Key Learning: Year 76

Yesterday I looked forward by declaring a goal for my 77th year. Today's post looks back. Just as I have on every November 23 beginning in 2011, today I reflect on something the previous year - my 76th - has taught me. And just as with yesterday's post, I hope you'll join me. Birthday aside, what has been a key learning for you over this past year? If you can't find something that neatly fits that narrow parameter, why not go back to a key learning from two years ago, or three, or ten. I'm listening.  

Not long after visiting the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg South Africa, I made a conscious choice to begin modifying my habits in search of a balance that has long eluded me. Each time an experience like that museum - or a book, song, or film - reminded me of the importance of continually bearing witness, I resolved to find some ballast to help offset the despair that can often accompany those experiences. Beginning in mid-2024, I began noticing how this new practice was getting me within striking distance of that balance. My resolve was fortified. Over the past year +, this simple practice has now become a healthy reinforcing loop for me. 

For example, perhaps for the first time in my life, I've recently found myself able to more quickly recover when a book (e.g., Survival in Auschwitz), song (e.g., Strange Fruit), or film (e.g., I'm Still Here) has taken a significant emotional toll on me. My recovery strategy changes from situation to situation - sometimes meditation, a conversation with a soulmate who values bearing witness, maybe some humor (e.g., a funny book to follow the important but intense book) - but each strategy is aimed squarely at getting me back on my feet. 

Because, getting back on my feet is critical in maintaining a commitment to continually to bear witness. I must do this. If instead, I surrender and choose to not visit that disturbing museum, read that unsettling book, listen to that uncomfortable lyric, watch that upsetting film, doesn't that make me part of the problem? As a species, I believe our greatest hope to ensure the horrors of history are not forgotten, lest they be repeated, is choosing to bear witness, no matter the cost. We've all got so much work to do. I'm relieved to have learned over the last year + that there is hope in finding my balance.