hi guys.
firstly, I'd like to apologise for the slow traffic on this site from my end - in the last month or so, I moved countries, started a new job and am raising funds for my business, whilst trying to do what I can do the cause we all know is so close to my heart.
It's also been a very emotionally challenging time - my child is still in the UK and being separated from them - even temporarily - is very hard on both of us... Alongside this, I share in the global anguish of seeing our Palestinian brethren endure the un-endurable. Many of us, myself included, feel shaken to the core by the reality of what has been allowed to unfold. It's hard to believe things can return to what they were and thankfully, in many ways they can't.
I also wanted to share a brief note on polarisation. I see the world through the eyes of a believer in divine revelation and cosmic references. I interpret reality as much as my limited senses will allow with the understanding that there is a higher power and much bigger picture I can't possibly comprehend. It is a helpful reminder to retain some humility in times where ironically, our quest to be on the 'right side of history' can also lead us to forms of self-righteousness. I am right, they are wrong. We are good, they are bad. And ironically, given the bad rep my faith (Islam) gets, it is my faith which always pulls me back to the eternal truth that our humanity is one and indivisible. That we cannot allow injustices perpetrated against us or those close to us, to lead us to injustice agains them and therefore pushes me to frequently reconnect with the question - how do I ensure I am not dehumanising others in the way i condemn them doing? How do I avoid the trap of seeing those I oppose politically as enemies and instead as brethren who must be loved back to the path of light, not hated further into the oblivion. All souls are sacred - all lives were created by the One. How do I hold on to this when it all feels so bleak and divided.
Personally, for me it means leaning into my faith and my friends, whom I miss dearly being so far away. It also means reaching out to a friend whom the world would posit as my ideological nemesis and yet whom I appreciate and love deeply. We've made plans for her and her kids to come and stay. We have promised to hear each other and avoid dismissing the other's viewpoint at all costs. Mostly we have committed to our friendship as more important than any other consideration and as the only route forward, together - even if that is together apart for some of the journey...
enough babbling musings - thanks for staying with me on this journey. You are appreciated. Please watch the Stream on Al Jazeera E and let us know your thoughts :)
Peace love and justice for all.
Myriam