May The Force Be With You
Today on "No Kings Day" & Going Forward
One saying from the entire Star Wars series has made it into US culture probably more than anything else from the entire story/movie series.
That saying is, “May the force be with you.”
It’s wicked powerful. In the movies it’s often used when people/beings are going into a situation that’s expected to be intense. It is also a sort of grounding language that brings people into the present moment, and to the connection with the person saying the words. It is a sacred thing. It shows basic love, caring, and respect to the recipients of the words by the people speaking them. Plus, people usually say it back to the person who said it to them.
Thus this post.
We are coming into a big day of rallies and protest nationwide… but also a day with a military parade no doubt in a format similar to parades used in other authoritarian nations. Violence and threats are rising recently against certain groups and people. Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and their people and administration now have very, very big data sets from our own federal government on all the things and especially on all the people. Trump’s administration is taking many steps — some illegal — to do immigration raids in various areas, and to “deport” people without due process.
Today feels important.
I’m not sure that it’s some kind of a pivot point more as it’s likely to be a day of intensification. All the signs are there for that.
So. We will see how things look on the other side. But we also need some grounding, perspective, situational awareness, and any help from the force or wherever it can come from as we navigate this time. Also here are thoughts on walking forward and through this moment.
I leave you with this little gem of a magnet on my fridge — it’s Princess Leia from the first ever Star Wars (Episode IV), complete with the double-buns in her hair. She’s saying, “Well behaved women rarely defeat empires.”
Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing today, may the force be with you.
Vanessa Burnett is the director at Fierce Community. This nonprofit work promotes connection, community, coordination, creativity, engagement, empowerment, leadership, and resilience in an era of rising instability and societal disruption. Email fiercecommunityteam@gmail.com to set up a conversation.