Fiction and life . . . from the desk of Gwen M. Plano
  • Home
  • Blog Reflections
  • REDEMPTION THRILLER
  • THE CONTRACT Series
  • My Memoir
  • Poetry
  • About

Safeguarding our humanity

8/25/2018

8 Comments

 
by Gwen M Plano
If you are like me, you react with anger at hearing of the abuse of children, and if you are like me, you feel frustrated with self-serving political nonsense. Some mornings when I hear the news, I just feel profound sadness. Do you?

We all want an end to predatory behaviors. We want justice, we want peace. We want the good guys to win. But how? Is there anything you and I can do to help?

I believe there is much we can do collectively and individually, but whatever action we might choose, if we lose our humanity, by becoming hardened and divisive, we have lost everything. Why do I say this?

All the major religions, the field of psychology, and even medical research point to an important truth – hate destroys, and love heals.

It sounds too simple, doesn’t it? How can we possibly “heal” the ails of our time through love?
​

If we understand love as the vital force that animates us, that makes us human, then we have a sense of its magnitude. People like Malala Yousafzai and the Dalai Lama come to mind, extraordinary individuals who hold on to their humanness, no matter the circumstance. ​
​Whatever our response might be during this challenging time, I believe it is important that we safeguard our hearts for this is a time in which our humanity is critically needed.

How do we keep our hearts open when each day is an assault on our sensibilities?
 

Think with me for a moment to a time when you were you at peace. Who were you with, what were you doing? Were you walking in nature or holding the hand of someone you love, or perhaps you were cuddling your pet? Once you identify a peaceful moment, then you know how to hold on to your humanity.
​

If each of us were to listen to our hearts, I suspect miracles would follow.

                                                       ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~

DEAR READER, I AM MIGRATING OVER TO A NEW WEBSITE. I HOPE YOU WILL JOIN ME THERE: www.gwenmplano.com  (The address is slightly different, in that it includes my middle initial.) Thank you very much. 
8 Comments
Harmony Kent link
8/25/2018 01:38:26

I couldn’t agree more, Gwen. Like both you and John, I abhor today’s politicians. Love the new blog and have followed. It wouldn’t let me like or comment though ... perhaps it doesn’t like my iPad, lol. All the best x

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/25/2018 02:36:28

Thank you so much, Harmony. I'm very new with WordPress, so perhaps the complication is on my side. :)

Reply
john howell link
8/25/2018 07:15:16

I wish we could put all the leaders of the world on notice. "Either you strive for peace or we'll dump you." Unfortunately not enough are willing to make that stand.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/25/2018 07:21:20

Thank you, John. It would be incredible if we could... :)

Reply
D.L. Finn
8/25/2018 10:50:30

Sometimes I will hang on to my hate much longer than I should. Then I have to remind myself who I am. Its an emotion that doesn't like to leave, but it has to for peace. I like your suggestion of remembering when you were at peace. It's harder to hang on to but so worth it for not only ourselves but the world around us. We have to remind others I believe on some level they hear us. Great post Gwen.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/25/2018 13:19:10

Thank you, Denise. ♥

Reply
Jan Sikes
8/25/2018 12:52:33

I totally agree about the feelings of anger and disgust I experience when I hear about a child who is being abused in any way. These children are Angels and are to be protected. I like the idea of remembering a time when I felt peace to cancel out the negativity. Great tool. I've visited your new site. It is beautiful and I gave subscribed to it.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/25/2018 13:17:42

Thank you so much, Jan. ♥

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    For blog updates, please subscribe below. 
    * indicates required

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    June 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


Plano Enterprises, LLC
Photos from Kevin M. Gill, Joel Bedford, qthomasbower, crosescribe, Juho Holmi, diana_robinson, W Presley & B Kunce Photography......WI. USA, U.S. Geological Survey, Ian Sane, florianric, NikoMC, van Van Es, Yen Chao 趙彥, MissMessie, Yuriy Kuzin, Ben Zvan, Bichuas (E. Carton), Nina Matthews Photography, hehaden, alexdecarvalho, Tim RT, Kurdistan Photo كوردستان, Candida.Performa, peddhapati (Thanks for 1M Views!!!), Jhong Dizon | Photography, Waheed Akhtar Photography, lawmurray, USFWS Pacific, JalilArfaoui, SurFeRGiRL30, Lauren Finkel Photography, maf04, SantaRosa OLD SKOOL, Dakiny, vauvau, Zanastardust, Monica's Dad, timpeartrice, marumeganechan, Rafael Acorsi, seyed mostafa zamani, Jorge Franganillo, Irene Grassi (sun sand & sea), The National Guard, D.Fletcher, nada abdalla, Ted LaBar, alison.mckellar, Infomastern, Elvert Barnes, m01229, theglobalpanorama, Sumarie Slabber, denisbin, Go-tea 郭天