October 2023
I sat down to write my monthly message this weekend and was inundated with the unbelievable happenings unfolding in Israel. I paused, checked in with loved ones, and found it impossible to move forward with my writings with everything going on. As I am sure, similar to you, many people I know and love are being impacted by war whether it be abroad or in their own hearts, and experience of being in the world due to these most recent acts of terror and the ongoing loss unfolding in Israel and Gaza. A question that has come to my heart is ‘How do I be with those in such great peril and sadness when this is not my direct experience?’ And immediately, the voice of my teacher entered my mind with the definition of compassion. Compassion: Understanding the lack of understanding. I understand that in this moment, this body, this place in which I live, I can never fully understand what the people of Israel, the Jewish communities, the innocent civilians living in Gaza, and all those who want to live a peaceful existence in this situation, are feeling and going through. I see that. I know that. I understand that. And through that understanding, I stand with them in their grief, their devastation, terror, and rage. And where I can understand my lack of understanding I can hold space for the ones I love, cry for the lives missing and lost, and feel fear of what lies ahead. With that, I can also meet myself with compassion. Meet myself and every being I come into contact with with the prayers for peace and compassion itself. I will be practicing compassion and loving support for all suffering from these tragedies. I encourage you to join me. I stand with the Jewish people and all the innocent civilians under attack in both Israel and Gaza. I denounce terrorism, violence and the senseless murder of humans today and always. Peace, always