by Belinda Griswold

the day after the election, broken hearted and depressed, crying in the airport for our future, i travelled to see my [Tibetan Buddhist] teacher and to participate in a celebration inaugurating his new center. i arrived there so downhearted i could hardly remember why i'd made the plans to travel. but i have been reminded, by my fellow students, by the many teachers gathered there, and by my teacher's example, that it is possible to be brave no matter how dark external conditions are. it is possible to maintain our interconnectedness. it is possible to nurture the wisdom traditions that will bring us through this dark age. and it is important. very important. practitioners of wisdom and compassion, in the teachings of the buddha or any other path, will continue to influence the atmosphere of our country, whether it is in oppressive and violent times, or when we finally wake up as a nation to the reality of interdependence. i hope that time will be sooner rather than later, but today, looking at a bright altar and glowing faces, hearing aspirations for the well being of every living being without exception, i knew that even if it takes a long long time, i'll be struggling (in the realm of no-struggle hopefully) with a brave heart and some sense of love for the goodness in all of us - the goodness that cannot be snuffed out by fear.