Tag: community

No Kings, Oct. 18, 2025–the biggest protest ever in the USA!

annebower

In Woodstock, VT, near where I live, there were about 400 of us demonstrating, with music, chanting, dancing, signs galore, some folks in inflatable costumes, and a wonderful spirit of community. Friends and family have told me of their powerful experiences too–in Davenport, Iowa; Albany, NY; Salem, Mass; and other locations. Even in other parts of the world we had sympathizers recognizing the danger of leaders who think they are above the law and ACT without regard for the laws and the Constitution.

Whether it’s doing tai chi, writing, at work, shopping, or at play, we need to speak up for our values. If someone says something you deem hateful or harmful, call them on it! You don’t have to be loud or nasty. You can make your comment quietly but firmly. Keep the wheel of conversation rolling. I know that for me, it’s all too easy to snap out a judgment, so I try to hold onto the familiar tai chi saying, “Yield to the incoming force and redirect.” To me, this means I need to listen to the other person, no matter how much I disagree with them, and then take a stance that deflects whatever’s offensive. Not easy, but I know the result will be better for me (what good does it do to get all red-faced and blustery?) and maybe, just maybe, find a way to reach that other person.

Pruning

annebower

We’ve 5 dwarf apple trees on our property and oh my, how poorly they are doing. In yesterday’s glorious sunshine and mild temperatures, and without much skill, I began pruning them, in hopes we will get some decent fruit this year. The goal for a healthy tree is one leader branch, up to 6 main side branches, and enough, but not too many smaller branches with buds that will flower and fruit.

Makes me think of what we want in ourselves, eh? A main direction, those side branches that enliven our days, and an array of budding tastes, smells, textures, sounds, and images to inspire us.

But it also makes me think of our “leader”–the person in the White House whose branches seem to wave and weave in ways that are actually harming many people around the world and here at home. You’d think the senate and house of representatives would have the guts to prune back this madness.

OK–we need to breathe, focus on community, support the groups doing the hard work of providing needed services to folks (for health care, schooling, food, etc.), and let our politicians know what we think, what we need, and what we want them to do. Stretch–do some yoga, tai chi, qigong, go on a run, write a poem, cook a good soup, keep your spirit up. I tell this to myself even as I write it to you……