SURVIVING THE HARSH SEASON
One of the things I enjoy here at the Waters of Excelsior is the weekly writing group. This week the question to be addressed was “On these days, how do you kindle the fire inside of you? What keeps you going, warms your spirits, and insulates you from the creeping chill. What lines have the power to comfort and warm your heart.” The following is what I presented in the midst of beautiful presentations about warm fireplaces and playing in the snow.
I know I’m supposed to write something sweet and heartwarming here, but I can’t get past the metaphorical storm brewing day and night and promising a long stay. Outside my consulting room in Connecticut I used to have shelves of books available for borrowing. One title has stuck in my head over the years, waiting, I guess, to come back to say it for me now. “The opposite of Everything is True.” (William A. Crisman, January 1, 1991). Around the world there’s starvation, flooding, burning, warring, killing, even suffering for lack of gynocological care. When something goes wrong it is always someone else’s fault for which the best treatment is insult, destroy, kill. If I were still wearing my professor hat I’d have to watch my back, because the very things I’d teach are declared illegal by those in power. For Empaths like me the pain is intense. OK, I’ll stop before I become a Debbie Downer, the exact opposite of what I want to be.
So how do I ignite the positive fire that insulates me from the creeping chill and sleepless nights? At least six ways. (1) I know the route we’re on leads eventually to a new world of community care and love. In the meantime (2) I treat the news like caffein – avoid it after noon. (3) Support the news outlets that aren’t owned and controlled by the billionaires. (4) Sign appropriate petitions. (5) Do my best to follow the Rabbi from Nazareth who gave his life to teach us the way of love; and (6) open myself to spread love like a virus.”
Of course I’d love to hear your reaction.
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