“Why did we choose this path when there are so many easier that benefit everyone?” the text lit up my screen.
So many other paths to take. And easier for everyone.
“We pay for other’s bad choices,” it continued.
But somehow, they were ours. Perhaps we didn’t pay attention or participate or vocalize our position. Perhaps we didn’t have the openness of mind to listen to opposing views. Perhaps we waited for someone better, wiser, older, smarter, richer, more prepared, more likeable, better looking. We always want a hero: superman or superwoman. When in reality it is our commonness that saves us. Our ability to see ourselves in others. Our ability to dig deep and find a common thread that ignites compassion and understanding.
Nelson Mandela asked, “Who are you not to shine?” Who are you to not be afraid?
The world is a scarey place. Until we go out into it. Until we sit at a local café and talk to a neighbor like this not too late morning as I sip the cappuccino my proprietor friend gifted me for just coming out into the street after news reports that left people running for cover.
It is calm here. I sit and write and listen to soft music playing on the neighbor’s radio. It’s Latino rhythm inspires immense gratitude for being a common woman who is uncommonly comfortable in this scarey corner of the world. Given the chance, could I do a better job? Yes. I believe I could. Like Moses, Ghandi, Mandela, my proprietor who sells coffee and dumplings to the pueblo, like you. We are the common people. But we are the people who face the fear each day and go out into it. Because that’s how we change the world.
We’re not afraid to be kind, to step into our common space and open our minds to all that might be today.
If you are feeling fearful, you are not alone. But perhaps hiding isn’t the way out. Perhaps being brave in your corner of the world means being kind. When you face your fear, you realize it’s the enemy. Not your neighbor, not the “other’s” but the fear of opening our eyes and our hearts to each other.
If you are up for facing it, we have extending retreats available at Tribal Tulum from April onward. Join us and give yourself the time and space to create a new habit of showing up for you and being fearless and kind in the world. Contact me here on at tribaltulum.com for more information.