Dear Friends,
There is a Buddhist saying, “To know, and not to do, is not yet truly to know.” Lately I have been haunted by that often uncomfortable truth. When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24th, something in me knew the I must take some form of personal action in response.
And I have done that, as best I could, during the last month here in Szczecin, Poland.
With my host and good friend Szymon Olbrychowski
What I couldn’t have predicted is that my host, Szymon Olbrychowski, and his wife Paulina, over the course of a month, would become such close friends, and would immerse me so deeply in the Poland that they love. Their generosity of spirit, and their amazing circle of friends, have taught me more than I could ever have anticipated.
Ukrainian refugee families waiting to receive weekly allotments of food in Szczecin, administered by Mi Gracja
The scope of my activities with Ukrainian refugees has been humble at best, especially since I don't speak any of the relevant languages in this crisis. I have purchased and distributed food for refugee families, shared songs and music at the shelters, taught gi gong to both refugees and caregivers, and helped with carpentry projects. Whatever has been needed that was within my capacity to offer. More than anything, I have simply tried to share the gift of presence in these trying circumstances.
During a weekend Zen retreat in Szczecin, May 23, 2022
My time here has also been deepened by a regular sitting practice with the Szczecin One Drop Zen sangha. As Zen Master Rinzai said centuries ago, “Illumination and action are simultaneous, fundamentally without front or back.” We cannot wait to act upon our convictions until after we have worked sufficiently on ourselves. And so often our actions must be taken in the absence of knowing where they will lead. I am grateful for the help I received from the presence of practicing community here in Poland, in moving from mere intention to concrete daily action.
Paulina Olbrychowski
I have no illusions that these small efforts changed anything in the Big Picture of a tragic and brutal war. What I do know is that my own heart has been opened. And I know also that my presence here, my choice to make the effort to come, has been a source of encouragement to the people I am working with. I have many new and important friendships with my Polish family and colleagues. Many friends back home have also told me that my coming to Poland has been an encouragement to them too. I can feel the many ways I have been here on their behalf as well.
Answering the call to come to Poland has been a great personal gift. It has opened a whole new world to me at a time when my world, and my heart, needed to be opened. It has significantly expanded my sense of belonging in a richly interconnected world. It has made me feel part of the greater work for justice, peace and equity that our collective survival now requires..
With my Ukrainian friend Victor at the refugee shelter in Szczecin
As I prepare to return to the United States, I carry home with me the huge heart of the Polish and Ukrainian people, the rich history of these countries that have endured so much suffering. My confidence in the power of presence that is available to all of us has been revitalized, along with my willingness to take greater risks in bringing that presence out into the world.
May each of us find wholeness and the healing gift of mindfulness..
May each of us find ways to be agents of that healing, every day..
May we each find joy and courage in the healing power of kindness, no matter the circumstances.
Sending lots of love,
Kurt