On Being An Ally

Blessings are like gifts we offer ourselves and each other. Beginnings mark the continuity of the cycles of life with optimism and expectancy. The journey brings many and varied challenges and gifts that can rock us to the core or bring us to the heights of bliss. Endings also mark the cycles of life with transitions that can offer clarity, release, and even liberation. I hope this blessing offers you such a gift.

On Being An Ally was born out of a moment of deep pain and compassion for my marginalized human family here in my country and around the world. I hope it offers you solace and a reminder that you are not alone.

Thank you to Fred Clarke Alvarez for the beautiful music and Kelly Searle for the photo.

Transcript

Blessings are like gifts we offer to ourselves,

Each other,

And the world to mark occasions in the various stages of life.

As you listen,

I invite you to breathe in the words as if they're coming from deep inside your own heart and when there's a pause,

To take a slow,

Full breath,

Allowing them to sink in even more deeply.

This is an opportunity to take a break,

Even for a few moments,

And rest in the peace which lies deep within.

In being an ally,

I will stand with you,

In your tears,

In your anger,

In your emptiness.

I will hold your hands in the moments when you feel too afraid,

Too drained to carry on,

When you feel alone,

Untethered,

And altogether lost.

I will cradle your sweet faces in my hands and speak sweet reminders of how your spirits soar above the highest peaks,

Plumb the deepest seas,

How your lights shatter all borders and boundaries,

Illuminating hearts whose lights have dimmed,

How your ancient ancestors stand by,

Whispering,

Your regal presence commands nothing less than bows of adoration.

I will walk with you,

Singing songs of joy on your journey to freedom.

I will listen to your stories with open ears and an open heart,

Know I am with you,

And I will sing to your spirits,

Dear kin,

Queens and kings.