On May 8th, 1945, Germany surrendered, ending WWII (Hitler had committed suicide a week earlier.) It is known and celebrated as Victory in Europe Day, Liberation Day, V-E Day, and in Ukraine, Victory Day over Nazism. Ukraine is now fighting another dictator’s aggression (ironic, as they are being labeled Nazis by their enemy.)
How do we as humans overcome the fear, anger and violence that manifests in tyranny? The desire for power and, to maintain that power, exerting control over others through force? Is it so baked into human “nature” that it’s impossible to overcome?
We must remember that love is also baked into human nature. We know of individuals who seem to embody true compassion, peace and acceptance. We may be able to demonstrate that ideal with varying levels of success, one thought, emotion and action at a time. It’s helpful to bond with others who hold these ideals and strive to manifest them. As a group we can support each other in this quest for the ultimate human salvation. When we band together we can create more impact on the world, generate more awareness and influence the greater energetic field. It’s a hard lift, but what else are we here for?
Ignoring tyranny has never made it go away, as much as we wish it would; it actually encourages more of the same. Witnessing an injustice and not responding makes you part of the problem. So stand we must! I do what I can on a personal level, in my thoughts and actions. I do what I can on an energetic level, with spiritual practice and offering healing as a service. It seems like a drop in the bucket, and is discouraging at times; but drops add up. I have made peace with the limits of my abilities and contributions. We do what we can, and are called to meet terrorism wherever it is found - within ourselves and our own communities and institutions.
We seem to tire of hearing about war and aggression, but it continues on. It is important to take a moment and feel the suffering before we act upon it, hopefully putting forward our best selves in response. In honor of Ukraine, here is a lament on the pain of war from Peter, Paul and Mary - a shortened version of their song, written during the time of the Vietnam War.
Where Have All The Flowers Gone
Where have all the flowers gone, long time passing?
Where have all the flowers gone, long time ago?
Where have all the flowers gone?
Gone to young girls, every one…
Oh, when will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn?
Where have all the young girls gone?
Gone to husbands, every one
Oh, when will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn?
Where have all the husbands gone?
Gone to soldiers, every one
Oh, when will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn?
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards, every one
Oh, when will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn?
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Gone to flowers, every one
Oh, when will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn...
That war finally ended in part because of the national protests of young - idealistic - Americans. Do your best. We’re all counting on each other.
Peace, love and healing -
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