The children of Adam are the limbs of one body
And are from the same essence in their creation
When the conditions of the time hurt one of these parts,
other parts will suffer from discomfort/restlessness, as well.
If you are indifferent about the misery of others,
it is not deserving to call you a human being.
—Bani Adam, by Saadi
Today was a celebration, and I don’t mean in the way that every single Wednesday is a celebration. Today was a CELEBRATION. All caps. Full stop.
We’ve been on a roller coaster, witness to people inclined to cut off their nose to spite their face. Turmoil rides a wave of negative emotion; distrust runs rampant through our communities; depravity laughs at our misfortune. Yet we: Jackie, me, you, the tribe; WE have ridden a thermal updraft of passion and positivity far above the hatred and impropriety that has rocked contemporary society.
Yesterday was Nowruz, the Persian New Year which celebrates the growth, renewal, and hope brought about by spring. As one of the dearest members of the tribe, Ahmad SunDevil (I’m not sold on that being his true surname), is Iranian, we felt it fitting to honor a holiday so obviously aligned with our values as a Movement.
Ahmad found November Project early on while running Papago one Wednesday morning. He’s since become a staple, one of the most-recognized members of the tribe, and somewhat of a social butterfly*. He also put together the workout this morning, which fittingly featured partners and four-person hoistees. If you didn’t hold at least a dozen hands, well, that’s on you. Significantly, the exercises were meant to show that we are of one essence, regardless of our appearance or background. Further, as is common with partner exercises of any denomination, the failure of one affects the others. You can’t hoistee without partner(s), and you can’t build community without embracing your brothers and sisters.
Spring has come, which doesn’t mean much in sunny Arizona. Yet it symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter and represents the blossoming of a new day. The New Year has come again. This spring be your good luck, the tulip fields be your joy.
*Go to yoga with the guy sometime; he’s a rockstar.
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