Do you hear that? The sound of someone stomping on someone else's thoughts or beliefs? The hard-heeled, rough embedded scuff mark left on someone else's rights?
I hear it in my head and I feel it in my heart. I see it on the news and in our political debates. I am requesting that everyone trade out their spiked heels and work boots for slippers... or- better yet- go barefoot.
I recently visited the ocean and this blog post trailed behind me as transcendent footsteps on the sandy beach. There for such a brief time, but once so solidly imprinted. There they were, my dancer-riddled feet and my ten bony toes. And, then.... there they weren't.
I offer you this thought; If I had worn steel-toed boots, my footprint would not have lasted any longer. Stomping an imprint into the wet sand would not have made a more lasting impression. My personal outline and imprint would not have been there- however briefly- if I had worn those boots. I would have only left a block with no identity for those few fleeting moments.
Is it not best to walk softly... and leave the Big Stick at home? Why must we feel the need to pound our beliefs into others? Our propensity as a race to embrace our singular beliefs and shun the zillions of others available in our humanity is a sad thing to realize.
On the way home from this trip to the beach, I stopped at a rest area close to sundown. Inside the cement walls of this mundane building, a large contingent of Muslims were gathered in one corner. They knelt and prayed in this public place. I paused and inhaled and appreciated this moment. I saw a group of people sharing their belief publicly; and yet, it felt so private. I was a bit awestruck. I was certainly appreciative. For lack of another word, their solidarity was beautiful.
Beautiful. Can we not see the beauty that lies in the simplest traditions and social aspects of other cultures? Must we be fearful and hateful because they may be different than our own?
This is certainly a broad and many faceted topic. I don't pretend to have an answer or demand one from you.
I'm just thinking out loud here.... I am going to tread lightly and always keep in mind that no mark I leave here is permanent or forever. My daughter is my gift to this world. My talents are for sharing. My heart will be open and my soul will flourish.
Fear lies darkly in a shadowed corner- always ready to flare and fly. We cannot even stomp that out. We must see it for what it is... a joy-stealer and a hate-maker.
May your footsteps take you home, my friends.
