Tea with Linda - Justice
Contributor: Linda Kavelin Popov, Co-Founder of TVP virtuesdiva@gmail.com
There is one vital guiding virtue humanity needs in order to correct its course in these troubled times. It is one which is now under attack through prejudice, divisiveness, war, economic inequity, abuses of power, materialistic drives, and the precarious state of wellbeing of the very planet that is our home. In my view, it’s time for justice to rise, for each of us to do our part, however humble, to follow Virtues Strategy 3: Setting Clear Boundaries based on Restorative Justice. Many feel hopeless, wondering if there is anything that one person can do to make a difference. The Virtues Project offers access to the virtues that empower us to confidently answer yes! Recently, a phrase came in meditation: “Be in alignment with your Divine assignment.” I feel called to remind all of us that we are all connected through the human spirit. Let’s reflect on the idea that when one of us creates a ripple effect, it has more power than we know. An act of restorative justice in one place will reverberate across the world. How do we set our sights on being a living example of justice? Here are a few thoughts about how to go about it:
Resist the temptation to give up on your own mana -- your power. Anglo-Irish philosopher, Edmond Burke said, “All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” You need only do your part. Also, when you act in alignment with your assignment, you are not alone! Islam teaches that when a person judges fairly with sincerity and fear of wrongdoing, Allah sends an angel to guide them to justice.
Courageously face the questions that arise when things seem unfair in a relationship, whether personal or professional. Stand in humility before the question of what is fair to everyone, including yourself!! What is your part of the problem? Don’t be driven by guilt but do seek to discern its message of accountability. The Hawaiian practice of Ho’o Pono Pono means to make right. What is truly right for all concerned? I recently had to set a boundary that risked a colleague feeling betrayed by my need to end the stress of the situation. I worried it might have felt like a betrayal to him, and I was somewhat uncomfortable putting my health first. I reached the decision after prayer, consultation, reflection, and scrupulous honesty about the impact on my fragile heart health. Blessedly, he fully accepted it without feeling any betrayal, and sincerely felt my health was a priority.
Whenever possible, determine to purify your relationships of unhealed negativity and resentment. Whether or not you communicate with the other person about it, what matters is resetting your inner compass to justice and its balancing virtue, forgiveness. Make amends instead of excuses. Offer and request companioning to get to the heart of the matter if it feels safe to do so. Remember, an angel will guide you!