Love as a ‘revolutionary act’

Love. As a revolutionary act. 

People I’ve followed and read and listened to for decades have long preached this concept. I believe in it. But practice it privately, among like minded friends. It feels squishy and New Agey in most discussions. (Like committing to being Marianne Williamson in a field of “real” candidates.) I believe in love as the answer so am I ashamed of what I believe? Perhaps not ashamed but embarrassed?

The wounds in our country are wide and deep and open. And weeping. And being capitalized upon by those whose depth of cynicism knows no bottom.

Anger alone is self indulgent and distances me from feeling all the feelings. This TED Talk by Valerie Kaur right-sizes all of it for me. So, now, every day:

“President Trump, I feel the pain caused by living with a shaming alcoholic addict who disrespected you when you were a child.

I feel the loneliness caused by being shown narcissism as a way of life.

I feel the frustration of the limits your life experience has placed on your capacity to love, empathize, and connect.

I pray that you find a way to quiet the demons and ceaseless battles inside you.

President Trump, I see the child dying inside you.

And I love him.”

Not easy. But the rage inside me relaxes with the saying of it. 

Rage is paralyzing. Revolutionary Love is active.

Three lessons of Revolutionary Love in a time of rage – Valerie Kaur, TEDTalk