Hope Challenge: June ‘ 20

Hope Challenge: June ’20

In tumultuous times it is often hope that pulls us through….

[Note: All responses are being collected and presented here =>> Why I feel hopeful….]

Hope: One way of defining hope is the notion that things will be better than they are now.

Personal Outlook: Though always a work in progress, what gives me a sense of hope and optimism is spirituality. The idea that beneath all the mobility and apparent chaos of the various manifestations in this created universe is the perpetual showering of cosmic grace – that this entire universe is imbibed with a deep, deep sense of love and connectedness, despite the seeming hopeless disparateness that is swirling around. No doubt, some days go better than others, but that is basic aim.

Earlier Life: Prior to that, I felt hope in nature, and before that it was friends. Up until the age of 21 or so, all I did was hang out with friends. That was everything – and when I was with them then everything seemed ok. Thereafter, I had a great desire to live outdoors in remote settings, surrounded by nature. And I spent a few years roaming the backcountry and peaks of the Pacific Northwest, among other places. I felt at home there and pursued this for some time. Then I became more involved in yogic life. This is my bio in a nutshell (though in reality, there is not a whole lot more to tell anyway).

But all along, it was that thread of hope that led me along.

Present Circumstances: Even then, we all come across moments and events where we may feel shaken down to our core. It happens. Most recently for me was the first time I went food shopping after the pandemic struck; it was really quite unnerving. The common and comfortable had overnight become so surreal, foreign, and alien. It had been so long since I had felt that way.

At present, we are living in a rather unique and unprecedented circumstance – one that openly challenges many of our norms and pillars.

What is Your Sense of Hope: So my question to you is what is it that gives you hope in these times. Is it an activity (gardening, cooking, exercising), a thought or memory (past vacations, a poetic verse,  an ideal), a person (partner, grandchild)?

Community Sharing: Hope is an important quality to have or cultivate, and your answers will be interesting, helpful, and inspiring for others. Please do send us yours here or comment below. Anonymous entries welcomed. All responses are being collected and presented here =>> Why I feel hopeful….