--- Being smart: when it comes to skirmishes with the powers that be, studying and practicing approaches such as Judo and Aikido. These involve - whenever possible - waiting for the opponent to attack, and then elegantly overturning him/her.
In many cases, wait for the aggressiveness of others and then decisively, "flip the omelette;" turning the situation around at the right moment - when the opponent has fired his bullets, when he has exhausted his strength and takes a breath - then moving to counter his action" and, as in Aikido, implicitly keeping in mind the spirit of unity. (The Art of Conflict by Thomas Crum, The Art of War by Sun Tzu).
--- At the very same time, we need to be proactive in focusing on the predictable moves of the "power-over" establishment, and thinking through strategies (as in chess) to counter their initiatives.
--- As Joanna Macy has cogently argued in Active Hope, our anxiety and depression regarding the traumas our world is suffering are normal and reveal our humanity. It is essential that we grow beyond our tendencies to remain numb and in denial.
Both tears and rage are very appropriate at a time like this. This means moving through and beyond both wishful thinking and despair. We can learn to convert symptoms of apathy and paralysis into constructive action. Choosing to remain open to participating in any form of counseling or peer relationships that will be of help in doing so.
We can learn and help others learn about the actual state of - and dangers to - the Biosphere and our own human species.
--- We can recognize the role of pain in deepening our spirit and commitment to transformation.
Robert Kennedy, addressing a crowd of African Americans immediately after he announced the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., said:
"My favorite poet was Aeschylus. He wrote: 'In our sleep, pain which cannot forget, falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.'"
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