Not Knowing

More than a week has passed since the election results came in. On that Tuesday night, I went to bed early, choosing rest over waiting for the outcome. I woke up to a message from a friend overseas saying, “I’m sorry, Izumi.” I knew what she meant immediately. I was devastated, dumbfounded — even hysterical. I found myself endlessly scrolling through social media, grasping for understanding, searching for reassurance.

I sought out voices from the environmental movement, my fellow climate warriors, and spiritual teachers. Thankfully, the words of resilience and positivity shared by leaders in the field, the wisdom of those reminding us to stay grounded, and the gentle comfort of sunlight filtering through the trees on my local trails have helped me regain a sense of calm. Slowly, I feel my footing and resolve returning.

Among the many wise voices, a talk by Ines Freeman from Insight Meditation Center resonated deeply. She reminded us that, despite our fears and projections, we truly don’t know what will unfold.

“Not knowing can mean there’s something to learn in the situation. It allows for disagreement without closing the heart. And it lets us be at ease with the unknown, without adding suffering by projecting what the future will hold. Maybe, at this moment, things are okay.

This doesn’t mean we don’t take action, but that our actions should come from a place of wisdom rather than reactivity.”

All we can do is take things one day at a time, one step at a time. May we be guided by wisdom and open hearts.