It All Matters by Lexie Wolf

There’s a famous Rumi quote that goes: “yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

But in truth we desperately need both.

In previous chapters I’ve worked as a government policy analyst and at nonprofits, advocating for change. Trying to change the world often felt like banging my head against a wall. To those of you dedicating yourselves to bettering our world, I salute you. Your efforts are inspiring, and they matter deeply.

My journey into yoga sparked a shift in focus from external to internal landscapes. Changing myself, and supporting others in their personal journeys, presents its own challenges, but it feels more within our control, at least in theory.

That brings to mind another quote, this one by the wonderful Indian philosopher Krishnamurti: “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” I believe that our society is profoundly sick. This has nothing to do with who is in charge of our ridiculous government at any given time. It is way larger than that.

But with the current regime that sickness has taken a turn for the worse, toggling between mind-bogglingly absurd and deeply cruel. Bed rest and Tylenol aren’t going to cut it. It feels like a trip to the emergency room might be imminent. God I hope not. I don’t know what that looks like but have an inkling that it involves ever deeper and more needless suffering, especially for the most innocent and defenseless among us.

I tune a lot of it out as I am not willing to allow relentless toxicity into my headspace. Creating boundaries around who and what receives my attention has been a game changer for my energy and my mental health.

But I know it’s not okay to just look away, either. I have to tune in just enough so that I can find ways to engage to make our world a little bit better. There are many small ways to help heal a sick society. And some big ones. Some of these involve standing up, saying “no” and pushing back. What is more appealing to me right now is looking for ways to say “yes” to that which feels healthy and hopeful in this world. To support that which feels kind, compassionate, helpful, and loving. Organizations, people, ideas, events, whatever it is.

I will continue to work to change myself. To try to be more giving, more loving, more compassionate and more kind, and to share those qualities out. I will never stop working on that. And I will continue to give thanks to all of you working in big ways and small to bring more compassion and love into our world. It all matters.