June 21. The first day of summer. The longest day of the year. As we approached the first half of the year our days got longer and brighter. After summer solstice, the days turn shorter and darker until winter, and then we begin again. The ancient pagans believed that magic was at its strongest during this time, when spirits and fairies could easily cross over to the human world.
If today is when magic can really happen, then I embrace it. What can I conjure within myself to combat the darkness? What ingredients can I add to the pot so everyone can be nourished? Can I learn the alchemy that is needed to fix the cracks? How do I summon the light?
Last week I read an opinion piece in The New York Times by Tish Harrison Warren, an Anglican priest, titled “11 Small Ways You Can Help Mend the World.” After perusing her list, I decided to come up with my own ways to practice repair in this broken world. Some are variations of Warren’s (*), some are just mine.
Talk and listen to people (*). After the past two years, it is good to see those I love in person again, to relish facial expressions and gestures. I attend a weekly bookclub at our community coffee house where a group of women discuss deep topics. Not all of us agree, yet we attempt to understand each other’s stories. It gives me a glimpse of our collective humanity, which fills me with hope. Now I will try to bring that into other relationships and new people I meet. Listen, ask good questions, and listen again. Really see people and acknowledge their stories.
Give away money (*) and volunteer. I try to donate to causes important to me. It may only be $10-25, but it is something. A few years ago I promised myself to give away a little money every month, and starting today I am resurrecting that promise. In honor of this longest day, my first donation will be to the Alzheimer’s Association. Now that I am retired, it is easier to volunteer. I will continue to weed and plant at Forest Park on Tuesday mornings, sign up for shifts at the STL Foodbank, and donate blood (I’m O+). I hope to add a few volunteer opportunities to this list before the end of the year.
Unplug from social media and the news at least once or twice a week. The internet is a noisy, scary, often mean place. It is good for my mental health to step away a day or two a week, live more in the moment, and not worry about missing anything. This practice also helps me with my harsh judgment of others. If I’m not reading or seeing it, I’m not judging.
Get outside. I walk at least three miles, four to five times a week. Sometimes it is just around the neighborhood, other times I drive to favorite spots. On these walks I see herons and turtles and dogs and other people out enjoying nature. It gives me pause and helps me breathe. Nature is great teacher.
Work on practicing patience (*), which does not come naturally to me. I’m learning to slow down when in line or traffic. Breathe. Look around. Observe surroundings. Breathe again.
Read. Read. Read. (*) Books have given me the world. I’ve traveled everywhere, learned history, been introduced to other cultures and religions, and just been entertained. I will continue my book journey, challenging myself to tackle a few classics and hard topics. Books gift me with empathy and an open heart. They help make me a better human being.
Create more of a regular spiritual practice. My morning routine includes journal writing, words of poetry from the greats (Mary Oliver, Wendell Berry, Walt Whitman, and others), and sometimes a short mediation. When I forget this practice, I’m off most of the day. It is my time, along with coffee and cat cuddles, to reset myself for the day. All of these things are my form of prayer, a few moments to acknowledge my place in the world and what little things I can do to make it better. My place is important.
Feel everything. Gasp at beauty. Cry at tragedies. Rage against injustice. Mourn. Love. Care. Do not let cynicism cloak me in darkness. See the light. Believe in magic. Always believe in magic.
(That is my list of 8 ways to help stitch the world. I hope you ponder yours. What little things can you do to help make our world a kinder, gentler, more just one? Happy Solstice.)