As we came closer to this day I began to explore some of the teachings from women past and present from all parts of the world. I have been a lifelong lover of the poetry of Rumi, however—though rarely mentioned—Rabia of Basra born nearly 500 years before Rumi is said to have had the greatest influence on his writings.
Rabia wrote:
When God said “My hands are yours,”
I saw that I could heal any creature in this world;
I saw that the divine beauty in each heart
Is the root of all time
And space.
My thoughts immediately turned to a dear friend in Latvia. I reached out recognizing the proximity of her country to Ukraine and the effect that this could have on her life, her family, and friends. I thought of a precious couple who were in one of my recent seminars who have family and friends in Ukraine as well. I thought to myself: What should I do? What can I do?
Far too often we choose to do nothing and move toward isolation. We are afraid of our connection as it creates the possibility of having to bear the pain of someone else's suffering or misfortune.
I think about this as we step into International Women's Day this year. The war rages in Ukraine where men, women, and children are dying. It is very difficult to hold the polarity of loving kindness and painful despair in your heart. I feel for the Ukrainian people. War is not a casual discomfort. It is a life-ending travesty and we can send our love, prayers, and healing energy in the direction of Ukraine.
I think often about my friend in Latvia and the concern that I have for her and all of the people that I know and love in that part of the world. I also hold the pain of the disparity of treatment of people of color even during this war. I have watched the footage and read the articles. One woman reached out to me directly expressing her fear and pain as bias, bigotry, and hatred presented an unavoidable obstacle as people of color attempted to flee for their lives. People of color have been relegated to the back of the line.
As women, we have tremendous power and if we choose to use this power for good we can change the world. Racism, bias, and bigotry are not isolated to the United States. These are not problems only here in America, they are a global scourge.
On this day I ask women around the world to rise up and begin to address the bias and bigotry that divides and separates us. This is a time for a celebration of our universal connection. A day when we honor women all around the world for their achievements. Let’s honor ourselves by achieving the seemingly impossible. Let’s choose love. Let’s begin with acts of courage as we stand as allies for one another, here at home and all around the world. As we pray for Ukraine let us also pray for the courage and strength of all women to unite and align with one another with a spirit of empathy, compassion, and love. When one of us hurts, we all hurt; even when that pain is not visible.
International Women's Day 2022 is all about healing and hope. Humanity needs our love, our nurturing strength, and our willingness to show up for one another. To all women, I say: Rise up and remember one another today wherever you may be in the world. May we grow in numbers and in our strength to be the vessels that we were created to be. As we honor our own being and acknowledge the beauty, light, and power of one another, remember to extend your hand to anyone in need. Choose love and choose to lead with the power of love. It is an invincible weapon that counteracts the pain of unnecessary suffering imposed on others.
Our Divine feminine energy holds the key to an open heart. And we all have a key. Unlock your heart and allow your love to bring light, hope, and connection to every member of our human family.
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