Let Us Be Light
|
Hello friends, “Light is returning, even though this is the darkest hour. No one can hold back the dawn…” – Charlie Murphy & Jami Sieber It’s Solstice weekend as I write this. It is cold outside. There’s flooding not far from here. There are families afraid to go to work or school. There are people hoarding power and wealth who care only for themselves. There are mass shootings. War. There are people fueled by cruelty, hatred, and fear. These are dark times, indeed. These are also times of light. Think of the thousands of ways that people are kind. Think of the thousands of sparks of hopefulness being kindled right now. Think of the thousands of acts of bold defiance. Think of the songs being sung, the candles lit, the food shared. Think of the blankets delivered, truth spoken, families protected, and relationships nurtured. This time of year—the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere—also reminds me of the ways in which not all darkness is bad. Some darkness incubates, nurtures, or provides rest. Some darkness helps us better see the soft grey illumination of winter’s dawn. In these times, let us be light for one another. In these times, let us offer respite and warmth. In these times, let us remember: No one can hold back the dawn. Solstice blessings to you and yours. I appreciate your light so much. I feel you, out there. As you read these words, a connection is forged. And where there is connection, hope resides. Best wishes — Thorn
|
T. Thorn Coyle
Hello friends, The thing about life is…. It’s a tangle. A tangle of beauty and heartache and love and joy. A tangle of rest and ambition. A tangle of science and wonder. A tangle of trees and insects, flowers and mammals. A tangle of humanity and a tangle of stars. Another word for this tangling is interdependence. Every time I see it mentioned that someone is “self made” I wince. Not one of us is “self made.” We are all dependent on so many networks that we would not survive without. We rely...
Hello friends, We’re in the dark months here in the northern hemisphere. This is the time when many people kindle extra light. Those lights are beacons of hope, tiny stars brought down to earth. We all have an inner light, as well. A light that connects us with others. The light of creativity and kindness. But some days, we’re too tired to shine. Some days, we’re too afraid to shine. Some days, we feel too beaten down to shine. And that’s okay. Darkness is a time of rest, as well. It’s okay...
Hello friends, Some passion flares in the night, burning out quickly. Other passion is slow growing, changing over seasons. A vine roots into earth and climbs, forming buds, then flowers, then fruit, before changing yet again. The bright flares of passion are enlivening and can fill us with a sense that life is vital and our tasks are important. This sort of passion can sometimes leave us feeling like a burnt out husk. Slow growing passion requires persistence and the ability to grow with...