Thich Nhat Hanh said in his book Peace is Every Step, “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” Despite the likelihood that Donald Trump will be the U.S. president in 2025, I have hope.
I am aware of the challenges we face as a nation. We have become a hyperindividualistic society. Our communities are fragmented, our citizens disengaged, and many of our state and federal leaders lack the courage to stand up to the corporations who are eroding the middle class. From our food system to our infrastructure, from the housing crisis to climate change, we have plenty of problems that need solving.
I place no confidence in the princes of this world to do what is necessary to face the difficulties we are presented with at this time. Those with great wealth and great power often lack great character because they are removed from the problems of the vulnerable, poor, and needy.
The future will be in the hands of people on the ground. Therein lies our hope. I have confidence in those who are listening to the dark sobbing of the world and are responding with compassionate action. I look within myself, and I see the Sacred Heart of Christ burning with love for humanity, for the plants and animals and fungi, for the stones and waters and soil. I know that divine love is the ground of my being and the ground of being for all people. And that is why I dare to hope.
What can we do in times like these?
We can breathe deeply, slowly, consciously. We can turn off our cell phones and our computers and listen to the wisdom within. Our inner guidance will tell us what to do if we quiet our fearful minds and listen closely. It’s been a beautiful fall here in the Midwest. What if, rather than being sucked into the 24-hour news cycle, we go walk in nature and listen to the earth’s wisdom?
It’s the month of the dead for many cultures. In my Catholic tradition, this is the month we honor those who have gone before us. Rather than listening to political pundits and bought-and-paid-for newscasters, what if we tune in to the voices of our ancestors singing in our blood, our DNA, our very cells? Let’s listen to what they have to say.
What we can do in the present moment is the most important thing. There is so much we can do. Let’s strengthen our local communities by creating relationship and connection with our neighbors. Let’s volunteer our time to help the needy. Let’s try to conduct peaceful dialogue about our differences and find out what it is we hold in common. And then let’s focus on the commonalities and work from there.
As for me, I will continue to study the subjects that I believe will shape me into someone who can assist my community in the best way. I’ll keep writing. I’ll keep having conversations with people. Where I can, I’ll volunteer and donate to good causes. I’ll help who I can when I can how I can.
Don’t lose hope. Hope is in the present moment. Hope is in our hands, in our feet, in our words. Sow the seeds of the future you want to give the generations who come after us. Focus on what you can do right here, right now.
Take care not to give your power away to those whose only interest is in controlling your mind for the benefit of their bank accounts and their little ego trips. Step into your own sovereignty, and use the power you have to make a difference, however small.
I will not give in to darkness, ignorance, and polarization. It is my responsibility to be a light, to speak truth, and to create peace and justice by being a peaceful and just person. I implore you to do the same.
Fear nothing. Love fiercely. Stay present.
May grace and peace be with you, even at this fraught and mournful time.
