Hope (Radical Hope)
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
Poem by Emily Dickinson
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops - at allAnd sweetest - in the Gale - is heard
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warmI’ve heard it in the chillest land
And on the strangest Sea
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
Remember: It’s an eternal gift that’s always in your heart. Asks for nothing.
Remember
- Dance to your own tune “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”
Soul Force
“A Way Out of No Way” – “It’s a very common phrase in the Black church experience…it’s been passed on from generation to generation. It is a phrase born of suffering, of prevail and oppression. And yet keeping the faith in the midst of that struggle.” - Sen. Raphael Warnock(D-GA.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2741x-vCbf8
Remember, always, that it is the nature of a warrior to act. Do not be daunted by the formidable strength of the opposition. Do not be depressed by doom and gloom predictions. A true warrior must welcome challenge and transform the impossible into the possible. Because you are living in these trying times, it is your task to confront situations created by human ignorance and apathy, and focus your actions through love for the future and all the children of all the children of all species.” — Captain Paul Watson in “Earthforce!”
From Nature… “Hug a tree, feel it hug you back…”
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” - Rachel Carlson RadicalHope
Stockdale Paradox
states that people should:
- Confront reality: Acknowledge the brutal facts of the current situation.
- Maintain faith: Have unwavering faith that they will prevail, no matter how long it takes. DieTryin
You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”
It’s only going to get
Think in terms of bend or break as the only two viable options.
“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry.” – Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms
The Purpose of Life is to be defeated by greater and greater things. – Rainer Rilke
Cultivate Radical Hope Mediation
Created by 1 minute of intentional breathing.
Preface: Heart has 3 levels… from lowest to highest:
- Hope (Heart Hope / Radical Hope)
- Will (willingness / action - put heart into it)
- Courage (THINK: cœur / courage; Lion Heart)
Prompt: Put it in neutral and idle (4-/otto-cycle / box breathing) for 1 minute. Then engage the gears…
- I turn responsibility into the ability to response.
- Now I’ve got hope. And the ability to response.
- I’m willing to move forward.
- As I move forward, people are going to say I can’t do that.
- At which point, I engage courage
Be mindful of ability vs. capacity. Remember: In due time. Affirmation: I’m a master of time & space.