Dear Sangha,

We’re reaching out with these words of friendship, solidarity and encouragement at this time of increased chaos and uncertainty in the world. There is an onslaught against democratic institutions in the U.S. and international alliances and treaties, and we are witnessing actions of cruelty and inhumanity towards vulnerable people who count on U.S. support. Some of us are feeling impacts from threats or harm done to livelihood, resources or freedoms.

Collectively, those who value human dignity and inter-relationship with other peoples and the natural world feel devastated as we see this upheaval in the world social order. This kind of destructiveness has occurred in previous times in different ways and places; it’s always devastating on many levels. Indigenous, Black and racialized peoples, immigrants, transgender and queer people, those living in poverty, those historically oppressed and those with exceptional needs are being especially impacted by what is unfolding in the U.S. We are grieved and outraged as well, at the gutting of responses, inadequate as they already are, to the climate crisis.

In forming a connection with True North Insight, whatever it may be, there is likely an aspiration - perhaps to discover or develop inner peace, kindness, wisdom, a sense of wholeness or connection with life. Our life experiences of pain, loss, confusion, feeling oppressed or seeing the suffering of others, have motivated us  to try to understand how to live with well-being in this world.

The intention of this letter is to stand with each one of you with love and support, willing to inquire together into how we are each living and responding in this moment. Can we  explore how to  find a grounding and capacity to defend ourselves and our communities from the impact of dehumanization that is harming us and pervading our shared consciousness. What can we do to respond in a way that benefits our own well-being and that of others who are feeling fear and overwhelm?

Dharma teaching invites us, as we are able, to arrive fully in this moment and open to our bodies, hearts and minds, being present with what is felt and known within the space of open, warm awareness. We can befriend the grief, pain, outrage, fear, or whatever is coming up in our being. Mindfulness, meditation and loving presence help us find the space and stability to care for our emotions, while knowing they are not the deepest truth of this moment. Being with sangha friends in a space of non-judgmental, kind attention supports this activity. It isn’t selfish to care for our own heart/mind in times of chaos; in fact, it’s fundamental to bringing a wise response and compassionate presence to our families, friends and work-mates.

Attending to the goodness of our lives is an antidote to feeling disregarded and disvalued.  Creating spaces or circles of coherence, or harmony, within chaos, according to some research, extends an influence beyond those circles into the larger environment. We know from our own experience that non-judgmental, compassionate presence is stabilizing and allows space for creative, authentic response that does not draw from the same kind of energy that is driving destructive change. Reacting with hatred or despair perpetuates duality and enmity.

Grounding ourselves in mindfulness and a heart that inclines toward connection supports emergence of new visions for human community and thriving. In Canada we are supporting our local and national producers and businesses and affirming our collective interests and identity. This doesn’t negate the individual or group identities we also affirm; there’s a sense of responsibility for the greater good which supports us.

Constructive responses in this time of change include engaging in wise discernment, speech and action; changing conversations to not move into despair; nourishing empathy and compassion towards ourselves and others; and strengthening networks of support and service in our community.  In this time of upheaval, which might last for an extended period of time, how can we step forward, even in small ways, which are more significant than we might recognize, to affirm respect for human dignity, beauty and sacredness of life and love in all we do?

Equanimity is non-reactivity of the heart/mind based in seeing the conditionality of all things. Events rise and fall based on countless conditions beyond our control. In equanimity we find the place between fear and overwhelm on one hand, and indifference and withdrawal of attention on the other, enabling us to stay open, interested and caring. From this space of kind attention we may discover what we need to do next.

Are there ways in which you are engaged already or are interested in connecting with others in a wise response to this time of upheaval? Please share your activities and visions on our TNI message board through this link.  TNI is not coordinating actions; we are offering this gathering space for your networking. Let’s see what emerges!

With love and reverence for the Refuge of Buddha, Dharma, Sangha

TNI Board, Guiding Teachers and Organizing Committee