ISmile284 – The Fierce Urgency of Now

In this Dharma talk, Michael McAlister starts by pointing out how the PBS NewsHour’s Mark Shields helped contextualize the killings in Tuscon, Arizona. In doing so, we find that there may be some significant reminders of how tribal-centrism can be extended toward global-centrism if we allow our own hearts and minds to open fully and repeatedly. With this in mind, Michael points out how this corresponds in deep ways with what Dr. Martin Luther King spoke of in his “I Have a Dream” speech. For example, King reminds us of the “fierce urgency of now,” as well what it means to connect with “all God’s children.” He also warns us not to “drink from the cup of bitterness and hatred.” In celebration of Dr. King’s birthday, Michael celebrates his words, pointing out how living from this place allows for us to become, freedom, justice, equality and love. And this is the work for us as we commit to the spiritual path.