I started this piece pre-election, full of optimism and hope.
Post-election, (aka the descent into the Dark Ages), I took time to grieve, then pulled myself back up to finish this work. I’m still heartbroken and nauseous, but we have to be stronger than ever.
Once I finally stopped crying and resumed furiously painting, trying to bring a little light into the world, I realized the working title – “Awakening,” would change to “Activated.”
I thought we were awakening into a higher level of consciousness, finally looking toward female leadership. And to be fair, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote. In fact, she’s gotten more votes than any white man in history!
In Hillary I find a kindred spirit who fought her way through a man’s world despite relentless insult. I have nothing but respect for her tireless work for women and children. I met Hillary when I was 15 years old and liked her a lot. She was a role model for me and especially for my mother’s generation, when women were breaking into the workplace.
When she “lost,” Michael Moore said Democrats would not fall into despair after the shocking defeat, but instead that Trump would prove a lightning rod for the left. Complacency is no longer an option. We have work to do.
Trump triggers the raw pain of abusive for so many people. The wounds of our Collective Unconscious are now exposed. Part of healing is to finally vanquish this worn-out, dying breed of haters.
This country and planet needs a massive shift. These dark times are the last vestiges of racism and misogyny. The millennial generation are not haters; they’re open and tolerant. The future can still be bright.
We must wipe the slate clean so women and minorities can be heard and respected – finally. The planet and animals will be treated gently – finally. (Shout out to the Standing Rock Water Protectors!) It’s time to choose if humanity will self-destruct, or if we finally become stewards of the land.
As for your part in all this – ask yourself:
What activates YOU lately? What energizes your purpose? How can you best fulfill this call to come alive and turn your switch to ON?
Ac·ti·vate, verb
to make (something) active or operative. Operate, switch on, turn on, start up, trigger (off), set in motion, initiate, actuate, energize.
Four Ways to Activate Our Collective Soul:
1. Turn off the news. It’s over. Our nausea needs to settle. Let your focus return to what feeds your soul. Art? Music? Reading? Nature hikes? Take care of yourself.
2. Eat simply for a few days. Smoothies, soups, and salads. Allow your body to recalibrate and reboot. Heal.
3. Decide how you can fight for human rights and planetary sustainability. What are you passionate about? What are your skills? Merge these two things into action.
Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. ~Howard Thurman
4. Donate to your favorite cause. I feel an urgent need to support the Animal Farm Sanctuary, Standing Rock Water Protectors, the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. Sharing causes and petitions on social media to amplify our voices. Go vegan to help the earth and animals. Wear the stupid safety pin. Every little thing counts. Do everything you can.
Stay strong humans. LOVE ALWAYS WINS!
♥ ~ Meghan Oona
P.S. Please sign the petition for the Electoral College to vote with the popular vote Dec. 19th – here).
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