Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

Each day brings news of the dismantling of our nation.  Hate seems to be triumphing in this new year, and compassion, forgiveness and generousity brushed aside.  Luckily, for me, there is the particular.  My daughter and granddaughter are visiting the next two days, and joy and love fill my heart.  When I think of my family and friends I have my steady compass.  Yes, I am signing petitions, putting up signs and have joined a group hoping to bridge this great divide we have in our country right now.  But when I think of individual people, I know connection:  we are all alike, with our fears and hopes.  Most people are not acting out of intent to harm; they are reacting to their own fears.  So those who promise immediate relief appear to be saviors.  We've seen this throughout history.  And evidently, as my Buddhist teacher has said, we are not yet evolved enough to move beyond our selfish view to a broader view of what is best for humanity and the planet.  Each act that is vision based for a peaceful, cooperative future tips the balance in the right direction.  Let's all be extra careful, kind and considerate with each other to make sure we have everyone's best interest at heart.