Take a look at any random photos of recent events. The faces of protesters. The faces of Senators. The faces of people fighting for change. What you might see they all have in common is their raging expressions. Anger. Contempt. Rage. The left, the right, even in the center. Everybody seems to be angry these days. And many people feel justified in their anger because of the cause they believe in. It is good to be affected by injustice. Sadly, as we cultivate the fires of our anger, we add more of that energy into the world. When we respond to injustice with anger, we add more anger into the world. That creates a bigger problem for everyone.

 

When someone does something that threatens us - whether a development project or a new policy - we naturally respond to it. Sometimes we knee-jerk our way into a raging battle. Sometimes we quietly seethe until our feelings come out in unhealthy ways. If we consider that feeling threatened is a warning message, and pause and breathe and consider what we are threatened by, we can better determine how we choose to respond. Being in a place of choice means acting mindfully. It is ultimately the most empowering place to be.

 

My New Years Eve plans fell through at the last minute. Rather than panic, or wallow in disappointment, I considered my options and decided I would still take in the fireworks at Prospect Park because it was something I wanted to do. As luck would have it, my sister reached out last-minute to see whether I'd be at the park at midnight. I got to spend the night with my family, then as an added bonus enjoyed lighting the 8-foot tall Chanukah ice menorah at Rabbi Hecht's place on 3rd Street and PPW as we exited the park. I saw so much joy on so many faces as people from all backgrounds clapped and danced and sang along spontaneously to the Chanukah music.

 

Being in a place of choice, being present and mindful, and remembering that what we focus on we reinforce, are gifts I received for the new year. They enabled me to avoid sitting home alone by choosing to participate. Being with family was an added bonus. Being part of a broader community I love was an even more potent reminder that when we are at peace within ourselves, we bring peace into the world.

 

May we all pause, breathe then think before acting. May we all remember that what we focus on we reinforce. And may we all be in a place of choice as we move from moment to moment in this new year. Let's make the most of every moment as we live, love, laugh and learn our way on another journey around the sun.