The troubling times in our country
and the world have overshadowed my year. I share a collective undercurrent of
low-level depression with many people. I am horrified with what is happening! Sometimes
I try to get involved and actively participate in ways I feel I can make a
difference. Other times I stop reading or listening to the news or talking with
people altogether so I can separate from it entirely.
The paradigm shift we are
undergoing feels enormous. What it actually means is beyond comprehension. On a
personal level I am surprised to be able to sustain any equilibrium at all. The
only ways I’ve found to maintain sanity and serenity is playing music and meditating
on gratitude. During this time when everything is unraveling with changes and
turmoil, my way toward a better state of being is by appreciating what is life
giving.
Even with all the bombardment to
the psyche, I try to keep an optimistic frame of mind. I find hope in small ways.
I go to the mountains and take walks in nature. In my storytelling group I have
been incredibly inspired to write. (A story of mine was recently published in
an anthology compiled by our library!) Music fills me with tremendous
joy—playing, teaching and composing. (For those interested, my 2017 CD will be completed
early next year) “Taj my dog” is wholeheartedly loving and endlessly entertaining.
Mask making continues to tickle my imagination. Skyping with my grandchildren
(Amelia 6 and Finn 4) delights me. Mostly though, I enjoy and cherish
friendships and marvel at the encouragement, love and caring we share.
I sincerely wish for
us endurance, balance and peace of mind and spirit in the coming year.
