Most of us can agree that 2020 has been a very difficult year. I am finally feeling some positive energy within reach, thanks to the election win of Biden/Harris. Where were you when you learned that Biden/Harris had finally been declared President and Vice-President of the United States? What feelings surfaced for you? I bet you have a story to tell. So many stories have been shared formally and informally of where people were and how they found out the joyous news. The Biden/Harris win ignited tremendous joy throughout the country and around the world. Countless celebrations erupted from big cities to small towns, infused with an outpouring of spirited, enthusiastic banner-waving, singing, dancing, live musicians, DJs and solidarity. Saturday November 7th, 2020 provided a day of release, relief, hope and joy! Even with that day of joy and celebration, I know there is a tremendous amount of work before us, individually and collectively. I pray that the Biden administration follows through on advocating for equal justice, prison reform, justice for all the families who have lost a loved one to police brutality and white supremacy. Trump is still having his temper tantrums, refusing to accept the results and doing as much damage while he can. Regardless of Trump's irresponsible, narcissistic, disrespectful antics, we get to watch ourselves respond. What do you notice in yourself? Do you get pulled into the drama? Do the external circumstances throw you off your center? How do you practice ways to stay grounded? How do care for yourself in the midst of the chaos? What thoughts or spiritual practices calm you? What are you reaching for? What feels within reach for you? May positive energy, joy, justice, healing, balance, order, decency and democracy be within our reach. Enjoy the podcast. Links: "Thomas Merton: A Book of Hours" edited by Kathleen Deignan IG: @annemariesiefert