Finding Warmth and Connection
Dear Ones,
We are in heightened, intense times.
The recent devastation from Hurricane Helene has left its mark on us as we witness its path of destruction, knowing we have traveled those roads that are no longer passable.
We know people who have been without power for days, know those whose homes and towns were washed away. Watched video after video of the power of water to strip a home to splinters. It is close to home.
Violence in the world. We see it on our screens. Hear it in the gunfire and bombs exploding. We feel it in our bones. Fear. War. Devastation. Loss of life. Genocide. We stream it into our homes feeling helpless. It is close to home.
Violence in our neighborhood. Rapid fire gunshots at 3:00 a.m. Screams. Sirens. A man died at 29 years of age. People cleaned the street a day later with brooms, suds, and water. It is close to home.
Families are divided from each other over hurts, politics, or more…I am right and you are wrong. Alienated from each other, we judge, withdraw, isolate, and detach as hate grows for the other. Silence. It is close to home.
A young male friend from Italy sent me a quote from a workshop he’s attending…” Warmth, warmth, more warmth! For we are dying of cold and not darkness. It is not the night that kills. but the frost”.
Miguel de Unamuno, Tragic Sense
I am keenly aware of how the cold creeps in with each challenge we face. Are we not metaphorically dying of the frigidity in our detachment from the pain of it all? Our feelings, stifled, held back in the “it’s too much.” When we have had enough, what can we do?
We can compassionately lean into the warmth, support each other, allow the tears to fall, and the anger to dissipate, and transform into compassionate service.
We can bear witness to the pain. We can listen, love, reach out a hand, embrace, text, call, or write, without judgment or advice. We can be present. We can be warm.
Please reach out to us and each other during these wild, raucous times. It is important to find connection, meaning, and purpose amid the storm.
Much Love,
Carley and John