— (c) Cat Charissage, 2016 “She is a Tree of Life”

Dear Friend,

Much ink has been spilled in the attempt to come to terms with the results of the election in the U.S.A.  Here, on this full moon, I want to direct your attention to two pieces of wonderful writing, today’s post from Dr. Estes, and this article by Toni Morrison written back in 2004 after the election of George W.

Do not doubt that we ARE made for these times.  We know how to stand like the weeping willow tree, fully grounded, in the midst of the storm.  Our branches may sway and whip, but because we’re both flexible and grounded, we stay strong.  And survive.  And we will witness to beauty day after day after day.  We are there for others to lean on, and we consciously and strategically choose what next to do with our oh so limited time, energy, and resources.

I think of the lines from Albert Einstein, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them” and “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”  They help remind me, in a time when creativity, art, and writing seem almost frivolous, that NOW is the time to be focused, conscious, and to open ourselves to the newness that comes when creativity is united with critical thinking.

Carry on, my friend, in holding to justice and kindness.  Use your creativity and critical thinking to be the change we want and need.  Do not get distracted from the possibilities to create not just art, but the life we long to live —  with liberty and justice for all.

Standing with you with much love,

Cat