Finding Light Amidst Darkness: Reflections from a Day at the Zoo
Jeff Pulver
VoIP Pioneer | Global Telecom Influencer | Futurist | AI | vCon | SCITT | Strategic Advisor | Author | Advocate for Technology Innovation & Policy Reform
Yesterday, I visited the zoo, joining my sisters to celebrate the 2nd birthday of our neighbor. During my visit, I found myself confronting the rawness of my emotions amidst the local wildlife — a stark contrast to the roars of pain, fear and loss started from the events six days ago in Israel which continues.
I stand here, not okay and refusing to be silenced. My shock is real, mirrored in the eyes of friends who've been vocal in their struggle of the same. We share a collective, communal outcry over the recurring nightmare we prayed would never resurface: "Never Again!" But what happens when history's dark shadows sneak back into the present?
In these moments, it's tempting to retreat within or let the paralyzing tide of despair hinder our daily responsibilities. However, now, more than ever, we must champion Self-Love. Amidst the grieving, we must seek those elusive pockets of light, those moments of solace — like the unexpected resilience I witnessed in the majestic stride of a leopard at the zoo.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King Jr.
As I grapple with six days of relentless trauma, I find solace knowing my immediate family is safe. Yet, my heart weeps for friends and relatives who've suffered unimaginable losses.
No person is an island, especially in times of strife. Our interconnectedness is our strength, our beacon of hope. Ironically, it's during these tumultuous times I am tasked with promoting an upcoming conference. Despite the emotional turmoil, I've pledged to persevere, to honor my commitments.
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If you're struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy, grant yourself permission to step outside your mental turmoil. Embrace the healing power of nature. Watch a sunset, welcome a sunrise, breathe.
Better days are on the horizon. If you're seeking a listening ear, I'm here. You are not navigating this darkness alone.
I send light and love, harboring hopes of safety and peace for everyone affected.
#love #light #selflove #breathe
Author, Speaker, Educator. Creating awareness of choices and conversations through "Win/When" skillset workshops when life is challenging
1 年I read somewhere that there are experimental cancer therapies that use a special type of light that destroys malignant cells while sparing adjacent healthy tissue. How can we root out evil while sparing the innocent? How do we create an alkaline soil in which disease cannot thrive, even while flowers of peace are bursting through? And, what season are we in? Right now, we are in a moment of emergency, life-and-death surgical action, and don't have the luxury of long-term solutions. Now, we must protect, rescue, aid, nourish, comfort, support, equip, encourage, hug our people--and ourselves--in such deep pain....
???Advocate for Israel ??Life and Styling Coach??♀? ??Corporate workshops ???podcast host
1 年Thank you, Jeff for the light and the love, we need it.
Digital Health & Medtech Innovation Scaler | Driving Breakthroughs in Healthcare Technology | Transforming Patient Care with Data-Driven Solutions | Passionate about Improving Lives | Global Thinker ??
1 年Thank you Jeff Pulver - it is a horrible feeling to see your people undergoing genocide. I thought this was not an option anymore. Peace is such a beautiful and cruel thing - it is so compelling, in a touching distance and yet in our neighborhood you can never get a hold of it. We need to accept this tragedy.
Global Product Manager / Venture Catalyst /Start-Up Whisperer / Data Driven /Intellectually Curious/ Strategic Planning / Board Advisor /Helps Others find their Life Long Impact /
1 年The Bronx Zoo is my favorite place but everywhere I have traveled throughout the world I reservee time to go to the zoo. I am most at home there
VP, Lease Administration Solutions - a Real Estate Services firm focused Lease Auditing, Abstracting, & Administration
1 年Jeff, how, in the Gaza situation, can love possibly drive out hate? This is not about a confused, misguided individual. This is about a culture of death and destruction which must be destroyed.