Hold space for HOPE with an open heart

In the wake of recent political shifts, many people are feeling grief, anger, and uncertainty. For communities who have fought for environmental justice, equality, women’s rights, and minority protections and rights rights, this feels like a difficult blow. But even in the most challenging times, we have a choice in how we respond—and we still have hope.

When the future feels unpredictable, there is a way to stay grounded: by embracing a radical openness to what is happening. This isn’t passive acceptance. It’s a choice to act, but to act from a place of openness, love, and strength, rather than fear. Radical acceptance allows us to meet every circumstance, not just the good ones, with an open heart. From this stance, we don’t shut down; we don’t grow hardened. We remain adaptable, resilient, and ready to move forward.

Consider this: none of us planned for a world quite like this one, yet here we are, each of us gifted with talents, strengths, and the freedom to use them. So let’s take what we have, whatever that may be—our voice, our energy, our compassion—and let’s use it to respond in a way that feels authentic. This openness doesn't mean ignoring our pain or the pain of others. Instead, it gives us the courage to face it fully, and from that place, to choose action that makes a difference.

Find Strength in the Power of Community

Radical openness doesn’t mean we don’t have a responsibility to act. Instead, it gives us the clarity to act with purpose. With an open heart, we can decide whether an action is coming from a place of love and connection or from fear and resistance. If our actions arise from an open heart, they’re more likely to inspire, to connect, and to create positive change.

For some, this journey may mean quietly supporting those around them, caring for loved ones, and strengthening their local community. For others, it might look like activism, speaking out, and working on a larger scale. Every way of expressing this love and understanding is equally important. This is not ego-driven work—it’s work that comes from a place of commitment to each other and to the world we share.

Embrace the Unpredictable with Courage

None of us truly knows what lies ahead. Life, in its complexity, often feels like a jazz improvisation—a series of unexpected notes and rhythms that require us to adapt and create in real-time. We don’t need a perfect plan to act with purpose. We need an open heart and the courage to meet life’s unpredictability with creativity.

So, as we continue to face new challenges, let’s remember that we are all capable of meeting them with resilience and compassion. The world may feel heavy right now, but our response matters more than ever. When we act from love, our impact ripples outward, creating change in ways we may never fully see but that we know are real.

In these times, our community needs each other more than ever. Let’s stay committed to openness, to acting with compassion, and to holding hope alive in every way we can.

Together, we are stronger than the challenges we face, and through our shared commitment, we are capable of creating a future that honors and protects the planet and each other.

Feel that hug.

We will be okay.

We still have hope.

Thank you for being here with us, for being part of this journey.