From Our Minister
If you maintain a sense of humor and a distrust of the rules laid down around you, there will be success. ~ Chổgyam Trungpa
Trungpa Rinpoche understood this slogan because he lived it throughout his life. Escaping from Tibet after being taken over by China in 1959, he knew the value of staying awake to unforeseen possibilities. His life changed overnight. He found a way through to a powerful and successful vocation bringing Buddhism to the west in the late 20th century.
What can we learn from Rinpoche? I find myself struggling these days to maintain a sense of humor in the dystopian reality around us. Masked men stealing people off the streets? Not a peep from the of law and order? It is sobering to realize how many people in this country are still okay with whatever this president does even as our constitutional framework of due process and rule of law are eviscerated.
Over 40 million Americans will be losing their safety net, (SNAP and WIC support) as of Nov 1st. 40% of those are children. 19% Elderly. A big percentage are working people who simply do not earn enough to make ends meet because they are employed by places like Walmart and McDonalds which keep most employees part-time to avoid offering benefits.
Say it with me; our country is broken. I think we can agree. Red, blue, purple –all see that something is not right – but some miss that the folks promising to fix it are rampaging and plundering without any thought to the future. At least not a future of freedom, peace, and abundance for all people.
What rules might we lay down during this time? How can we find joy in small moments to help us maintain amidst lives filled with turbulence and upheaval?
I’m looking to Chổgyam Trungpa. I’m looking to Buddhist teachers. I’m looking to people who have survived horrific periods and found their way through. Teacher, Margaret Wheatley reminds us that humans have faced places like this again and again – and have found grace, strength, and hope in the human spirit. We have persevered in the face of unimaginable hardship, by sticking together. By supporting one another. By laughing at the absurdities which are always present.
When you are feeling low, call a friend or neighbor. Or someone from church who might just understand. We feel off-balance, overwhelmed, unmoored in a world that seems more unrecognizable each day. You might take small actions which makes the world a better place. Buy some rice and beans and oil to distribute to families afraid to leave their homes. Pass out ‘know your rights’ cards to vulnerable people. Call a neighbor and see how they’re doing – offer a cup of tea.
We will make it through if we stick together, refuse to participate in the insanity, laugh at the absurdity. It’s not new – but it is effective. Thanks for bringing your light to this world. It continues to shine through your heart, your hope, your ability to laugh. ~ Rev Pam Rumancik
