Would It Help?

Another day in heaven, in company with simply wonderful human beings playing, singing and dancing together with such joy, musicality and mutual appreciation. From the 12-bar blues to Lindy Hop dancing with Count Basie to the sweet tones of Charlie Parker’s My Little Suede Shoes making Orff instruments sound like they rarely do. Outside—especially in my country— disaster is afoot and the guard rails of civil community are being torn down. I saw a photo on Facebook that send me down a mineshaft of despair and disbelief, even as I know I shouldn’t be surprised by anything anymore. But inside my class, happiness ruled the day.

 

I am as far as a person can get from believing that God will take care of it and careful about slipping into the New Age conviction that the bad things going down help awaken a larger Soul, as if that makes them all right. But I keep opening the page to the new lesson that it just might be possible to walk that tightrope where one accepts the grief and outrage without being brought down by it. I re-watched the movie Bridge of Spies on my recent plane flight and was taken by the accused spy facing possible execution answering Tom Hanks question, “Are you worried about that?” with “Would it help?” And the answer is probably “No, it would just make it worse.” Though none of that makes it easier.

Today’s Facebook quote above agreed with the spy. We should consider that refusing undue anxiety about tomorrow and living more fully in today is precisely the kind of strength we need to not only face tomorrow, but to help shape it and turn it in a better direction. I will never stop caring, but I can feel that care differently, not as a constant betrayal when the world refuses to conform to my wishes, but as the light that illuminates the next step on my path. 

 

In short, I’m as in the dark about this as I imagine you are. I can’t pretend to know what to do. But I am finding that refusing to view the news and looking straight into the eyes and hearts of these beautiful people I’m with right now, right here, feels right. Especially doing the work—and play—that we are doing. 

 

If you have any further suggestions, I'd be happy to hear them. Give me a ring.