I must admit, my first reaction to the 2016 election results was to start planning my move to Costa Rica, to run away from what I feel is going to happen in this country that I love.  But then I remembered what my spiritual teachers told me long ago, to BE LOVE. To be a beacon of love that shines out into the world and illuminates others with its glow – an every moment practice. One that is sometimes challenging to maintain when we are drowning in an ocean of fear.

I also believe, however, in the 100th monkey effect, a phenomenon in which a new behavior or idea spreads rapidly by unexplained means from one group to all related groups once a critical number of members of one group exhibit the new behavior or acknowledge the new idea.

So, with this hope, I will stay here and BE LOVE. I will courageously radiate joy and gratitude in all my interactions to the best of my ability. I will do this in the grocery stores, the post office, on the freeways, everywhere.  I will continue to pray daily, every chance I get, for the opening of the hearts and minds of all of humanity, especially our decision makers. I will pray for a global awakening, so that we may recognize our connection to each other and to the earth, and move forward in kindness, compassion, gratitude and love. I promise.

I think we still stand a chance, and this is it.