General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPreserving the soul
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In particular, this photo of the first African American President and First Lady finding such joy in meeting a young Native American girl speaks volumes as a symbol of our hope for healing from a bloody and painful history.
But the fact is, whenever I see our President's genuine delight in interactions with children, I think of something Alice Walker wrote shortly after he was elected.
I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disaster that the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible for bringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life...From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone...
Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression of healthy self-worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.
Read More: http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2014/06/preserving-soul.html
bigtree
(85,977 posts)sheshe2
(83,655 posts)It's a great quote. I posted the letter after he won the election.
roguevalley
(40,656 posts)Cha
(296,869 posts)"... A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life...From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone..."
sheshe2
(83,655 posts)She also went on to say...
snip
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2010/11/it-is-soul-that-must-be-preserved.html
you, she~
sheshe2
(83,655 posts)Cha
(296,869 posts)Last edited Mon Jun 16, 2014, 01:04 AM - Edit history (1)
Happy Fathers Day, 44!
http://sync.democraticunderground.com/10025101753
William769
(55,144 posts)I am surprised that President isn't attacked for his... oh never mind
Yes to that thought even though you suspended it. I know exactly what you meant, William.
William769
(55,144 posts)sheshe2
(83,655 posts)sheshe2
(83,655 posts)Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)sheshe2
(83,655 posts)LF Returns~
Good to see you.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)Marie Marie
(9,999 posts)Love that colorful garb the young lady is wearing. She looks amazing.
sheshe2
(83,655 posts)Bold magnificent colors for her Nation.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)Sure preserves my soul.
I hadn't seen that Alice Walker quote before. That's a keeper.
Thanks, she!!
sheshe2
(83,655 posts)He preserves my soul too. To some of us he is a keeper as is Alice Walker.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)He has a shining, good soul. You can tell because that smile is genuine.....it goes out TO others.
Rather than smirking inwardly at having taken another sucker. Like others in high places do.
Edit to add:
littlemissmartypants
(22,593 posts)freshwest
(53,661 posts)sheshe2
(83,655 posts)simply beautiful freshwest...
just look how he holds that childs hand. a connection. hope. our future.
thank you~
http://3chicspolitico.com/2014/06/14/photo-gallerypresident-obamas-historic-visit-to-sioux-nation/#jp-carousel-56112
freshwest
(53,661 posts)First lady Michelle Obama wears a shawl presented to her during the president's visit to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation Friday, June 13, 2014
http://www.myepb.net/news/read/category/General/article/the_associated_press-obamas_1st_visit_to_indian_country_as_president-ap
sheshe2
(83,655 posts)I hope we can do more for Native Americans, they richly deserve our support. This is a step forward. A good step.
What a great picture of Michelle, she wears the shawl proudly.
treestar
(82,383 posts)I like the flag on the one kid's head.
sheshe2
(83,655 posts)He wears it proudly treestar.
hedda_foil
(16,371 posts)longship
(40,416 posts)Very happy to R&
Thank you, She!
brer cat
(24,524 posts)Thanks she for sharing these pix and the Alice Walker quote.
pleinair
(171 posts)Thanks