Take Time to Breathe

In Jewish Mysticism, one of the seventy-two names of God is Kaf Hey Tov. It is said that if you meditate on these three Hebrew letters, you can diffuse negative energy and stress. In the post-election chaos, I have found myself meditating on these letters each morning.

The country seems divided, and people are scared. Many are angry. Many are rioting and screaming. Others are peacefully protesting, are grieving. Most of us are processing the division, the anger.

No matter your political affiliation/preference, it is important to take care of your mental health. If you need to take a break from social media, do so. If you need to go for a walk, walk. If you need a prayer group, find one or create one. If you need to write, paint, dance, sing, do it. Often the best art is created during times of stress.

It is also important to take care of each other. The wonderful poet Joy Harjo visited LC last week, and she reminded us that we are all one people. No matter what divisions are placed upon us, we are still one race—the human race. Harjo said that when our lives end, we will walk towards the door of the afterlife, carrying only our merits. In the end, all that matters is the good that we have done while here on earth. We must take care of one another.

If we truly believe that God created us all, then we must believe in brotherhood and sisterhood, and with this connection comes the duty to love one another and to pick each other up when we are down. We must stand up for one another when adversity strikes. We must demand that all of God’s children are treated with love and respect.

In closing, take some time to breathe. Focus on what good you can do. Be good to yourself, and be good to others. Regardless of political policies, this must be the law of our land.

With love, peace, and hope for a kingdom of kindness,

Jeremy P. Bryant