Pride: June 1 - 7

Everyone is a little queer.

Being LGBTQIA+ isn't so much about who you love as it is about recognizing and celebrating difference in all of its forms. I'm heartbroken when diversity, equity, and inclusion are labelled as dangerous. Pride reminds us that we have to make room for each other, to treat one another with respect, and to allow love to break down the walls that separate us. Mindfulness teaches the same thing. We are all in this together. Love connects us.

“He drew a circle that shut me out-

Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.

But love and I had the wit to win:

We drew a circle and took him in!”

Edwin Markham

Practice

This week I recommend a loving kindness meditation with a slight twist.

Settle into a spot where you won't be disturbed. Call to mind something that makes you unique or different. Is this something you hide or something you celebrate? Is this a source of strength or shame? Sit with this for a while and all that it brings up. Place your hand on your heart and speak these words aloud or silently, first shared by Amy Smith, one of my meditation mentors:

May I be safe and protected.

May I be happy and peaceful.

May I be healthy and strong.

May I live with ease.

May I love and accept myself just as I am, no parts left out.

Now call to mind someone who is different from you. It may be someone you interact with routinely or hardly at all. It may be someone you just don't understand. It may be someone you disagree with. However, recognizing your common humanity, speak these words aloud or silently:

May you be safe and protected.

May you be happy and peaceful.

May you be healthy and strong.

May you live with ease.

May you love and accept yourself just as you are, no parts left out.

Next, acknowledge all beings, human and otherwise. We share our earthly home with winged creatures, the four-legged, the two legged, and those with fins. Don't forget the green plants, the majestic mountains, and the oceans deep. Connect with all, speak these words aloud or silently:

May we be safe and protected.

May we be happy and peaceful.

May we be healthy and strong.

May we live with ease.

May we love and accept ourselves just as we are, no parts left out.