The new year has barely started and the weight already feels crushing. How do we find our way through the dark? When outwards chaos reigns, it's time to turn inwards. Strike a match. Light up a fire.
It brought to mind the quote from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, that “The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either -- but right through every human heart -- and through all human hearts. This line shifts. Inside us, it oscillates with the years. And even within hearts overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained.”
My hope is that the bridgehead of good is still there, and we will come through this period as a unified society.
Until then, your reminder to exercise small acts of kindness is a sure fire way to help strengthen the bridgehead of good in all of us.
Thank you, Alis. A powerful reminder that darkness is just the absence of light, and that we carry in us and in between us the goodness that is available 24/7.
I often imagined that those who feed out of the power they have by wielding fear over others care for nothing else. That they have a void inside they try to fill up with the elation that this power over others brings. But this void, the very thing that drives them is their own weakness and not sustainable. At one point that fear will birth in those they wish to rule over the opposite effect. There will come a moment when that fear will show the opposition that they have something to protect, something worth fighting for and the tables will turn.
I think you might be right, Alex. I also wish so deeply that some of these people experienced an awakening, some sort of inner shift that opens up another perspective for them, but I'm also consicous this hope is likely naive.
I wish the same, even if it might not happen. I think ultimately it is this wish that would help keep the flame of hope alive and will eventually ignite and support an important change or shift.
Thank you for sharing and I very much agree about sharing goodness. The other day I was at the hospital for a test for my daughter and I noticed how much people were smiling at her. I ended up taking the long way back to the car through the oncology ward where people just smiled at her, and then at me which I returned. Something so little but perhaps just bringing a bit of goodness in a place where people would rather not be!
I loved your post, Alis. A great read.
It brought to mind the quote from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, that “The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either -- but right through every human heart -- and through all human hearts. This line shifts. Inside us, it oscillates with the years. And even within hearts overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained.”
My hope is that the bridgehead of good is still there, and we will come through this period as a unified society.
Until then, your reminder to exercise small acts of kindness is a sure fire way to help strengthen the bridgehead of good in all of us.
What a beautiful quote and thought, Mark! May it be so!
Thank you, Alis. A powerful reminder that darkness is just the absence of light, and that we carry in us and in between us the goodness that is available 24/7.
I loved reading this, Alis!
I often imagined that those who feed out of the power they have by wielding fear over others care for nothing else. That they have a void inside they try to fill up with the elation that this power over others brings. But this void, the very thing that drives them is their own weakness and not sustainable. At one point that fear will birth in those they wish to rule over the opposite effect. There will come a moment when that fear will show the opposition that they have something to protect, something worth fighting for and the tables will turn.
I think you might be right, Alex. I also wish so deeply that some of these people experienced an awakening, some sort of inner shift that opens up another perspective for them, but I'm also consicous this hope is likely naive.
I wish the same, even if it might not happen. I think ultimately it is this wish that would help keep the flame of hope alive and will eventually ignite and support an important change or shift.
Thank you for sharing and I very much agree about sharing goodness. The other day I was at the hospital for a test for my daughter and I noticed how much people were smiling at her. I ended up taking the long way back to the car through the oncology ward where people just smiled at her, and then at me which I returned. Something so little but perhaps just bringing a bit of goodness in a place where people would rather not be!
Oh, Leah, that is so so moving! My definition of goodness indeed! ❤️
So happy it resonated, Shirley!