions that are clearly morally, ethically, and perhaps politically reprehensible. Senator Flake in regards to our country said “from many, one,” and I would like to extend that to our entire globe. Cooperation, not discord, is our biggest human feat. However, the senator said to never be afraid of compromise. I agree in principle, but I am extremely afraid of compromise in the way I’ve seen it manifested especially in regard to the environmental and social justice. Why would we compromise global and environmental health for the sake of money, a human construct that depending on where you go in the world literally doesn’t exist. Senator Flake is correct, we do have children and grandchildren to answer to and so the complacency must end. Something I would like to share, by the side, is some exploration in contemplative practices I have been doing. I have posted an image that has assisted me in recognizing ways I have already been incorporating mindfulness in my life, and ways to make daily life a little more contemplative. Music and movement are some of the ways I find it easiest to slip into my own body, space, and time.
CNN, director. Sen. Jeff Flake Announces Retirement with Fiery Speech. Youtube , 24 Oct. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uVk0KdPLpc.
Duerr, Maia, and Carrie Bergman. “The Tree of Contemplative Practices.” The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, www.contemplativemind.org/practices/tree.