What is this energy we all sink into when we read the news? There’s so much anxiety followed by anger, depression, confusion and/or numbness. Perhaps the most common experience is feeling overwhelmed. How do we, as individuals and a community, take positive action toward a more understanding, supportive life for ourselves, for those we love and for those in need?
At the core of our collective helplessness is a desire to find simple solutions to our complex problems, which invariably pulls us up short. There is no “one-size-fits-all” for the depth of our cultural questions. Nonetheless, perseverance in seeking effective actions is key. After all, mood follows action.
The Oct. 18 “No Kings” event felt like one of the right answers. Why? Because respect and kindness prevailed. These alone can revive our spirits to take more actions, ones that can shift the attitudes of divisiveness and stalemate into dialogue about root causes of modern anger and judgment.
Are signs enough? No. Are speeches enough? No. Are cars honking in support enough to create the change people long for? No. Cumulatively, these are steps in the right direction. Why? Because the renewing of the human spirit is a formidable force, one that can guide us toward a more sustainable healthy society. Starting right here at home, in Durango.
With deep gratitude, I thank you, dear Durango, for showing up, being creative and cleaver, kind and insistent that life can be better. For each of us and for all of us.
Elli Morris
Durango
