“Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal law.”— The Dhammapada, Verse 5
There’s a story told of the Buddha and an angry man. The man came hurling insults, full of fury, demanding a fight. But the Buddha stood calm, rooted in stillness. When the man finally paused for breath, the Buddha said softly:
“If someone offers you a gift and you do not accept it, to whom does the gift belong?”
“To the one who offered it,” the man replied.
“Exactly,” said the Buddha. “So it is with your anger—I do not accept it. It remains yours.”
There is deep wisdom here for our moment.
We are living in a time of constant provocation. From degrading AI-generated propaganda to the destruction of public symbols, from political gaslighting to cultural erosion, the powerful seem intent on drawing us into their theater of rage, spinning us in cycles of outrage, fear, and despair.
But not every gift must be received. Not every insult must be dignified with our energy. Not every performance deserves our participation.
To not receive the gift of contempt is a sacred act of resistance. It is not passivity. It is presence. It is choosing not to mirror cruelty. It is refusing to be governed by someone else’s narrative of hate.
The empire may try to humiliate, distract, and dominate. But we do not have to carry what was never ours to begin with.
We can be like the Buddha—grounded, discerning, still. We can hold our clarity like a flame in a windstorm. When we stop reacting to every cruelty and begin responding from spiritual depth, we reclaim our sacred agency.
This is not detachment: it’s a strategic refusal to let chaos colonize our spirit.
The revolution will not be reactive. It will be metabolically wise. Spiritually rooted. Discerning. Collective. Generous. Joyful. Courageous.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What “gifts” (anger, confusion, propaganda) are you being invited to refuse this week?
Where in your life are you reacting instead of responding? What would it mean to pause?
What anchors you when the world tries to pull you into its chaos?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Sacred Discernment
Holy One, In a world of baited hooks and bitter gifts, grant me the wisdom not to bite. When the winds of cruelty howl, root me in compassion so deep no storm can rip me loose. When insults are hurled like spears, wrap me in the armor of truth. When I’m called to react, remind me: my strength lies not in fury, but in fierce clarity. Let me not mirror what I resist. Let me not carry what is not mine. Let me respond—not from ego, but from the eternal law of love. Spirit of peace, be my ground. Spirit of justice, be my fire. Spirit of compassion, be my way. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
The Practice of Returning
Today, practice the art of returning what is not yours.
When someone hurls an insult, a provocation, or a manipulative narrative your way, pause. Breathe. Remember: you are not obligated to pick it up.
Say to yourself:
“This is not mine. I return it to its source with compassion.”
“I choose clarity. I choose presence. I choose peace.”
Feel your feet on the ground. Return to your breath. Return to your values. Return to your people. Return to love.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
October 20-24, 2025 - FREE Online 5-Day Summit on “Made for These Times: Spiritual Leadership for a World in Crisis.” Political extremism. Climate collapse. Cultural fragmentation. People of faith across the globe are asking: How do we lead with clarity, courage, and compassion in a time like this? REGISTER HERE.
STARTS TONIGHT!!! October 23, 30, November 13, 20 2025, 7pm ET - In Search of a New Story: Reimagining What Comes Next, A 4-Part Online Series with Dr. Matthew Fox, Cameron Trimble, Ilia Delio, Diana Butler Bass, Caroline Myss and Luther Smith. We are living through the unraveling of many old stories—about who we are, why we’re here, and how we are meant to live together on this Earth. As these inherited narratives collapse under the weight of climate crisis, social fragmentation, and spiritual disconnection, the question becomes clear: What story will guide us now? REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
October 30 - December 4, 2025 - Online Course “Partnering with Life: Our Missing Ally” with Margaret Wheatley. Meg is launching a new course (and I will be tagging along). Partnering with life means much more than getting into nature to soothe our troubled selves. Life is waiting for us to join her as we struggle to maintain sanity through this dark and destructive time. Learn more and register here.
July 19-24, 2026 - Join me and amazing co-facilitator, Victoria, on retreat in the back-country of beautiful Wyoming. The Art of Wilding is a 5-Day Expedition for Women Leaders. We will spend the week reconnecting to nature, exploring our inner landscapes for change, and engage the wisdom of spiritual teachings. Click here to learn more.
I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.
If you are a leader or member of a congregation looking for consulting support in visioning, planning, hiring or staffing, please consider Convergence.
I needed this perspective today. Thank you.
You give me HOPE. Your words of wisdom are encouraging & insightful! Thank you for helping all of us!!