"a small group of thoughtful people"
cece's band of strong, wise women
“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world.” ~Margaret Mead
I’ve always been a bit obsessed with the collective nouns for animals and birds, those words used to describe groups of the same species. There’s the usual ones we all know and use like herd, flock, or litter. The unusual ones often make me smile such as a rabble of butterflies or a conspiracy of lemurs or a murder of crows. Whenever we spot a group of wildlife, I look up the name. Sieges of herons gather off the highway close to our neighborhood. Convocations of eagles are seen on our frozen lakes. After heavy rains, armies of frogs drop down into our basement egress window.
We humans also use collective nouns to define our groups. Congregations. Faculty. Family. Parties.Teams. Clubs. Troops. Oh, and of course, Mobs.
Humans instinctively gravitate to like-minded souls. Some wreak destruction, others covet peace.
I choose to align myself with bands of humans living life, spreading kindness, showing up for one another, listening to ideas, holding hands, offering hugs, sitting with grief. I long to laugh and cry and share food and comfort and tell stories and dance. I gravitate toward decent humans who are sincere and vulnerable. Yes, we may disagree, even quarrel, yet our bonds are as strong as Gorilla Glue.
The past week I have been held up by my band of strong, wise, empathetic women/sisters who love with a magical energy. Through texts, phone calls, and coffee around tables, we are building a resiliency. I am grateful for all of them. They are my people.
My wish is that you also find your people, your band, your clan, your crew. Those who support successes. Celebrate joys. Weep with pain. A band that will not generate panic or evil or untruths or chaos. That is the work of mobs. Search for those who promote peace, even if you struggle to define it.
Find your band, my loves, and form a mighty circle. Our light will outlive the darkness. Our joy will deafen the turmoil. Our love will snuff out the malevolence.
(Oh, and if you feel you don’t have a band, you can join mine. No dues. No secret passwords. Just honesty and love are the requirements for membership.)
A school of koi. (Photo by me. Taken on iPhone 14 Plus.)
Higher Love (Lily Winwood with Steve Winwood)