• Because I too distrust the government and the media.
• Because I too have been silenced by a mainstream perspective that turned out to be wrong.
• Because I have come to realize we know almost nothing about life, nature, change, and what the hell is going on.
• Because I have had to unlearn nearly everything I’ve been taught in almost every area of my life.
• Because I believe every perspective is welcome and each belief holds wisdom.
• Because when I’m the most certain about something: this is the exact moment I am most likely to receive a humbling.
• Because I can’t afford to make enemies out of loved ones at this time.
• Because I don’t want to polarize in the midst of something this challenging.
• Because I strive to have room for it all.
• Because I see massive intelligence in those who question things and I value their voices.
• Because we need to be provoked into not knowing the answers.
• Because believing we know the ultimate truth is a sure sign of hubris.
• Because there are multiple realities going on at any given time.
• Because we all really want the same things but come at it from different perspectives.
• Because silencing our friends is not loving.

And right now, more than anything, we need loving.

And honestly when I think I can’t tolerate something in someone else, it’s usually time for me to reckon with myself and come back softer.

Please, let’s soften with each other.

Hurricane Helene ravaged Asheville, NC and the surrounding Western NC area on September 27, 2024. This post was created in response to that devastation and helping our community find its way through the destruction and towards recovery and wholeness.