Yesterday, I was sorely tempted to simply hit “publish” and let the title of this post speak for itself. I am glad that I didn’t.
For while I woke up today with that feeling of being lost again, my eyes aching from last nights tears of disappointment, I remembered another series of mornings, not long ago. When I was staying with my friends in Menton, I would start each day by pulling back the curtains and standing before an open window to face the sea. My gaze would soften as I tried to focus on what was beyond fixation, out to the line and beyond, into unkowing. And how strong that felt to me then, the possibility present, thumping, alive.
My Mother and my Sister are attending their local version of the Women’s March in Ann Arbor, Michigan. My American friend C is training up to Paris from this tiny village to participate. How proud I am and what hope this instills.
For while there is leisure lulling on the beaches (a constant echo back to other times, memories that seem all the richer for their distance), out on the waves, we can make our voices heard. After having lived in France for fifteen years, where the people are not afraid of contestation, I know the power that we yield, still.
There are many facets to Peace.
We can resist, we can write our future in action and response. To find and be found, again and again; awake, as a sea of possibility. With a societal shift that I am quite certain reaches beyond politics, this is our tide now.
I don’t feel at all qualified to be writing this post; I feel awkward and am not sure of what I am doing. The “Who do you think you are?”‘s are rolling through my throat, wishing to stifle thoughts, even half-formed but well-intentioned, into silence…but of course not. We are all qualified just by the nature of our being human and our innate connection with each other…so let’s wade into the waters, even if we are just learning to swim.
Are any of you joining the Women’s March? If you are curious about taking part in this international movement, you can find more information about it here and a listing of locations in the United States and around the globe, here.
So far, it is estimated that there are over two million marches that will occur, including one that is happening in the Vieux Port of Marseille as I type.
This has always been a very respectful community and I don’t wish to make anyone ill at ease but I would love to hear how you are feeling in response to yesterday’s inauguration in the comments below, no matter where you are reading from on our beautiful planet. This concerns us all, as you are already well aware.
Everyone thank you for your heartfelt comments. I heard today that the Republicans are upset because the Democrats are playing politics and slowing down the confirmations of Trumps team. What on earth do they think they did for the last 8 years blocking anything that the Dems or Obama proposed. Even though they won they sound like a big bunch of baby head losers to me. I am marching tonight in San Francisco .
Walked slowly, with a cane, in the March in Sarasota. Unable to finish it; route is across a beautiful long bridge with high point of the arc. This being Sarasota, need enough room for yachts to pass under. Got to peak but if I crossed, I'd have to reclimb the arc…way more than I can do. So turned around and walked down the arc and am now waiting, for RT marching friends, in the park at the end of the route, with others, many who can't walk enough to even do a portion. We are here, visible from the busy highway 41, with our signs and smiles. Some are making and posting videos and blogging from their wheelchairs. P.S. Among the marches around the world, one is in Madagascar. Unimaginable back in the years I lived there. YES WE CAN !
Thank you, Heather, for opening this subject up. I'm appalled and feeling sick. I think that every morning I shall include in my yoga the "Lion", with head back, tongue out, and a big growl. I'm amazed at my dear women friends who do seem to admire this jackass, #notmypresident. I'm nervous to be in a griup and say anything even slightly political. It feels, to me, as if his supporters hate us, not just disagree with those of us who, but that they are believing that they are "the law and order" of our society, our nation. I will be calling my reps repeatedly to tell them my opinion. Good luck to us all.
Loretta? Moral compass? Do you not remember the admission of grabbing a women's crotch? There is your moral compass. I do not need to judge the man. He has presented himself quite clearly. I only wish he had a clean slate as America's highest representative and "our" moral compass. As a woman, I am appalled with having five children by three different wives. No judgement here, just fact. I am grateful to all the people around the world that are marching today and showing their support for Americans.
This comment has been removed by the author.
A reality TV star with a Twitter addiction is making crucial decisions about our life here on earth…how can that not unnerve everyone.
I too am Canadian, my niece and friends are marching right now in Toronto. I am so appalled I'm trying to figure out how to get through 4 years. The trauma of the last months has already seemed like a lifetime. I'm disgusted at…everything about him. I was going to say by what he stands for but he doesn't seem to stand for anything but himself. I'm incredulous as to how he got to be here and THAT is the most frightening thing of all! There isn't just one of him, there are millions. The direction the world is going in sickens me. I thank God every day that I am Canadian but even we are not immune to what is happening. So far we've just had to listen to his ridiculous and disgusting rhetoric. Imagine what's coming. I shudder. Prayers to all the good people in the world to survive this nightmare…
It concerns all of us, anywhere. The same populists movement is spreading in Europe. And getting stronger. For me, being German with that German history of two worldwars and everything that lead to them, that makes me shiver!
I wonder why, if we are trying to make politics of more compassion and equality why does everything have to become worse?
The world is getting more complicated and people want easy answers. But there are no easy solutions anymore. Even if they were promised.
I watched the inauguration yesterday and I watched the last two before. And my feelings couldn't be more contrarian. I am asking myself how was this possible?
The internet has become a difficult place to discuss political aspects and thats why I won't go on here. (And thats really hard for me) What I would say would probably offend other people and thats how hatred grows. And thats how populists win.
I only hope that there are also some men at the "womansmarch" and that they will be more than 200000.
Thank you for this post dear friend! It reassured me to read that. Just like those incredibly wonderful pictures reassured me. Thank you also for Seneca. How true!
And who feels "qualified" to write about such an issue? I feel like I should have better prepared this comment for two hours to avoid talking imprudently.
Feeling the same in Canada, Heather. I'm not American… but am still gobsmacked every time I think about the new "era" that began yesterday in your country.
Thank you for this post – lovely calming photos! (the one with the light on the water is my favorite). Just read on FB that they're estimating 500,000 people going to the DC march – wow! As for the inauguration – couldn't watch it. So depressed. Hearing that vital parts of the .gov website are now down: LGBT page, climate control, etc. Feeling hopeless and fearful, but reading inspiring things everywhere and signing petitions like crazy. Will do my part with our small walk; people standing together, knowing others are standing together all over the country (and world!). Hoping for guardian angels to watch over marchers today and all of us for the next 4 years.