All We Have is Love

The recent past has seen a lot of collective despair and hopelessness arising - witnessing sentiments and acts of hate and violence, seeing the impacts of climate change already upon us, and what may be to come.

There are things we have control over and things we have no control over. The things we have no control over, the practice is to accept and surrender. This doesn’t mean we stop caring or trying. It means we allow ourselves to grieve deeply, and know that there are things we have no control over. Let it land, and let it flow.

The thing we have most control of is ourselves, and how we respond to the situation we find ourselves in. We could be facing a situation that is unprecedented. And - in every moment of our lives, the truth is - we are always dying. Sometimes awareness of death and impermanence can actually make what’s important that much more clear. Even as we are always dying - love matters. Relationships, community, doing what’s right and noble and connecting with others matters. Bringing light into the darkness matters.

This is the time of year of increasing light. During the darkening days, we go within, we grieve, we feel deeply, and we let go. Now is the time to remember that the sun also shines. That no matter what life brings us, individually or collectively, our task is to respond with as much presence, love, light, and healing joy as possible. This is what brings protection, for ourselves, our loved ones, and all those we may be able to touch.

Because, at the end of the day, all we have is love.