JOYFUL PIECE #135

From action to r&r and return to action

We had a great weekend that witnessed millions of Americans protesting against despotic POTUS and his forces of oppression known as ICE.

Despite a triumphal weekend for our Democracy, I found myself feeling down. As I sat there after lunch I wondered, “Do I feel defeated?”. Well, no!

I had forgotten the vigorous exercise regime I have been executing under the guidance of our fitness coach.

Once I realized that and got a breather, I could feel my inner joy (which had never left). All needed was a bit of rest. Yes, rest, that activity that our overachieving work ethos shuns.

We must not underestimate the benefits of a time out. We are firing on all cylinders in opposition to the GOP tyranny. Our being is struggling for the survival of our Democracy against the forces of fascism. All our dimensions are engaged: the physical as well as the mental, the spiritual, and the emotional, and all those dimensions require energy from us (as well as rest). We are resisting while tapping our inner resources to maintain a moral, compassionate, nonviolence posture. We must nourish our whole being. In combat, troops are rotated into periods of rest and recuperation (R&R) on a regular basis, and it is no different for those engaged in peaceful resistance.

We must take a break, when needed, to refill our gas tank, and promptly and joyfully return to the struggle with our energy tank full. We need to be fit to oust the POTUS regime.

The cycle from exertion to recuperation is recognized by our Native American brothers and sisters.

“You will notice that everything the Indian does is in a circle ... the power from the sacred hoop.”

—Black Elk, Oglala Lakota Elder

There are more decent Americans than fascist storm troopers. Resist joyfully with every dimension of your being. Resist daily, as you are able. Every action has an effect.

Resist with gusto!

💪🏻

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