027: Karma

Karma does not mean "you get what you give."

Karma means "you are what you give."

It could not be any other way.

What you give, you are, and what you are, you give.

And also, what you are, you get.

Does it feel better to get, or to give?

Or maybe we don't need to make that choice.

Maybe we can use the same word for "get" and "give." I wonder if there's a language that does that.

It's sort of the same feeling.

You are throwing a rope to someone, or receiving a rope from someone.

Both ways, you can feel each other's electric charge through the wire.

There's a lot of discomfort about these times.

One thing that's comfortable to me is that I see people getting stronger.

All around me. We are getting mentally stronger, and rising to the occasion.

It doesn't happen instantly. And we're not all going to be superman overnight and save the world (Satoshi Nakamoto—if you are reading, disregard that line).

But once you get past the illusion of instant change, you start taking steps!

And you realize, that's actually all you can do.

I love the concept of baby steps.

You are sitting down, and that's comfortable.

But something compels you to stand. What is that thing? I don't know, but it wants you to stand.

You get up, wobbly. Might fall over once or twice. Get up again. Then you just start walking, and soon forgot you ever had to learn.

The paradox of life is that, no matter how many times you get up and learn to walk, you will still be hopelessly on the ground in some areas.

What's that thing they say, it's all in the process and not the destination.

I would never end my email with a cliche like that.

But sometimes people are like "I would never..." and then do it.

The journey is the destination.


Quote I'm Pondering

"As long as people are treated differently based on nothing more than the color of their skin—we cannot honestly say that our country is living up to its highest ideals. ⁣

And that awareness isn’t unpatriotic. In fact, it’s patriotic to believe that we can make America better. We’re strong enough to be self-critical. We’re strong enough to look upon our imperfections and strive, together, to make this country we love more perfect.

Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. Instead, it's a celebration of progress. It's an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible. So no matter our color or our creed, no matter where we come from or who we love, today is a day to find joy in the face of sorrow and to hold the ones we love a little closer. And tomorrow is a day to keep marching."

– Barack Obama (full Instagram caption)

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