Today is dark, fitting the last day of Advent in the middle northern latitudes. Yesterday we had snow; now it is raining lightly and the temperature is again dropping towards freezing. Off to the west there is a hint of a break in the clouds. I am aware that by next Sunday the days will be noticeably longer.
This winter solstice we, in the U.S., find ourselves in dark times. It seems every day we are greeted with a new insult to our humanity, and the list of abuses seems destined to grow ever longer. Many are asking how we got here; many wonder where we go from here. I, too, have had quite a few wakeful nights pondering these questions, although I rather doubt that does much to support those in most need. Clearly we have two parties that are more concerned with the wealthy and ultra-wealthy than with the vast majority of our populace who seem ever more likely to live on the very edge. Both parties have contributed to the impoverishment of the many in order to enrich their preferred few, and have celebrated the shrinking of our already minimal social safety net.
These politicians have largely ignored global climate change, the equally clearly demonstrated relationship between poverty and illness, and the correlation between living in a rural area and exposure to health destroying pollution, especially in the south. They have also failed to address human rights issues around the world, hardships largely created by climate change and resource greed.
Now the most extreme of these politicians are set to impose their way on the 3/4 of the U.S. population that refused to vote for them. Clearly, there was no mandate, nor would there have been one had they won the popular vote. Most people simply refused to vote for either major candidate.
As the solstice approaches we settle into the long winter, and look forward to the return of light and warmth. We are reminded that we humans are animals and have our own cycles of conflict and peace. Our human created darkness is always followed by light, which gives way yet again to darkness. We have short memories, and many crazy notions about ourselves, the Creator, and others. We also have an enormous capacity for love, compassion, and kindness, and are gifted with the ability to change our behaviors, and find creative solutions to terrible difficulties.
As I approach seventy I find I would rather do so in a time of kindness, cooperation, and mutual support. I guess that is not my fate, and I feel both concerned and sad as I contemplate the next few years. Still, we will gather with friends this evening to acknowledge our relationships to one another, the Creator, Fire, and the Natural world. I will find solace and hope in the presence of those who resist hatred and greed, even as I wonder how much further the tide of hatred and greed can rise before retreating to the sea.
I imagine these thoughts are not far different from those waiting in Judea for the advent of liberation, of a new age of freedom, so long ago. After all, our hopes and aspirations are a part of our shared humanity, and may yet point the way into a better world.
Dreaming the World 
Conceptual brains can always imagine a kinder, warmer, lighter, more loving world. And the world is what it is nevertheless. I’m struggling to accept the present moment and bring to it whatever love I can create. Being a perfectionist and crusader by nature is a kind of hubris, I guess. I think you do well by continuing to gather with others and practice your love. Peace, Michael.
Oh, I am also a hopeful one and a crusader by nature. It is good to have companions along the way. Have thought a good deal about this. Find myself revisiting the idea of pilgrimage. Seems where we are, making this a great time to tell stories as we stroll along.
may those hopes
for a better day
be revealed from
behind the veil 🙂
May the, indeed!
So true that history moves in those cycles of light and dark as well as the shorter seasons, wishing you peace for this current season Michael.
Thank you Andrea. May you and yours be blessed with peace and ease in this difficult time, and may your Holidays be joyous.
The world dreams, the world dreams us. Hopefully we dream the world too.
Yes. We are dreamers who are also dreamed. Mystery abounds.
Thank you!
Thanks for writing – and soak in all the support and love available to you tonight. Stay strong.
Pat, I’m not feeling all that strong. Still, I am grateful to the support I find in the world, and to fellow passengers in this voyage through life. I am often touched by your thoughts and pictures, and am glad you are journeying with me.
And if we hold hands we will both feel stronger.
You are so right Michael, we have a lot of challenges all around the world and we can each only do our best to share our love for life, to protect Mother Earth and show empathy and help, where we are able to help.
I’m looking forward to the solstice and hope, that with the new days and hope, that more souls will recognize that all of us are responsible for each other, no matter where we come from or which color, we are born with.
Send you and Jennie warm healing thoughts and wish you Happy Holidays in the way, as you wish to have them.
Irene, thank you for this lovely note. I hope your Holidays are bright and cheer filled. There is so much care needed in the world, and we will, hopefully, each do what we are able. I am grateful for your presence in my life.
Thank you Michael for your kind message. There are no change in my life in these days, I haven’t celebrated Christmas, since I moved to Spain. It was different, when my kids were kids, then we celebrated Kids Day that day 😀
Now they are adults and live their own lives.
We do all our best and hope for best results. I’m grateful for your presence too. Enjoy your time.
Irene, We are celebrating a much calmer, quieter Christmas and Hanukah this year. We sent gifts to the grandchildren! Still, we will gather with friends several times this week, and on Christmas Day, to acknowledge the hope that is held in the light, and to remember the Peacekeepers who have held the light high for so many.
It sounds like a cozy time, as you will have now 🙂
I use my energy to meditate for peace and love in our world. I sent my son and my mother a gift, my daughter and I have made another deal, we gift each other several time a year, without any other reason than mutual love.
Irene, these random exchanges of gifts and love sound splendid. Maybe I will borrow from you!
You are very welcome, Michael 😀