You Are Safe Now, By Thich Nhat Hanh
“All kinds of desires are the continuation of our original desire to be safe. The little child in us continues to worry and be fearful. In the present moment, there’s no problem or threat. If we don’t have a problem in the present moment, it means we don’t have a problem. Why continue to worry and be fearful? We have to transmit that wisdom to the inner child. We need to let the child within us know that he or she no longer has to be afraid.”
This is a time for me to reflect and listen, not to be afraid or angry. That does me and my values no good at all. I ask myself two questions every day, neither coming from news or media or discussions online: What can I do today to give my life more meaning as it comes ever closer to the end? What can I do to become a better human while I can change? What good can I do for people who have nowhere else to go. My answer to these questions determines my mood, not cable TV channels or podcasts. I want ideas to reflect the authenticity and meaning I seek, often different from what others tell me to pursue. This is as personal as it gets. I talk to the inner child daily, saying, “Hey, it’s okay. I got the girl. And we are doing some good.”
I wish to leave the world a bit better than I found it. I can’t say yet that this has happened; I might never know.
(photo, Zip sitting with me while I take my flower photos.)
Time to be concerned. Balancing risk and hope.
https://www.pbs.org/video/jon-meacham-srg8g5/
Yep.
ESPECIALLY right now!!!
Jon, thanks again for your wise and calming words. In recovery land, I was taught that fear lives in future thought, and guilt and shame live in the past. The present is the only place where peace resides. I was also taught that service to others is a way to be in the present. I can take this energy I have and turn it into something useful, get outside of myself and try to make the world a better place. I must reassure my inner child that she is safe, and free to play, and then adult me can do the adulting.
So true today and always. Our current political decisions call each of us to be our best self, not to allow negativity to surface. We can use this time for uplifting ourselves and others, and see a positive outcome as a result.
Jon, your life has definitely made a huge, positive impact on others: the refugees, the Bishop schools, the Mansion and the food pantry. Your blog has inspired hundreds, maybe thousands of people to reach out and help others. Never doubt the power of kindness and generosity. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you for this wonderful message, Beth, I appreciate it.