I wasn’t really expecting to be swept up in such intense waves of feeling today. I think a part of me has been holding back, maintaining some distance — perhaps in order to keep me safe from last minute disappointments?
So it wasn’t until last night that it all kicked in for me. Hearing about the “Wear Pearls on Jan 20th, 2021” Facebook group — over 470,000 women united in their commitment to wear pearls in honor of Kamala — lit a fire under me.
I tuned into the ceremony partway through Biden’s speech and was so grateful for his calm, gracious, humble demeanor. Of course, I know he’s not perfect, but it feels to me like his sincerity is real and his character is true.
I have no words to describe how blown away I was by Amanda Gorman. Just… WOW!
But maybe what surprised me the most was the intensity of my relief. It’s as if I hadn’t been able to fully acknowledge — even to myself — just how anxious and uncomfortable and even, as a person of color, fearful I had been for much too long (not for myself so much, but for my family and POC in general). It takes a lot of energy to keep from knowing what one knows, and now that energy is freed up and available to use in constructive ways.
As I sobbed uncontrollably at the end of the ceremony I felt a bone deep, visceral sense of release. And, yes, I felt like I could breathe again; that I could recognize my country again; that the true power of love and light and truth had prevailed yet again.
Out of all the eloquent words people shared today, I especially loved the following (written by a friend; thanks, Paul Green):
“Today I’m reminded that miracles are miracles. Just one miraculous day carries enough power to transcend four years of darkness. Just one lightbulb chases out a whole room of darkness. Just one young poet reminds us of the positive power of the word, after years of debasement of language. Love can win, no matter how long it’s been beaten down. There are no small miracles.”
Thank you for sharing, Bhagavati. Yes! So much inspiration. So much to be greatful for…Yes, there is darkness in this world, but there is even so much more light, kindness, friendship, and hope. And I will strive to bring those qualities even more in my life. Blessings, today and always!
A beautiful description and sharing of your experience. A profound experience is deepened when it is shared. Thank you!
Amen! 🙏💖
Beatiful post, Bhagavati, reflecting so much of what I experienced on this day as well. You can’t beat out darkness with a stick, as Swami Kriyananda says…..and like you, when this glimmer of warm, loving, compassionate light was allowed to glimmer today I realized what a wonderful world was in fact still hiding there. I breathed a sigh of relief and gratitude for myself and my fellow human beings, and know that we can do this together! Tears of joy over and over again again on this magnificent day!