I was in Kyiv, Ukraine when the BBC reported the news of the Charleston murders. I felt weak in my core and saddened beyond words. Later that evening my friend and I were processing the news and bemoaning the state of affairs. My friend said something very meaningful that continued to resonate with me. She says, “there is hate (the root of fear), and there is love – I always choose love."
Why not choose love? What would our world become if we started all our interactions from the perspective of loving? What if we can see past our differences and open our hearts to what connects our common humanity?
I have been fortunate to travel many parts of the globe. In my travels, I have met and been befriended by some of the most interesting, smart, and savvy individuals to grace the earth. If I had been closed off to the experiences I’ve been gifted, I would never see historical Petra (2 times). I would not have worked with Ukrainian judicial employees hoping for a better future. I would not have climbed the stairs of the Eiffel Tower. I would not have traveled to Israel for the sheer joy of seeing friends we knew when we lived in Alaska.
When we stay open to love, we open our hearts and our minds to being in the moment and appreciating what might be discomforting. When we move into cultures and customs of others, it isn’t ours to judge. It is, however, our responsibility to learn, to dig deeper, and to appreciate the defining history that isn’t part of our experience.
So, what limits your experience with the opportunities that are right in front of you? What holds you back? What keeps you from choosing love and seeking those discomforting experiences? We only learn about ourselves when we move out of comfort. Need help leaving your comfort zone?
