Remaking the Impossible
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Hello friends, On one of my recent walks, I saw a sign stapled to the utility pole which read: “This is not a time for disbelief. This is a time for new beliefs, a time to remake the impossible.” Yes, indeed. It is also a time to take stock of what we do believe. What are our ethics? What are our core values? How do we wish to live? When we focus only on what we do not want, we tilt the world in that direction. Our thoughts and emotions become consumed, our bodies and actions dragged into the fray. Grounded in what is, however, we have the ability to also insist on what may seem impossible. We dare to dream. We dare to think and feel. We dare to act. What helps? Remembering who we are and what our purpose is. What helps? Gathering with those who inspire us, whether in person, or from a distance. What helps? Music. Art. Nature. Thinking together. Playing together. Envisioning the world to come. And, damn it, we need joy. Right now, I’m at a gathering of magical people in a space of teaching and learning. We have pondered. We have danced. We have laughed. We have eaten. We have discussed. Together, we are doing our best to re-enchant the world, at least for this moment. At least for ourselves and every person with us. The thing is, the energy of gatherings—whether as small as two friends talking over dinner, or a conference of several hundred or a rally of several thousand—don’t stop when the event is done. The effects ripple out as each of us returns to day to day life. Our thoughts are changed, our emotions lifted and enlivened. The changes in our hearts and minds affect everything around us. Each interaction, memo, conversation, or plan put into place carries the magic built over that dinner or in those groups. But we have to allow ourselves to be changed. We have to, as the sign said, focus on new beliefs, rather than disbelief. Right now? I believe in you. And I believe together, we have power. That alone lifts my spirits, and helps me get back to work. Wishing you joy and connection. Best wishes - Thorn
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T. Thorn Coyle
Hello friends, There is magic in this world, if we remember to listen for it. To look for it. To allow ourselves to experience it. I don’t know what it is like to live in a war zone. I don’t know what it is like to live in daily terror. I do know what it is like to escape into books from a violent and unpredictable home environment. I have experienced chronic pain. Chronic illness. Heartbreak. All of these human things. And I know you have your own experiences, too. I also know what it is to...
Hello friends, As a person who creates things for a living, I need to set boundaries around energy, attention, and time. Even from myself. That last might seem funny, but when you think about it, it’s very true. How often do we say something is important to us, but fail to make it a priority? That could be health, family, enjoyment, financial stability, creativity, spiritual practice, social justice work, or spending time with friends. How often do other things creep in, crowding out the...
Hello friends, I wrote about collective power for my Patreon supporters this week. I wrote about the importance of having each other’s backs, and protecting our neighbors. This was inspired by recent events in the US, of course, but the thing that coalesced my thoughts was a bit of sidewalk stencil graffiti. This is another reminder that the marks we make on this world are important. They invite thought, and conversation. Sometimes they keep a person going, when we don’t even realize it....