"The five stages, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are a part of the framework that makes up our learning to live with the one we lost. They are tools to help us frame and identify what we may be feeling. But they are not stops on some linear timeline in grief."

My dear ones.. I hold you close right now for all the grief and suffering you are feeling. I am talking about the loss of this election and the revelation that this country is not at all united in its beliefs and values. I am talking about a very competent woman who ran hard won all the debates with her intelligent grit and grace, and loss against a vile man with no experience in public office, ran on a ticket of racism and sexism and provoked violence and hatred in his supporters. I am in shock and horror and disbelief. Waking up at 4am this morning I felt like it had to be a nightmare or at least just a plot to a terrible science fiction book.

Listen! Now more than ever our voices and our courageous strong hearts are needed to lead past this mess. We must protect what is right and stay connected to our fellow humans by disrupting the illusion and disease of fear and hate. Nature always wins. Let’s grieve then come back grounded and stronger than ever, fighting for what is right and protecting and listening to whomever needs our support. Our bravery is buried underneath our grief. The color of twilight kept safe in the seat of our souls reminding us that we know what beauty is and with that we will always have a chance to heal.