Freedom will not come today, this year nor ever through compromise and fear… freedom is a strong seed planted in a great need. I live here too; I want freedom just as you. — Langston Hughes; Freedom

Opening reflection chosen and read by Mary W.

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Things around me today on a windy cold walk reflected back to me of my need for freedom. Freedom “is a strong seed planted in a great need.” The ducks, the trees, the flowing creek into the pond are free to be. False ideals and values that are exclusionary and overpowering block my sense of freedom. Hope is evident as the trees cluster together reaching freely for the sun, the sky and clean air. Peace can be found here.

Photo and reflection by Mary W.

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Photo by Sue J.

Our deepest fear

       is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear

       is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light,

       not our darkness,

                that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves,

      who am I to be brilliant,

      gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking

      so that other people 

      won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest

      the glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us;

      it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

      we unconsciously give other people 

      permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

      our presence automatically liberates others.

          — Marianne Williamson, Life Prayers

Prayer chosen and read by Sue J.

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As I began to walk my intention was focused on letting go of the fear and anxiety I continue to carry around the future of our nation and world. This has been a difficult five weeks for me. I first walked to the beach on this blustery, cold day — wind chilling the bones and face and hands, and stirring up a roaring surf… it was not an environment that spoke to me of letting go. Instead, I was drawn to feel a deep warmth in my “heart space” that was cozy beneath my thermal jacket. This observation changed my focus — it seemed like such an obvious and important change — keeping my heart warm and open and loving and compassionate was a critical ingredient to dealing with my fear.

As I walked down the utility road further signs spoke to me of an open heart and reaching for the light —  the warm sun on my face, the magnificent blue sky, and the continuing warmth of my heart. And amongst these feelings, still signs of the inevitable difficulties and fragileness of life  as seen in the burrs on my sneakers and ankles, and the beautiful and fragile ice patterns that would likely be gone before the morning was over.

So, I know I still need to land on some “action steps” in the world to begin to overcome my fear and, hopefully in small way, help marginalized people that are feeling fearful to be less afraid as well. And throughout, I must not lose sight of the importance of keeping my heart open. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. 

Photos and reflection by Nancy L.