The Return of the Starfish

I believe I told the Starfish story below back in July, alongside the Lobster and Butterfly story. But hey, stories are both timeless and timely and in the latter case, we may feel them differently according to what’s going on at the moment. Responses to the recent nightmare are likely to continue here since I’m always writing about what’s currently happening in my life, in my mind or in our collective life. Some might also notice that I sometimes post on Facebook the same thing I put here. 

 

One new thought here, though. Amidst all the things that are wrong, wrong, wrong about what happened is the casual way people in their ignorance are choosing fascism. I have friends in Iran, Turkey, Hong Kong and China who are not free to openly criticize the government and have to be careful about what they say, how loud they say it and to whom. That day could easily come in this country. Until it does, I vow to use every medium available—Facebook, this Blog, an upcoming Podcast, published books and articles, speaking in my workshops— to advocate on behalf of humanistic thought and action and speak out against all that tries to shut it down and block it. 

 

Meanwhile, below is what I posted on Facebook and it has been heartening that the comments on the last two posts show me that people appreciate the words that speak what they feel. That my lifelong obsession with language and writing is useful in this (or any) moment to articulate thoughts and feelings that feel truthful or comforting or uplifting or revealing to some. So every day I renew my vow to do what I can to be of use in this way.

Here's the Facebook post:

 

Amongst a thousand reasons for the profound grief and dismay that so many I know are feeling, that sense of powerlessness to awaken others to truth, justice and beauty is one of them. Heck, if even Taylor Swift and Beyonce didn't have enough power to affect what should have happened, what the hell can I do? So I offer the "starfish story" as the allegory that might help us recover and move forward. I hope it feels useful. 

 

"A woman was walking on a beach filled with stranded starfish that had been washed ashore. They couldn't get themselves back to the water and they were beginning to shrivel and die on the land. The woman started picking them up one by one, throwing them back into the water.

 

A man came from the other direction and asked what she was doing. She explained the situation and he retorted, 'Do you realize that there are literally thousands of starfish on the beach and yet more where I came from? What you're doing can't possibly make any difference!'

 

She picked up a starfish, looked the man in the eye and threw the starfish into the water. 'It made a difference to that one.'"

 

And so my friends, start small, close in, with the full measure of your talents, connections and convictions, whatever your profession. Not only offering conversation and kindness to whoever crosses your pathbut organizing locally to effect small changes. If enough of us do that, they might swell to big changes. If not, we can feel the pleasure and satisfaction of having made the effort. Each one pick up a starfish and let's go!