Similarity and Difference

Things I have in common comfort me. I am more easily accepted and bond more readily when I am with those who share my complexion, sex, culture and religion.

Meeting difference peacefully requires I put aside my fear. Accepting difference requires I acknowledge I am equal, not better. Embracing difference requires strength of self outside my common group.

That we live on one world is as incontrovertible as that we are one family: One Family, One World

Arrogance and Effort

I spend many days, weeks, and months on a project before I share its existence. I invest not only my time, but my hope in its success. I am excited and committed. I wish to make a positive difference.

“So what have you been working on?” I take the plunge and begin to talk. Within thirty brief seconds, a judgement is made, and words are felt: “No one will want that. They can get that already.”.

Arrogance so effortlessly undermines. Humility and generosity provides the stronger tools to learn.

With Wood in Night and Day

I stand with thick green velvet moss in dampened lakeside wood. A dance of clean clear water-pearls patter from one leaf to another before diving, deep into the greater body of life that is my muse. Quietly, with shallow breath, I hear the sound of seep and faintest flow towards the patient pause of heron, still, in wait for rippled fish that basks and bathes below.

I am with wood, with gentle force, long tempered night and day.