ISIS, Ebola, narcissistic politicians, constant change and churning. As parents, we have so much at stake: how do we protect our precious ones from the turmoil while still being aware of what is happening all around us? It isn’t hard to get swept up in a tide of despair. Or guilt — How many times have you wondered, “Why are so many people suffering, while my chief complaint is one of internal struggle? How did I get ‘lucky?'” It all seems so unjust. However, being despondent is certainly not what our children need from us. They need equanimity.
“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.
My husband is an activist. Most of his time is spent attending meetings, events, canvassing, reporting the news, fact-checking…He has been able to turn his rage about the world into action. Others who feel they don’t have the time, become philanthropists. Some become teachers. And many of us become parents intent on raising conscientious children. We each have to do what we can, but no single one of us can do it all.
