Thank you for spending time with us today. I truly needed your wisdom, kindness and support. Your love for others - empathy - despite your own struggling helps me immensely. Have a wonderful weekend. Again, many many thanks. Much love, Penny💜
Van, your insightful thoughts, calm voice and eloquent words are a soothing balm offering comfort for a painful wound at this terrifying time. Thank you for sharing empathy, compassion, humanity and hope.
Having a hard time expressing how spot on your message is and cannot say thanks enough. Your video from last week was like water in a desert, along other folks who like you who are encouraging us to try in all kindness to seek the middle way, and start with ourselves. I shared your talk with many angry, sad friends. I do think we as progressives are waaay projecting. Knowing a thing intellectually doesn't mean we've done the emotional work. We could all use IFS. So much more to say, but as for me, I'm sticking with how many cakes can you bake for your neighbors, how much can you love yourself in the next 70 days and take care of each other. I wish I could bake a cake for Kathy. Thank you. Your words are landing.
Ive done soul searching, trying to figure it out, I'm hurt, I'm scared, I'm worried, what in the world is happening to our country. Like you said, we ran an outdated campaign. Since social media became anything, our brains have rewired, voting seek the be a trend and the candidates just the same, a trend, lets vote for the cool guys, the one can survive a bullet etc. it's scary!!! We got people voteinng that don't look at America the way we did as children. Btw I'm 48, People voting that know nothing about American history and they don't care! I remember when only "smart" educated people were the majority voters, people who knew ethic and history, and all about how government works and now we got millions voting just because and have no idea why they are voting for who they vote for and they don't care about anything outside of the United states, we have raised and become these spoiled, entitled, ungrateful little brother ngs that have no idea how bad our vote can be for our country and just how fragile democracy is. I sit and ponder, how do we fix this, how do we teach people how democracy works, other than just a vote, but having pride, have love for our freedom not just assume it's a mething that will always be here... The world is changing, the tides are turning and just like ocean currents, very soon it will be to late to get it back the way it was. I have a bad bad feelings about this, hope is hanging by a thread and I'm doing my best to keep it alive, its just really hard at this moment, thinks just aren't what they used to be.
Thank you so much, Van, for your authenticity and empathy- and for your openness and willingness to see things from other people’s perspectives.
Even if we don’t agree with others, we’re not going to get *anywhere* by badmouthing or judging them. And I’m not speaking about things like bigotry or misogyny, or other hateful rhetoric-but of seeing the struggles of people whose lives and views differ from our own. I’m a Gen-X’er, and feel like when I was younger, even if you didn’t agree with someone’s politics or policies, ‘different sides’ could still talk productively and respectfully. I definitely feel like that’s a large part of the current divisiveness.
Currently I’ve been largely staying away from news and trying to dive into more positive, forward looking activities. Re-Listening to your Common Ground podcasts has been REALLY helpful, as has reading Monica Guzman’s book ‘I Never Thought Of It That Way’.
I’ve also been soul searching for a new way to interact with my local community, and in the days after the election found a local non-profit that focuses on education, community and support for youth who have aged out of foster care. I think a lot of people just don’t connect with their local communities anymore in a way that ‘crosses lines’ and brings *different* people together.
For me, my strengths are working with animals, and an ability to connect with people who feel like ‘outsiders’ (for a variety of reasons and causes). So I am hopeful to connect with the youth, and maybe bring them into my world to see something a little different. I also volunteer at a local animal rescue, and have a horse…I used to teach therapeutic riding to people with disabilities-i haven’t instructed in years, but animals work wonders with disadvantaged or struggling youth as well, and I hope to connect these 2 passions & give back to my community.
One, your soul-searching videos represent a new form of social media — and an effective one. I’m rapt.
Two, I’ve been going through the same process. I’ve fallen on my sword. (See patrickhouston.substack.com) But affter watching the appointments, have we as prog-libs been too nice? Honestly, I dunno.
Thank you for sharing that. I too have been struggling and thought I was feeling a bit better today. Until I had a conversation with some 30 year olds. Both of them, did vote for Kamala, but said that young people literally don’t get any information except from their feeds. Sound bites, and random podcasts and influencers. They don’t trust traditional media. Don’t trust the establishment dems. Too elitist etc. They mentioned Gaza too. It made me very sad and I am feeling dejected. Like losing hope again.
How do we make LOVE active in a way that is meaningful today? Everyone who voted for Trump is so cynical and seemingly hateful....love is the last thing on their minds. Kamala tried LOVE and it didn't work, but maybe she didn't have enough time?
1/ Dems have not had a "personality leader" (in the way Trump is a personality-leader) in a while...last one was Obama....we need our "person"....our JFK, our whoever, someone everyone falls inlove with. People LOVE Trump, despite all his foibles, etc.
2/ Maybe, because we haven't had a "leader" in that sense (despite the fact that I think Biden has been a formidable President who led us through a very difficult time), we don't have a "profile" in the way that Trump has one, grotesque though it may be. How do we get back to that? What do we stand for? Do we need to wait until Trump Fs-up in order to figure it out?
Hey Van, followed you after we met in NY,(accosted you on Greenwich 😜) your assessment was a little salve after the election. I appreciate your determination to make the breakthrough about recognizing individual locus of control. So so hard for Canadians who have none as it relates to American life/politics, but are so inextricably connected. But, you remain salve for my aching heart as I watch Trump appointments.
You are like a BIG HUG with a dose of common sense Van. Thank you for all your kind words and ideas today. We can always count on your straight talk!
