Doesn’t it bother you that people who hold an extremely narrow view of reproductive health have commandeered the word life? For example, bumper stickers that say Choose Life, are invariably anti-abortion. The pro-choice camp often responds with slogans like Protect Choice. There’s nothing wrong with that phrase, but it might not be the best response because it plays into the idea that somehow those of us for whom legal abortion is a blessing are not in favor of life. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
When women choose abortion they are choosing life as much as when they choose to continue a pregnancy. Both choices are life choices. Both choices are considered choices and involve deep reasoning and a lot of heart. The specifics of this is diverse and complicated. Each woman’s relationship to pregnancy involves myriad aspects of her life and life in general. Her ability to bring forth new life from her body encompasses her physiology and her psychology, and… her spirituality. Her judgment about the outcome of a pregnancy reflects an ancient and innate responsibility. We all know this, and yet we are faced with growing extremism in the name of life that denies what actually happens in real life. It’s a little wearying to say the least.
The best way to stay strong in the face of this is to stay consciously connected to All Life—the interconnected oneness of existence. This is important for both clarity about our work in the world and for our mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. I think it’s especially important this time of year when the stress of the holidays threatens to take over our lives.
Here are ten ways you can stay connected to life:
1. Meditate on a regular basis. (Sit in a quiet place with a straight spine. Breathe deeply and normally. Relax.)
2. Take walks.
3. Make contact with non-human nature—ground, sky, plants, rocks, animals.
4. Remember where you are—Earth.
5. Breathe consciously.
6. Make a list of everyone and everything you love.
7. Eat well and drink enough water.
8. Talk with your friends and stay connected with your community.
9. Remember that deeply rooted power relations don’t uproot easily. They change over the long haul and require the courage and persistence of the people seeking change.
10. Remember that the universe and all it manifests is vast. Trust the process.
Have a wonderful holiday season. Happy Solstice!
This is just the life-loving inspiration I’m grateful to hear now. Bless you for your wisdom and that great list of reminders.
I love your list of ways to stay connected to life–from breathing to changing existing power relations. Yeah! I also love how you always place all our choices in the larger framework of all life here on Earth. Thank you.