How to Resist the Ugliness Surrounding Us

In the midst of the dark days of our dying democracy, I continue my morning practice of beginning the day in beauty.

I read a poem. View a lovely painting. Listen to uplifting music. Delight in photos of my innocent grandchildren. 

This provides a buffer before the morning headlines, before the latest chaos report from D.C. 

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When the Roman stoic, Marcus Aurelius, wrote in his Meditations:  “Dwell on Beauty,” I think he meant more than just notice beauty around us.  Rather, he was urging us to surround ourselves with beauty, to pay attention, to live in it.

Beauty transcends.

This ancient advice never grows old.  The practice of dwelling on beauty can serve as an antidote to the ugliness of our time. 

Bullying. Denigration. Cruelty. Autocracy. Selfishness. Betrayal. Xenophobia. Racism. Hatred. Chaos. Violence. Unlawfulness. Lies. Polarization. Discrimination. Tyranny. Biogtry. Intimidation. Fascism. 

I admit this is not an easy practice.

It’s easier to fall into despair. 

Easy to get sucked into the vortex of vitriol.  

Yet, we cannot afford to crawl into our protective holes.

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Now, more than ever—more than 2016—we cannot resign ourselves to defeat.

I invite you to join me and millions others in the Opposition. 

“Local groups build and wield power in ways that individuals can’t. To create change, you need the power that comes with working together.” INDIVISIBLE.ORG

“The Washington Democratic Party continues to fail to grasp that the raw material of a powerful Opposition has already emerged, and that it is waiting to built into something new and powerful.” ~ Simon Rosenberg THE HOPIUM CHRONICLES

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We need to guard our hearts so we do not become hardened like the self-appointed mad king and his co-conspirators.

 In November 6,  I wrote about the power of words and art to uplift.  Pledge to begin your day in beauty. Share your delights with others.

Then rise up with courage and commitment for change. 

The road is long. Let’s travel together.