True Brotherhood

 Namaste - the Light in me recognizes and honors the Light in you.

My rote morning prayer was interrupted by thoughts of Ukrainians - scared, scarred, grieving, running toward safety. I breathe for them. I hurt with them. I can’t know what they’re going through, but I can feel our kinship.

I am reminded to see myself in others, even oppressors. What can I take away from looking at the two Vlads? From Volodymyr Zelenskyy I see courage in the face of unspeakable cruelty. Where have I shown courage? When have I hidden from a scary or difficult situation instead of facing it head-on?

From the other - Vladimir Putin - I see greed and complete disconnect from humanity. Where have I steamrolled my will over anyone else’s? When did I take what wasn’t mine? When have I justified my actions and ignored the consequences?

When I connect with like-minded folks who are also owning up to their darkness and welcoming in the Light of Unity, I am encouraged to keep shining, keep finding our shared brother- and sister-hood.

The Divine in me honors the Divine in you.

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