I wake up every day and, to the best of my ability, resist looking at the news. That resistance is often overcome by a voracious need to know what is going on with the dismantling of our institutions and culture. I find myself compelled to turn my cell phone on and read what is published on the websites I follow. I am drawn to the news about our country and culture. I am deeply troubled by the direct and denigrating impact our government has on people’s lives. It is deliberate and intentional. I am scared by what I hear and read.

Instead of dismantling people’s lives, it would be amazing if DOGE focused on resolving the fundamental societal issues of our time: housing, income equity, poverty, and issues of race and gender equality. There are enough financial and intellectual resources available in this country to fundamentally change the lives of everyone on this planet. That is not what is being chosen. The internet and airwaves are full of people speculating on the motivation of our leaders. Self-interest seems to be the inspiration compelling the government’s actions.

In the face of apparent hopelessness, the only question that matters to me is, what can I do to make a difference? It is unacceptable for me to do nothing or acquiesce under the weight of that hopelessness. Can one person, me or you, be an agent of change? I don’t know, but I am compelled to find out.

I can put my attention on being “pissed off and angry” about issues I might not be able to influence, or I can choose to put my attention and efforts on those things I can impact. The first feels self-indulgent, and the second feels empowering.

This is what I am choosing to do.

I chose not to engage in rhetoric. Rhetoric is just that. It doesn’t matter its origin. It is nonproductive and serves to generate only more fear. Too many people are already contributing to a nonstop conversation, encouraging discontent and outrage. I don’t want to feel angry all the time. That serves no one, especially me. There is a difference between concern, worry, and outrage. I am concerned. Concern motivates me to action. Worry and outrage are nonproductive. I chose not to engage in feeling helpless. That only fosters anger and desperation. So, how can I influence change?

I love these simple life changing words offered by a Shaolin monk, Shi Heng Yi. “It’s not important that you become a good fighter in the world. It’s not important that you become a good spiritual guide. It’s important that you find a way to a pleasant life and in the best-case support other people so they can find the same. This is what it’s about. You need to find a way to reduce the suffering of your surroundings otherwise your suffering won’t stop.”

I would like to share two ways that I bring meaning to my life and, in turn, ensure that I create the opportunity to improve the life of another person.

I am very active in a worldwide men’s organization called Mankind Project. The MKP tagline “Healing the Planet One Man At A time.” It has been in existence for 50 years, is active in 14 countries, and has touched the lives of 50,000 men.

Being a cancer survivor, I started an organization called Heal The Within. This organization offers workshops and retreats to help men challenged with a diagnosis of cancer offering tools and insights needed to create a new way to engage their lives.

I have witnessed a man’s life fundamentally change over the course of one weekend. His willingness to connect to the truth of his being has implications for all those linked to his life. My spiritual teacher has often said we are all connected to thousands of other people. One man’s journey of healing can reverberate into the world and profoundly touch his immediate family, friends, co-workers, and all the people he connects with over the course of his life. Both organizations are non-secular and have political no political affiliation.

My invitation to you is that now more so than ever, it is important to take a little time out of your day and try to make things slightly better for someone else. A simple gesture of kindness creates a powerful currency of change. Don’t underestimate the power of one.

In my last blog, I shared this quote: “The Cosmos leans towards the support of life and love, and the arc of time and evolution seems to prove that out.” At the end of the day, I will always choose love first.

Despite the circumstances I might find myself in, I strive to make inclusion, compassion, understanding, and love my first response.

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life, I remain open to Grace and the gift of my life.

If you have any questions, please email me at garymerel@gmail.com or call 732-208-2836. Also, please visit my website at leanintoyourlife.net