Tag: donations

Here we go again

annebower

This is the view from my north-facing kitchen window with a photo of a previous year’s great fall colors. The trees this year have not reached their peak, but each day brings a new layer of color. Our weather has been so perfect–cool, dry, sunny. Once again I experience the sensation of wishing I could send the weather, the trees, all the benefits of Vermont to others whose lives are troubled by strife. It’s a big ol’ bad ol’ world out there.

One feels so helpless in the face of climate change, anti-democratic actions, wars, earthquakes and floods. I guess we have to believe that our little contributions make some kind of differencc–whether writing postcards to encourage folks to vote or donating money to causes in which we believe, taking part in protest movements, writing notes to our senators and representatives, or volunteering with area nonprofits. Being well-informed and sharing ideas with friends and family members makes a difference too.

One drop at a time fills the glass.

A vibrant autumn landscape showcasing trees with bright orange, red, and yellow foliage under a clear blue sky, with a grassy foreground and utility poles in the distance.

How low can you go?

annebower

Those of us with a few years under our belts remember the Limbo, with everyone bending backwards trying to get under the pole and the person capable of bending furthest–without falling over– winning the game. Hawaiin music, tropical drinks of one kind or another. Lots of laughter.

These days, with all the political chaos, it sure feels like we’re in limbo and I ask myself how low will some of these politicians sink. They go down, down, down, and when they do, perhaps they feel like they’ve won, but oh man, the rest of us will be losers.

As a tai chi practitioner and teacher, it seems inappropriate for me to write about the political scene, but it simply can’t be ignored. What it can be is at least balanced by other kinds of activities: tai chi, dancing, writing, drawing, qigong, swimming, long walks in a bright snow-filled landscape or on a beach somewhere. Deep breaths. Lots of them.

Hold onto your balance and then dive back in. Decide where you can make meaningful donations of time or money. Breathe again. Read the news. Breathe. Return to tai chi….

Hold your values close and your friends closer!