What will we create today?

In little over a week, we had an assassination attempt on a former president and the current president dropped out of the running. Immediately pundits and social media tycoons began talking conspiracy, victimization chatter., the need to control what feels out of control. Fear. As this political season ramps up, the wailing pontificators are at it again. So I want to throw out a simple question—a little personal but here it goes. Do you ever think about the breath of life, how it’s used?

I once followed a friend to an obscure place, a little known jewel in Central Oregon, Skylight Cave. At first it doesn’t seem like much, just a dusty hole in the ground, a pocket cave in lava rock. One has to descend a small ladder to the cool chamber below. Holes in the ceiling, caused by ancient air bubbles or obstructions in the lava flow, allow light rays to stream through. Brilliant beams angle downward like the sun through clouds. The heat difference between surface and subterranean captures condensation.

Here, for the first time, I actually saw my own breath. It danced, swirled, twinkled. Unlike hard puffs of crystalline air on a freezing day, this breath was not cold. It was warm, alive, powerful. The light caught it in a myriad of forms, patterns that were never the same. When I spoke, I actually saw the ballet of words, a mist of water droplets mixed with air, vibration, a fountain of exchange in me. To see this movement was humbling, sacred. I realized I need to be careful with this creative gift, my life force. The words I use, the vibrations I utter, have power. How will I use this? What will I create today?

Philosophers, theologians, counselors, and psychiatrists, all address the power of the word, how it programs and shapes, can bring life to a situation, but also death. Words are what separates us from other animals and from each other. Words are used to define, limit, categorize, judge. We share ideas which build dreams but also build walls. I remember when friends with opposing views could sit around a table, discuss things, and still remain friends. Not so much now. Fear and anger are rampant.

So I must ask: Is this victimization real, or just so much noise?

In an age of technology, the demons of victimization are free to roam, form alliances, cluster around anger. But maybe it’s time to ask ourselves if these shrieking fiends are as real as they need to be. What are we creating? Victimization invites blame, but now voices are louder, more vulgar — amplified by social media platforms and targeted news outlets.

A former president was almost killed. Many were quick to condemn this act, others fed the frenzy of blame. Perhaps it is time to rethink the talking points, walk away from leaders who breathe words of fear and anger. Reclaim our minds. As humans, maybe it’s time to take ownership of the fear behind our own words, the creative projections we breathe, then try to be aware of the words of others, listen carefully to intentions behind their predictions. Not listening in judgement, but to keep from reacting thoughtlessly, take a step back, choose a more powerful way — speak with quiet authority, detached from negative emotions. Victimization is sandbox mentality, the inability to self-regulate. I honestly don’t understand those who imply “the other” needs to die or be put down at all costs. This is fear speaking. We humans give it voice.

Each of us will take an unknown number of breaths in this life. Each one is precious, powerful. Vibrating within this breath comes the creative word.

So, although a little personal, again I ask, what will we create today?