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Wendy Fambro's avatar

Feedback - I found this quieter, more intimate recorded message very moving. It was a gentle version of your work - able to soak in a bit more deeply. Grateful for this offering.

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Mary Makofske's avatar

I could not agree more.

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SB Dorsey's avatar

I agree. Thank you Anand🙏🏼

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Gabrielle Sellei's avatar

This is so profound (and also beautifully put). You’ve perfectly articulated that essential American quality that made my parents chose *this* country when they fled exactly the same kind of fear-based repression and self-censorship that was Hungary in 1956. They could have gone anywhere; they chose freedom, optimism, and the opportunity to make a life for themselves limited only by their own talent and energy. The question now, as a parent of young adults just now launching their own lives, is whether this country still holds that promise, and whether this country deserves their considerable talents and dreams. Thank you for these thoughts.

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Susan Jenczka's avatar

Thank you for the quiet

Thank you for the gentleness

Thank you for the heart and soul filled truth

Thank you for this meditation

Thank you for your humanity

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TerryAA's avatar

Thank you Susan. Your words expressed beautifully Anand's morning coffee. Thank you Anand for starting my day with such a thoughtful message. Thank you for The Ink. The Ink is a place where I find connection and grounding in the midst of so much chaos and cruelty.

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Bidi Dworkin's avatar

This morning meditation affirms that awareness is our truest ally. Thank you.

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Regina Islas's avatar

Beautifully said Bidi.

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Diane S's avatar

I continue to remind myself that I must be vigilant and not acquiesce to the purported new reality … that what is being done by this regime in the name of America First is not what I want America to be. I will continue to be outraged, vocal despite the silence of those around me, sharing of important information, showing up at local protests, working for the best local candidates, listening to The Ink and other informative and uplifting sources of news and information. It’s difficult, yet more important than ever. My moments of happiness are fewer; I want our efforts to make these moments more frequent … for me and for everyone.

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Friedrike Merck's avatar

Brilliant.

As they show us who they are, we respond with who we are.

As fascism bares its teeth, we stoke the fire of Democracy, and hurl burning embers at the preditors at the forest edge.

This, the psychological warfare of authoritarianism, is our Normandy Beach, our Ft Ticonderoga, our Valley Forge.

Keep the faith, keep writing, keep hurling the burning embers. We shall overcome, someday.

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Nanny C's avatar

Thank you for this thoughtful conversation. We must stay grounded, positive, kind and resolute in our humanity and resistance. This helped me this morning as I absorb the daily influx of sad and negative news updates. Time for a second cup of coffee, reflection, and movement forward in being the best human I can be. Take care all💕

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Reba Clough's avatar

I choose not to be rewired. I actually like who I am. I choose not to be a different me. I enjoy being fully self expressed.

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Meg Clough's avatar

I see what you are saying. I hear it from people every day. I also personally feel it creeping into my consciousness. It would be easier to stay home. I hear it when people tell me why they can't show it for a protest and are 'taking the summer off'. I understand it, but it scares me deeply. It is an important idea to keep at the top of our minds. Thank you.

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Cindy Fountain's avatar

I was an organizer for a small peaceful protest at a nearby detention center on July 4th. It was meaningful and we shouted to the people in side "We are here"! It felt like the most American way to spend our 249th birthday.

That night an apparent ambush to draw out ICE took place, and a police officer was shot, though thankfully, he went home the same night.

Monday morning, I was visited by the FBI at my home. Fishing? Intimidation? I don't know, but either way, they will NOT remake me. My next protest is July 17, and I'm calling on businesses with guidelines to create 4th Amendment workplaces.

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Christina Strutt's avatar

You’re clearly facing the fear and overcoming it and keeping on going with love. And not at all with anger which is a clever disguise for fear! Bravo 👏🏾 with love🌺

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Cindy Fountain's avatar

Thank you, Christina!

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Paula B.'s avatar

Good for you.

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Nina T's avatar

Thank you Anand. I am trying to stay connected and active.

May we all help each other to stay the course.

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Maureen Drews ❌👑's avatar

Anand, your morning reflection, audio and short, I love it. You are so profound in your observations and insights and share them with us to consider. My personal takeaway is to monitor my responses as well as family and friends, to encourage and sustain one another to live my most authentic selves, a strong individual, and not alter myself in response to the MAGA regime. It won’t be easy, but we have a large pro democracy community supporting and uplifting one another. I think passage of the MAGA Murder Bill moved us into a new phase of our fight, one that will require more resolve. This is the most encouraged I felt this week. Thank you! I wish everyone a weekend filled with many joyful moments!

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Mary Makofske's avatar

Thank you for this thoughtful piece. I am grateful to have an Indivisible group here that is also a support group, reinforcing each other's resilience. I believe the MAGAs are trying to remake us in their image--ruthless, callous, cruel, selfish. But I also grieve that so many Americans apparently already have slipped over into that mode. Please keep inspiring us with your guests and your own meditations.

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Katherine L Ferriter's avatar

You are so right, Anand. They are trying to kill our spirit.

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Chris's avatar
20hEdited

Thank you. Yes very profound way to take a step back and reflect on the greater impact on our psyche and character. We can’t let this regime take away our goodness and character. We can’t hesitate to step up. Thanks for your insights Anand. Keep up your good and important work.

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Mimi Evans's avatar

I wish I could, but I don’t think I’ll have a peaceful cup of coffee again for several years. We are now supposed to admire and cheer cruelty. The new normalcy is racism and suspicion.

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