Overwhelmed...but trying

The past 6 years have been a bit overwhelming. There has been much loss, strife and disappointment, and so much of it has felt beyond words. Trying to practice empathy has been painful, frustrating, and at times, a formidable challenge. However, I still believe empathy is the key to a peaceful existence. In these newly troubling times, I find myself searching, grasping for hope... for help...for strength to continue on this path when things feel so wrong and so out of control. In the midst of chaos, three things surfaced this week that brought me comfort and so I thought to share.

First, two quotes or philosophies that have helped me to keep things in perspective.

One from the Talmud and the other from Ralph Waldo Emerson.... the gist of the Talmud mandate... one is obligated to try.... but there is only so much that one can do. While Emerson asserts that success is perhaps not as big and grand as some would have us believe, and that those little things are actually the important things.

Second, is this reflection on intent found at the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art. Recognizing that intent is a crucial component of creating good is helping me to sort through emotions, to consider circumstances and to focus on courses of action.

Third, individuals do have the power to make a difference. Through community and shared purpose, we may have greater power, but as individuals our small deeds of kindness, compassion and decency do make a difference. So believe in the power of empathy, do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief, but be intentional in action, passionate in purpose and comforted in knowing the empathy is never in vain. T