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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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Hello friends, It is early January. Another Gregorian calendar year. Outside my window, the sun shines after rain. Wisps of grey clouds hover low, kissing utility wires. It’s gorgeous outside, and feels still. The air is cold and soft with moisture. Crows call to one another, cars drive by. Tea steams its fragrance at my side. Today is another day to ponder, work, and plan. Today is another day to choose. What will you choose, repeatedly, this year? What do you plan? What might you build?...
Hello friends, Believe it or not—and despite the first paragraph—below are more thoughts about hope… As one Gregorian calendar year draws to a close, many of us are gazing into a highly volatile, uncertain future. The US economy seems to teeter on a precipice. With scant oversight and terrified or deported workers, our food supply is both compromised and costly. Environmental regulations are gutted. Families are rent apart. Too many people live in fear of what the next day will offer. This...
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...