Written by Jalyce Elizabeth

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

You are not alone. Contrary to the social distancing laws that have been in place...we don’t live on this earth isolated from one another.  What you do affects the lives of people near and far.  We can’t even comprehend the impact that we have on our community and communities abroad. 

Being alive means being a part of this organism that is humanity.  We mirror each other, we challenge each other, and we grow from being connected.  It is as if we are leaves on a tree that never fall prey to autumn.  We are meant to be bonded to one another.  So much so, that the depth of our growth often depends on that connection.  

In some ways, we learn to love ourselves by loving other people.  For instance, I recently compared the way I spoke to friends and loved ones to the way I spoke to myself.  I found a gap there—a total lack of grace, mercy, and understanding.  I noticed that I said things to myself that I couldn’t fathom saying to someone I loved.  Taking note of that helps you treat yourself with kindness.

We also learn the power of presence by rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. When someone is in pain and overwhelmed with grief, sometimes the best thing you can do is listen. Our words often fall short and it may not be the right time to share simple solutions. There is power in being present. Sharing in someones suffering is just as important as sharing in their joy.

Peace is both an individual and community practice.  In order to embrace the fullness of peace, you must seek kinship, fellowship and oneness.

Cultivating our oneness requires dedicated attention. It’s the ability to focus on yourself without detaching from community. On the other hand, it’s about connecting with those around you without losing yourself in the process. It’s all about balance.

We become one with each other by sharing our human experiences. Yes, let us rejoice with those who rejoice.  Let us mourn with those who mourn.  This is how we live in harmony with one another and with self. This is how we learn to love over and over again.