Who are we?
Like many of you, I’m reflecting on the values that shape our actions and beliefs in the United States. There’s a lot of reflection happening right now about what our values are—and this conversation is deeply needed. It’s also crucial to remember how complex we all are, each of us carrying layers of experience and belief.
Who are we?
I’m also asking who is recognized as fully human in our nation. Once again, we’re confronted with the question: Who is my neighbor? Who counts as a human being? All wisdom traditions grapple with this question as central to human community, and most remind us of the shared humanity of those we might see as different.
Who are we?
I’ve been reflecting on my own core values and considering how to live them out authentically in these times.
After all this pondering, I can only ask myself to remain true to the values of my tradition—and to keep questioning how those values might need to grow so that I stay faithful to what I understand as the Creator.
Living out these deep values isn’t a burden; it’s a promise to be fulfilled.
To live fully aligned with the values of the Divine is, for me, the real joy of being alive.
In the days and years ahead, we will all need to reflect on these questions and strive to live our values with courage and humility. And we need to gather with others who are likewise acting out of shared values and find a path to new possibilities, to a better future.