Dreaming the World

A grumpy day, cool and dark. Still no rain. The trees remain in multiple stages of leaf change, bare trees stand next to green gold and red ones. The drought seems to be browning the leaves but still there are areas of rich color.

I have been out photographing the past few days. I’m trying to overcome inertia and get myself into the studio to draw or paint, thus far to no avail. I was on my way to the art studio when I stopped by the computer to respond to some comments on the blog. Once I answered said comments I decided to catch up on reading blogs I follow, which inevitably introduced me to new blogs. The outcome of that is I am sitting before the computer writing this post.

I’ve been having conversations with friends about self care when one is sensitive and/or emphatic. As you undoubtedly know, the world seems rife with suffering now, and the threat for even more violence looms over many of us. It is not surprising that folks are asking: “How is one to maintain sanity and hope when one feels what seems like the suffering of every blade of grass?”

The same advice comes up in most conversations: turn off the tv, stop doom scrolling, ignore the newspaper and your news feed, do something creative, hold friends and family close, build community, and practice caring and kindness whenever possible. This seems like good advice for any period of chaos and danger.

Of course, we are not to take all of these suggestions literally. We need information in order to make good decisions and to counter the tsunami of misinformation that looms over us. But we can limit our exposure to the media in all its forms, keeping in mind that most of what we hear and see in said media (including the internet) is carefully crafted to addictively keep us anxious and attentive.

Those who are highly sensitive to suffering may still feel overwhelmed at times, as there is no hiding from the Great Craziness. Taking refuge in the present moment has become almost a cliche, yet in the moment one may find a sense of being at home in the world, of being connected to All That Is, and of being supported by teachers and ancestors. From those moments arise the possibility of being soothed and acting with compassion.

Well, my tea is cold and evening is advancing much to quickly. By this time next week it will be almost dark out. I’m going to go downstairs and warm my tea, maybe grab one of the delicious cookies Jennie made yesterday, and head again towards the studio.