I’m seriously asking. How is everyone managing not to be knocked off course, every single day, by what is happening in the world? I used to think it was appropriate to have a time of overwhelm, while we adjust to knowing SO MUCH – that eventually we would grow into it all somehow. Incredibly naive, but one can at least function upon that premise, can keep moving forward.

Lately many efforts feel like I’ve dropped something down into a deep watery cave. I am endlessly searching and searching the darkness, but the landing never comes. Occasionally, the light hits just right, shining on ripples moving along the distance, and if I gaze long enough to come to terms with this feeling, there can arise comfort in a sort of universal sense. It takes time to feel safe, to hold my ground, and to remind myself that by showing up at all I am in some small way resisting the paralyzing sensation that (cue narrator), “they want you to feel.”

I am still alive.

One talisman I’ve held onto is a quote attributed to The Talmud, although a quick search tells me it is a mash-up from different sources. Probably, it comes from a book ‘about’ the Talmud, which anyway doesn’t matter to me. The sentiment stands on its own:

Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.

It provides a good template for warding off despair.