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The 911 attacks on the WTC are still as chilling today as they were 10 years ago. So many emotions come up for me: sadness, fear, confusion, nostalgia - but most of all, compassion. September 11, 2011 was a day when we remembered to love strangers, no matter who they were, what they looked like, or what they believed in. We all came together because we needed that - we needed to feel connected. Every year we're reminded of this, but unfortunately it's not long lasting for most.
The news coverage and social conversations about 9/11 this year inspired me in a new way. I see a connection between the love and hate surrounding this event and the same emotions within my life and the people around me. I'm fortunate to have a mainly positive, loving community, but it is not free of negativity. Even those that come from a place of compassion find themselves saying cruel words to one another because they disagree. If you step back and look at it, these mini attacks on one another are not too different from religious attacks - they both come from a place of bitterness and refusal to accept one another. Instead of accepting differences, many people focus on proving their way is better than another's.
As a vegan and environmentalist, I see this happen a lot in conversations between people with differing lifestyles - there is so much anger and judgement; I've written at least one article about this. Though I believe very strongly in my lifestyle, I accept that many people choose not to live the same way. I prefer to educate instead of trying to force my opinions on anyone. The last thing I want is for someone to feel like I'm judging them, and yet, many assume that I am simply because I'm a vegan and an environmentalist.
Last night I sat down in front of the camera for 20 minutes and poured my heart out on this topic - fortunately I was able to edit it down. It originally included a lot of details on veganism and sustainability, but I cut that out to give it a broader appeal. It all boils down to love and compassion, no matter what we're talking about. Please take a moment to watch this - it's quite different from any of my other videos as it's more spiritual and meditative, and inclusive of all aspects of life and communication.
I would love to hear what you think, so please comment if you have any thoughts to share.
I wish you all the best on September 11th, no matter how it effects you or what it represents to you. When all else fails, love.
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