Thank you for spending time with us today. I truly needed your wisdom, kindness and support. Your love for others - empathy - despite your own struggling helps me immensely. Have a wonderful weekend. Again, many many thanks. Much love, Penny💜
Van, your insightful thoughts, calm voice and eloquent words are a soothing balm offering comfort for a painful wound at this terrifying time. Thank you for sharing empathy, compassion, humanity and hope.
VJ 2028
Having a hard time expressing how spot on your message is and cannot say thanks enough. Your video from last week was like water in a desert, along other folks who like you who are encouraging us to try in all kindness to seek the middle way, and start with ourselves. I shared your talk with many angry, sad friends. I do think we as progressives are waaay projecting. Knowing a thing intellectually doesn't mean we've done the emotional work. We could all use IFS. So much more to say, but as for me, I'm sticking with how many cakes can you bake for your neighbors, how much can you love yourself in the next 70 days and take care of each other. I wish I could bake a cake for Kathy. Thank you. Your words are landing.
Ive done soul searching, trying to figure it out, I'm hurt, I'm scared, I'm worried, what in the world is happening to our country. Like you said, we ran an outdated campaign. Since social media became anything, our brains have rewired, voting seek the be a trend and the candidates just the same, a trend, lets vote for the cool guys, the one can survive a bullet etc. it's scary!!! We got people voteinng that don't look at America the way we did as children. Btw I'm 48, People voting that know nothing about American history and they don't care! I remember when only "smart" educated people were the majority voters, people who knew ethic and history, and all about how government works and now we got millions voting just because and have no idea why they are voting for who they vote for and they don't care about anything outside of the United states, we have raised and become these spoiled, entitled, ungrateful little brother ngs that have no idea how bad our vote can be for our country and just how fragile democracy is. I sit and ponder, how do we fix this, how do we teach people how democracy works, other than just a vote, but having pride, have love for our freedom not just assume it's a mething that will always be here... The world is changing, the tides are turning and just like ocean currents, very soon it will be to late to get it back the way it was. I have a bad bad feelings about this, hope is hanging by a thread and I'm doing my best to keep it alive, its just really hard at this moment, thinks just aren't what they used to be.
Thank you so much, Van, for your authenticity and empathy- and for your openness and willingness to see things from other people’s perspectives.
Even if we don’t agree with others, we’re not going to get *anywhere* by badmouthing or judging them. And I’m not speaking about things like bigotry or misogyny, or other hateful rhetoric-but of seeing the struggles of people whose lives and views differ from our own. I’m a Gen-X’er, and feel like when I was younger, even if you didn’t agree with someone’s politics or policies, ‘different sides’ could still talk productively and respectfully. I definitely feel like that’s a large part of the current divisiveness.
Currently I’ve been largely staying away from news and trying to dive into more positive, forward looking activities. Re-Listening to your Common Ground podcasts has been REALLY helpful, as has reading Monica Guzman’s book ‘I Never Thought Of It That Way’.
I’ve also been soul searching for a new way to interact with my local community, and in the days after the election found a local non-profit that focuses on education, community and support for youth who have aged out of foster care. I think a lot of people just don’t connect with their local communities anymore in a way that ‘crosses lines’ and brings *different* people together.
For me, my strengths are working with animals, and an ability to connect with people who feel like ‘outsiders’ (for a variety of reasons and causes). So I am hopeful to connect with the youth, and maybe bring them into my world to see something a little different. I also volunteer at a local animal rescue, and have a horse…I used to teach therapeutic riding to people with disabilities-i haven’t instructed in years, but animals work wonders with disadvantaged or struggling youth as well, and I hope to connect these 2 passions & give back to my community.
Love you and the work you do,
-Mel-
Thanks for your soothing and enlightening words as always Van! I'm in L.A. too. Which immigrant rights groups would you recommend for volunteering?
One, your soul-searching videos represent a new form of social media — and an effective one. I’m rapt.
Two, I’ve been going through the same process. I’ve fallen on my sword. (See patrickhouston.substack.com) But affter watching the appointments, have we as prog-libs been too nice? Honestly, I dunno.
Thank you for sharing that. I too have been struggling and thought I was feeling a bit better today. Until I had a conversation with some 30 year olds. Both of them, did vote for Kamala, but said that young people literally don’t get any information except from their feeds. Sound bites, and random podcasts and influencers. They don’t trust traditional media. Don’t trust the establishment dems. Too elitist etc. They mentioned Gaza too. It made me very sad and I am feeling dejected. Like losing hope again.
Thank you Van. Your perspectives, your attitude, your way of communicating is so refreshingly real. I am so grateful you are doing this.
Enjoyed today .. I have a better perspective than I did . Love will win again !
How do we make LOVE active in a way that is meaningful today? Everyone who voted for Trump is so cynical and seemingly hateful....love is the last thing on their minds. Kamala tried LOVE and it didn't work, but maybe she didn't have enough time?
1/ Dems have not had a "personality leader" (in the way Trump is a personality-leader) in a while...last one was Obama....we need our "person"....our JFK, our whoever, someone everyone falls inlove with. People LOVE Trump, despite all his foibles, etc.
2/ Maybe, because we haven't had a "leader" in that sense (despite the fact that I think Biden has been a formidable President who led us through a very difficult time), we don't have a "profile" in the way that Trump has one, grotesque though it may be. How do we get back to that? What do we stand for? Do we need to wait until Trump Fs-up in order to figure it out?
I appreciate you and your sharing your thoughts from your heart and mind, Van. That's all, just wanted to say thank you.
Hey Van, followed you after we met in NY,(accosted you on Greenwich 😜) your assessment was a little salve after the election. I appreciate your determination to make the breakthrough about recognizing individual locus of control. So so hard for Canadians who have none as it relates to American life/politics, but are so inextricably connected. But, you remain salve for my aching heart as I watch Trump appointments.