Those who have not experienced it do not recognize how many times the wound of abuse can be reopened. But even now, with the earth in a calamity of political and violent war and sorrow, there is something amazing going on. Here we are—our entire planet… grappling with awe and despair—how fragile, how beautiful. Each of our lives, all of our histories are summed up in this. 

We are certainly greater than the sum of our parts.¹

This is not to paste a soft focus on it. But a reminder.

To me growing up, Cesar Chevaz was considered a saint and an icon for justice. He was a beloved activist for the poor and most vulnerable. However, like many heroes who are fathers, uncles, pastors or revered politicians with the access to power and adulation, there can be a powerful and insidious shadow side to their greatness. They are considered and revered as protectors to women and to children. Yet in their own family, religious community, political or religious spheres, they abuse and mistreat those closest to them and expect loyalty to the secrets of their violations. But for many survivors, the unbearable reality of their abuse collides with the myth, the narrative of the hero.¹

People in every corner of society, no matter how virtuous they may seem, can be capable of committing unimaginable cruelty and justifying it to themselves and perhaps to those they violate. So many survivors have had to live for years or a lifetime with a secret that they fear will ruin their family, religious community—or a powerful political movement. But no survivor should have to bear the burden of the secret of their abuse no matter how beloved their perpetrators are. 

Today, wherever you are and however you are
whether you breathe deep or shallow, try to breathe the best you can as you read this. 
 
We are looking through the portal beyond today. We do not know and cannot know what happens next. Yet, despite the clench of fear or anxiety, whether angry or hopeless, we look to history and to nations across the globe to witness where some of the most powerful voices are:

They say breathe…

But perhaps in times like this
all you can do is pant or wheeze or gasp—
...What if you close your eyes.  

Put your right hand on your heart,  your left hand on your stomach 
...Your life is even deeper than your breath.
Think what makes your heart smile.