If morality is understanding the distinction between right and wrong and living according to that understanding, what better week might there be to explore our individual moral compasses but this week, which hosts both the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King and the inauguration of Donald J. Trump? Merely three days separate these celebrations. How beyond-mind-boggling a juxtaposition of events is this?
Thanks, life, for the cosmic humor of it all.
How might we honor Dr. King’s commitment to truth and equality, his understanding and teaching of non-violence in speech and action? How might we prepare ourselves for this new iteration of democracy, where truth and equality seem threatened, where violence in speech hangs through veiled or not so veiled implication? Perhaps our response to these two diverse celebrations is one in the same; by leaning toward kindness to ourselves and to one another.
Enter into this week’s cast of crazy characters Phil Ochs, protest singer from the ‘60’s. Writing and singing about inequality, racism and classism, Och’s music proclaimed the need for presence, with ourselves and with one another. I offer his classic song, “While I’m Here”, as a celebration of this week’s varied events.
I believe that Dr. King would hear this song, give us a big grin and a serious thumbs up. How do we choose to live? For what do we choose to stand? How might we be part of the solution? I say, one day, one thing, one interaction, one breath at a time; I choose to practice being with myself and, from that place of self, I choose to be present with you.
Give yourself the celebratory gift of the four-minutes-and-twelve-seconds of this song. Happy birthday, Dr. King. Happy birthday and rebirthing to us, all.
