“Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love”
Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements
It’s been a heartbreaking few days witnessing the scene at the epicenter of the LA protests. I hope all of you reading this today are safe and out of harm’s way. This month I’d like to share my perspective on the protests that have broken out throughout the country and hopefully provide a drop of encouragement moving forward.
👤 EMPATHY
My general rule of thumb is to pay little mind to political hot topics, mainly because I believe that each person is responsible for their life and should focus on what they can control instead of what they can’t. But this doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. As I sit in my bedroom hearing helicopters hover over my head, smoke billowing from several fires, and my neighborhood decimated by looting and graffiti I am frustrated at the avoidable events that have led to this point.
The killing of George Floyd was the catalyst but everything that has transpired over the past few days culminated from a growing divide in our country. The universal language of love and kindness has been forgotten and replaced with the extreme polarities of the left and right.
My post today isn’t about political viewpoints though, It’s about the simple act of the human word. Our word is a powerful tool and if used with integrity we can all live together respectfully. However, when the word is used to promote hate and propagate fear, the gruesome possibilities are endless.
People want to be heard and sometimes the small gesture of letting someone know you empathize with them can speak volumes, even if you don’t agree politically with them. On the flip side, pointing fingers and demonizing someone who is hurting causes more disdain and tension which will eventually lead to a boiling point.
It is my hope that people will realize that a lot of power lies within us. We each have a responsibility to make sure we are using our word for the good. To boost morale, encourage people, and let them know that they are not alone.
🎨 DESIGN SHOWCASE
I recently completed a full brand identity for Power Climb. A fitness studio specializing in versa climber workouts for the San Mateo community, opening in late 2020. Power Climb embraces personal connections between instructors, staff, and clients, aiming to create a community where all people are empowered through kindness and strength. It was my job to work closely with their team to create visuals and copy that support this vision.
🎷 SOUNDS
We could all use a fun mix to listen to. This groovy Summer mix from Teemid will be sure to lift your spirits and keep you moving on this tumultuous Monday.
❤️ THAT’S A WRAP
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