Dear Reader,
It has been some time since I have written to you. I apologize for the delay. So much is happening. I try to see the sense of it. I confess, I am baffled by the story we are living through.
Stepping back, I attempt to increase my scope. I see heavy overlays of fear, oppression, and lack of strong leadership. I see an angry Mother Earth. I see people scrapping with each other because those who control the story refuse to take responsibility for what they’ve set into motion.
The Chinese proverb that wishes, “May you live in the most interesting of times,” is one perspective. Interesting doesn’t seem like an adequate adjective to describe this moment. So, I could say I haven’t written anything because what I see leaves me speechless.
My mailbox groans with charity requests for donations. It’s overwhelming. I’ve given to several political candidates who I feel would serve the greater good. I hold my breath in hope…Elections are a crapshoot.
To combat disease, hunger, homelessness, climate disasters, death, violence, wars, misinformation, and ignorance- I donate -a drop against so much sadness.
OK, so how can we stay sane in this insane time?
Flexibility is essential. So is patience, staying calm, and keeping focused. I go to the gym. Meditate, and work on putting my house in order.
My antidotes are… my summer garden and its bounty.. Tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, squash are still producing with some to spare for neighbors and friends. Putting my house in order is an ongoing project of gifting my possessions to people and places that will value them. Books, clothing, housewares…The books I’ll never read, the projects I’ll never finish. It’s freeing and joyful to give stuff away. And the connections I’ve made through this “generosity practice” are priceless.
I’ll admit I don’t know what is happening. I don’t want to add to the ring of fear that surrounds our planet, so I commit to small steps to get through this dense fog reality. I reach out to others who I am sure are feeling lonely and afraid like me. I’ll smile or wave to a stranger. I’ll also reach out and grab another’s hand through a handwritten letter so perhaps we can navigate this turbulent moment together. Staying connected is vital.
Let us hope for a better future. Let’s hope together.
Stay connected, keep writing,
Carol
P.S. I have gotten multiple requests for information on how to find pen friends. I know there are many new websites, but at this point, I can only recommend The Letter Exchange. I have been a member of LEX for about 10 years. I trust and value their method for carefully connecting pen pals and have been rewarded with many exceptional friendships as a result. https://www.letter-exchange.com/