Sympathy

All the dreams you show up in are not your own. Gil Scott-Heron

 

Demonstration in support of Egypt uprising,

Portland, Oregon.

From Wadah Khanfar, Director General of Aljeezera

Pleases enjoy this video on what the Arab revolutions mean.

I extend my apologies for my long and unannounced gap in publishing The Drala Principle. In short, travel and engagement with the subjects I write about became so compelling and at times demanding that I could not write, only experience and assimilate. Since the end of October I traveled with a friend through central and southern France (a pilgrimage to sites we felt called to visit) then spent five weeks alone and on retreat in Istanbul (a retreat both in my hotel room and through silent wandering on the streets). During this time I realized I must sell my home and most of my possessions and resume life from a suitcase. In the past three weeks, post-home, I have traveled to Portland Oregon, Minneapolis, Washington D.C., New York City and Paris, where I am now, staying with a friend (as I have stayed with other friends along the way).

a home is

with bank account
though still going

homeless

no shrine
no photograph
no return ticket

I live in the abode
of friendship

which is the home
each friendship
occurs in

when seen
from a distance it is:

a dream
yet a house
an atmosphere
yet also a body
 

26-Feb: 2011
Paris

I suppose like nearly everyone, I have been moved by the popular and decidedly non-violent demonstrations/revolutions in the Arab world. I took the photograph above in Portland Oregon, a moment when my son and I came upon a rally in support of the people of Egypt. Perhaps the photo captures the same feelings of pride and determination, courage and joy that so animated the footage we saw from Tahrir square. 

The next day I witnesses something else that reminded me of Tahrir. As I was waiting for the airport tram, a well-dressed man standing beside me began to pick up garbage, first a discarded beer can, then the fallen newspapers, plastic bags and litter of the entire block, which he combed methodically. I felt inspired by his act and slightly ashamed I hadn't seen fit to do the same. When he returned to the stop beside me I thanked him. I told him his act reminded me of Tahrir square and what was perhaps most inspiring of all, that the people there and in other parts of Cairo performed their own spontaneous security patrols, emergency assistance and garbage collection. A generous, caring and sympathetic camaraderie - that was impossible not to sympathize with. Perhaps the way toward a more democratic and humane future for all of us.

It is in this spirit that I salute all of you on this day, which for many is also a New Year's celebration, that of losar, Tibetan New Year or Shambhala Day. 

Luxembourg Garden, Paris