How Do You Define Balance? (Our Midweek Conversation)
steady.substack.com
On the brink of the Memorial Day Weekend, Vice President Kamala Harris found herself in the sadly familiar crosshairs of the faux outrage, Faux News machine. Her transgression this time? Having the temerity to tell people to “enjoy the long weekend.” Suddenly she was disrespecting the troops and the sanctity of Memorial Day. Never mind that many of her critics have long histories of issuing similar sentiments. We have ample evidence that hypocrisy is their currency and shame is an emotion they do not feel.
But below this ridiculousness is an issue that is bigger and worthy of discussion. We live in a world with grave problems. We need to not look away from climate change, the pandemic, the attacks on democracy, institutional racism, poverty, hunger, mental illness, wars and famines overseas, and onward and onward. We might wish to take moments of reflection like Memorial Day with the solemnity that they offer.
On the other hand, we need to embrace life and live it while we have it. We seek out the pleasures of walks through the woods, a stroll through a museum, a summer concert, or a ballgame on TV. We want to talk to family and friends, not only about what worries us, but about what makes us happy. We read for knowledge, but also for pleasure. We hope to be able to help others, but also create the space for our own lives and needs.
I know you take the challenges of our planet seriously. That’s why you are part of this community. But I also know that you seek out opportunities for reflection —another reason I believe many of you are here. I have been encouraged that when we’ve published on joyful topics, like wildflowers, the response has been tremendous. So what I want to talk about today is balance.
How do you define balance?
How do you seek it in your life?
And how do you see it in the lives of others?
Thanks as always for adding your voice and engaging with the Steady community.
Some ground rules for these Wednesday chats (and also the comments sections on other posts):
I want a space where people feel safe to express their views, as long as they are offered in good faith.
I want a space where ideas can be challenged, especially my own.
I want debate. But I want it to be civil.
I want people to come here with open minds, and open hearts.
I want this to be fun as well as serious.
We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
How Do You Define Balance? (Our Midweek Conversation)
How Do You Define Balance? (Our Midweek Conversation)
How Do You Define Balance? (Our Midweek Conversation)
On the brink of the Memorial Day Weekend, Vice President Kamala Harris found herself in the sadly familiar crosshairs of the faux outrage, Faux News machine. Her transgression this time? Having the temerity to tell people to “enjoy the long weekend.” Suddenly she was disrespecting the troops and the sanctity of Memorial Day. Never mind that many of her critics have long histories of issuing similar sentiments. We have ample evidence that hypocrisy is their currency and shame is an emotion they do not feel.
But below this ridiculousness is an issue that is bigger and worthy of discussion. We live in a world with grave problems. We need to not look away from climate change, the pandemic, the attacks on democracy, institutional racism, poverty, hunger, mental illness, wars and famines overseas, and onward and onward. We might wish to take moments of reflection like Memorial Day with the solemnity that they offer.
On the other hand, we need to embrace life and live it while we have it. We seek out the pleasures of walks through the woods, a stroll through a museum, a summer concert, or a ballgame on TV. We want to talk to family and friends, not only about what worries us, but about what makes us happy. We read for knowledge, but also for pleasure. We hope to be able to help others, but also create the space for our own lives and needs.
I know you take the challenges of our planet seriously. That’s why you are part of this community. But I also know that you seek out opportunities for reflection —another reason I believe many of you are here. I have been encouraged that when we’ve published on joyful topics, like wildflowers, the response has been tremendous. So what I want to talk about today is balance.
How do you define balance?
How do you seek it in your life?
And how do you see it in the lives of others?
Thanks as always for adding your voice and engaging with the Steady community.
Give a gift subscription
Leave a comment
Share