Why Shouldn’t I…

On my early morning walk today I did a double take when I saw a large blow-up plastic bunny on the front lawn of a home with a big “Happy Easter” sign.

Since Easter isn’t until April 20th this year, I immediately judged their choice of lawn decoration as ridiculous and felt sorry for their neighbors. As I rounded the corner, “Why shouldn’t I?” popped into my head and made me pause.

Why shouldn’t I judge their choice as wrong? But also, why shouldn’t I be open to the good that can come from their choice?  And why shouldn’t I consider their decision from their point of view before passing judgment? 

As I continued to walk and ponder this, I realized this question and its many variations can work wonders when we leap into judgement. At a minimum, pondering the question “Why shouldn’t I?”  gives us breathing space to shift our gaze and consider how best to engage with and respond to someone else’s choice.

May you be blessed with the spaciousness to consider even the most challenging choice from different points of view. And may this spaciousness bring you the light of awareness and peace.

Never too Late

“It is never too late to give up your prejudices.”
—Henry David Thoreau

Let Go

“Let go of your attachment
to being right, and suddenly
your mind is more open.”
—Ralph Marston

Why Shouldn’t We?

We believe in things that we cannot see
Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t we?

Hands that heal can set a chained man free
Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t we?

And we believe in peace within every heart
Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t we?

Burning brightly, brightly in the dark
Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t we?

So come on darling, feel your spirits rise
Come on children, open up your eyes
God is all around, Buddha’s us at the gate
Allah hears your prayers, it’s not too late

And we believe in things that will give us hope
Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t we?

Let your voice be heard, celebrate your voice
Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t we?

So come on darling, feel your spirits rise
Come on children, open up your eyes
God is all around, Buddha’s at the gate
Allah hears your prayers it’s not too late

We believe in things that make us all the same
Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t we?

Love belongs to all, in deed and aim
Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t we?

And we believe in things that can’t be done
Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t we?

Lift up your heart, put down your gun
Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t we?

We believe in things we’re told that we can’t change
Why shouldn’t we?

We had heroes once and we will again
Why shouldn’t we?

So come on darling
Come on children
God is all around, Buddha’s at the gate
Allah hears our prayers, it’s not too late

So come on darling, feel your spirits rise
Come on children, open up your eyes
God is all around, Buddha’s at the gate
Allah hears your prayers, it’s not too late

Why shouldn’t we?
Why shouldn’t we?
Why shouldn’t we?
Why shouldn’t we?
Why shouldn’t we?

—Mary Chapin Carpenter, Why Shouldn’t We lyrics © Sentric Music.

Shared with our community at the Winter Solstice gathering, I continue to listen to this regularly to inspire me (Dianna) to remain hopeful despite the choices made by others. May it inspire you too.