– Originally published 10/28/18 on FB Notes
Yesterday we were celebrating the International InterPlay Day: Hope and Possibilities. InterPlay Atlanta had an amazing event full of love, storytelling and community. It was afterwards on my way home that I learned of the shooting in Pennsylvania. I immediately sent a text to my co-author Sheila K. Collins who lives in Pittsburgh – I knew the timing would put it during the middle of her community’s International InterPlay celebration but I wanted her to know I loved her and was thinking of her. When she called back I could hear the grief, pain and shock in her voice. She knew this community, in fact, she had been invited to an event there the night before but had other plans. Sheila shared that several of our InterPlay friends had been at the synagogue the previous night participating. I also immediately thought of all my Jewish friends and how painful this must be for them.
Earlier in the week when the news was traveling far and fast about the pipe bombs that seemed to be politically motivated I learned that my dear friend, Liz’s daughter, Tristan, who I consider on of my own since she’s been besties with Alex since 5th grade, has a college internship and works in the mail room where one of the bombs was sent but happened to be off that day.
I read about the racially motivated killing in Kentucky this week too.
It’s understandable to ask yourself, “What is the world coming too?” like I did and then I realized how I’ve been taught to make it others…i.e. “the world” and what I need to ask myself is “What is America coming too?” and “What am I coming too?”
I walked out to the labyrinth this morning with a cup of tea and racing thoughts. It was hard to focus. I cut straight to the center verses walking the entire path.
I took a deep breath and starting singing my prayers.
What can we do when the energy is so tough right now? So filled with rhetoric and hate that it spills over into our own communications and relationships even in little ways.
When I spoke with Sheila yesterday she stated with her elder wisdom, these are the very times that we need to play and connect and show up for people.
I texted with Ruth a little later and she said that she was still riding the joy of our event and felt guilty due to the tragedy in PA. I was able to relay Sheila’s words and what I know to be truth in my own body.
Yes to connection. Yes to long hugs. Yes to telling your loved ones how much they mean to you. Yes to play and joy and celebrating and affirming the good – one of our tools in InterPlay.
Today I am affirming Peace. Looking for joy while holding the grief. I know this is my work in the world right now. To open my arms to see and hold both.
Breathing deeply with you all.
Christine
Leave A Comment