Embracing good, without the limits
The winter landscape in Starksboro, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
As the cold winds blow through the Vermont mountains, they bring a stark reminder of winter's persistence — and also the fact that it won't be here forever. There will be warmer days ahead, but what allows for that transition? It's the freedom, beauty and resolve of nature, with all its challenges along the way. That dependable sense of freedom is the key to resolving the divisions which seem entrenched in our country, divisions which would have one either go on the attack, or give up on progress.
To counter those extremes, it is important to return to a basis of good that naturally leads to a stronger sense of freedom, which we can own together. It's not a freedom for one person or one group, it's a freedom that depends on our common humanity, encouraging partnership and cultivation of the innate goodness we all share. That has a natural connection to the free flow of ideas, a concept that is at the foundation of our democracy and, even now, has the potential to unlock bipartisan solutions to major problems. Instead of limiting the results at the outset, we can start with what we have together: a basis for good, compassion and courage, just waiting to be harnessed on a wider scale to challenge the frigid winds of division.
Central to this approach to life, is the conviction that we have many common needs and therefore, an incentive to seek solutions to related issues from an empathetic standpoint. That baseline of good exists even now. In Congress, as the COVID-19 relief bill understandably dominates headlines, there is continued discussion around infrastructure and how to address roads, bridges and other needs. Deep political divides may be more challenging than the issue itself, however it is well worth trying to seek common ground as a starting point. Even though it appears to be trapped in partisan shadows nationally, the foundation for bipartisan progress on issues that impact many lives still exists. The free flow of ideas often faces an uphill battle, but it is still alive, and can grow as we cultivate more trust and cooperation at all levels, local communities included.
The past 12 months have shown that, essentially, we're all neighbors with many shared experiences. Beginning from that basis is a good foundation for the progress the country now needs. The challenges we face seem like those forbidding winter winds. Our initial reaction to them may be to hold our coats more tightly about us, and retreat into ourselves. But this age is demanding more of us. It's asking us to receive others into a place of compassion, in a way that points us toward innovative solutions. With that work before us, let's not start from a place of limitation. Instead, we can humbly join together and start from a clean slate of possibilities, working outward from the good we share, and embracing its promise of peace.
— Gareth Henderson
