Do Not Lose Heart

For several years I've subscribed to a small magazine called Heron Dance. It is filled with exquisite water color paintings of subjects from nature, and writing that is inspiring, thought-provoking, and serene. Two of their illustrations are shown here in this blog. A recent issue had a wonderful long quote from Clarissa Pinkola-Estes, "Do Not Lose Heart". Since the political and environmental situation in the US (and the world) is so horrible these days, it is easy to despair. These words were quite meaningful to me.

Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. Any small, calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul to assist some portion of this poor suffering world, will help immensely. It is not given to us to know which acts or by whom, will cause the critical mass to tip toward an enduring good. What is needed for dramatic change is an accumulation of acts, adding, adding to, adding more, continuing. We know that it does not take "everyone on Earth" to bring justice and peace, but only a small, determined group who will not give up during the first, second, or hundredth gale.

One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires, causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these - to be fierce and to show mercy toward others, both, are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it. If you would like help to calm the tumult, this is one of the strongest things you can do.

Thanks to those courageous and few journalists who are attempting to shine light on the truth. Thanks to a few brave Senators who stood up against the nomination of Samuel Alito. Thanks to those working for an end to poverty, an end to war, an end to disease. Thanks to fellow bloggers who shine so brilliantly. Thanks to artists of all stripes who reflect their reality for the rest of us. Thanks to children for showing us how simple life could be. Thanks to pets for their unconditional love. Thanks to all of you, in my life, who stand up and shine your light. You keep me going.