"We are the ones we've been waiting for."
Day four's Meditation from the Mat really resonated with me. That is so not only because of the simple truth, but also because what happens on a daily - or is it hourly - basis in these unprecedented times calls us to do something.When legislative leaders in the United States can't find money to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), but can find a (very) sizeable tax give-away to very rich and powerful donors, it is time to act.When the Congress of the United States entertains an offset to the deficits that will result from said give-aways by reducing Medicare and Social Security benefits, it is time to act.When state aid to schools is based upon 24 year old (plus) formulas that result in underfunded public schools, it is time to act.When our unique differences are a flashpoint for senseless violence and discrimination, it is time to act.We must act, we need to speak our truth when we witness or experience those things that harm not only our personal selves, but our collective self. Because we are the ones we've been waiting for.
The whole of this quote from a Hopi Elder
can be found on p 7-8 of Meditations from the Mat:
"There is a river flowing now, very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart and suffer greatly. Know that the river has its destination. The elders say we must push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open and our heads above the water. See who is in there with you and celebrate. At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves, for the moment we do that, our spiritual growth comes to a halt. The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves; banish the word 'struggle' from your attitude and vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred way and in celebration. We are the ones we've been waiting for."