It's
midwinter, and though the longest night is still ahead of us, soon the
earth will be turning imperceptibly back towards the light. My witch
hazel is on the cusp of shaking out its fragrant flowers, and today I
counted 64 blue periwinkle flowers like tiny celestial wheels in the hedge up
the lane. (In the Celtic Old Ways, the 5-petalled flowers are dedicated,
like the apple, to the Goddess.)So it's the end of another year when I've had the privilege of working deeply with many of you on my course and retreat programmes, once again. Thank you for what you bring of your stories, your poems, your explorations, your doubts, fears, laughter, sorrows and joys. A rich life makes space for them all, and there's community in the sharing.
Winter Solstice poem
Perhaps you, like me, question the point of writing and creativity when the world is going through such seemingly endless troubles – massacres in the Middle East, Trump, Brexit, lost and disappearing species, accelerating climate change, the rise of the far right, stories of hate crimes, abuse, homelessness, despair? Writing can seem indulgent at best.
But
I also believe that it's precisely in these times that creative
exploration, inquiry and expression can pull us through; it's exactly
poetry that touches the heart, stories that speak to our condition and
bring understanding, hope and empathy, writing that emerges from soul
rather than ego that this fragmented world so needs.
'For it is important that awake people be awake ...
... the darkness around us is deep.' (William Stafford)
... the darkness around us is deep.' (William Stafford)
We
need connection. We need to be reminded that we're part of a much
bigger web. We need the power of imagination to fuel compassion, to tell
ourselves a different story, to recreate something altogether more
uplifting than despair and disaster.
Writing
is one way of finding a new way home; of remaking our world, as we
remake our consciousness. And the power of communication remains as
potent as ever.
Let's remember the importance of the word; let's not give up.
And on that note, if you need more inspiration, creativity, fellowship of the kind I've spoken of, a boost for your inner and imaginal life, then my 2017 programme (beginning with my annual THRESHOLDS course for something like the 20th year, on Sunday 15th January in Totnes, Devon) is now available on my websites: Fire in the Head and The Wild Ways
And on that note, if you need more inspiration, creativity, fellowship of the kind I've spoken of, a boost for your inner and imaginal life, then my 2017 programme (beginning with my annual THRESHOLDS course for something like the 20th year, on Sunday 15th January in Totnes, Devon) is now available on my websites: Fire in the Head and The Wild Ways
In a time of destruction what we need is creativity. Art can change the world, and it can heal. I've said the same on my blog recently, and I've noticed many other people saying similar things since you-know-who was elected.
ReplyDeleteI so wish I was in your part of the world so that I could do one of your courses, Roselle. For now I admire your work from afar.
Therese, lovely to have a comment from you. Thank you. Yes, in one small and subtle way the tide is turning – might take a while, but it's worth remembering that we are a collective, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me, too, that we are never alone in this.
Might you post your blogpost link? Would be interested to read your thoughts.
Warm wishes
Roselle
Here is the post, Roselle: http://offeringsfromthewellspring.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/telling-new-stories.html It's a spin-off from an earlier post I wrote about the importance of reading, the link for that is within the post.
DeleteThanks, Therese. Will visit that later.
ReplyDelete