First, I want to thank all of the people that walked by and decided to stop and participate. This has turned into so much more than I could have imagined. I provided the materials, but the people of New York provided the courage and candor in the face of crippling division. I usually don't bring any materials outside the table, chairs, and wall art but after the election, I wanted people to be able to express themselves non-verbally. The last couple days have been stressful and I wanted to provide people with an opportunity to engage in a small and easy way. It gave people an outlet to express their hopes and fears in a safe space.
It started out slowly, but quickly turned into something incredible. I am amazed by humanity. People from all over the world participated and at the end of the first day there were about 2,000 intentions displayed for anyone to see. It brought people to tears, and I watched the community support each other. It is important in these times of division, fear and stress to understand that in the end we are all on the same team. It is hard to communicate with each other. Passions flare, and that fire can create division even amongst people that believe in the same ideals.
I believe people grow through dynamic conversation and action. While the election results may be troubling for many, I think it is imperative to keep in mind that we need to stand together. Unfortunately, some of the encounters I am having are with people so passionate that they aren't able to have a dialogue. They are sometimes people that believe in the same things I do, and that is deeply troubling. If we are going to move forward as a people we have to unite, and we won't be able to if we don't listen to each other. Instead of talking at each other, I encourage everyone to talk with each other. America is a country that is diverse. It is what makes our country great. Embrace that, even if it means putting differences aside so we can learn and grow with each other.
Do not just be upset. Do not just be angry. Do not just be fearful. Do not let your energy and power go to waste. Do something that is good. Encourage healthy conversation. Be good to one another. Do something that helps people to understand each other. Channel your energy into something that will bring people together. If I can do it, you can do it.
All photos were pulled from #subwaytherapy on Instagram.