“The faintness of the stars, / the freshness of the morning, / the dewdrop on the flower, / speaks to me.”
–Chief Dan George
This is a stanza from “My Heart Soars,” of which I often find myself quoting small bits to my family when things seem hectic. It can feel difficult to find some peace in the constant movement of today. There’s an endless list of things that always feel like they must be done – always something to be done around the house, relationships to be nurtured, animals to be cared for, gardens to be tended, jobs to be done, emails and texts to be answered, and bills to be paid. Responsibilities can easily become overwhelming, even when we choose them; especially with the average person being more accessible than ever. All these things invade our peace and our minds with a sense of immediacy, and so much of it is unnecessary. You aren’t obligated to answer that text the second it comes in. Those dishes can wait until later. Pull those weeds tomorrow. The due date on that bill is a couple weeks away.
Peace and calm can be found in so many aspects of our lives, if only we look for it: humor, community, history, planning. There’s a certain comfort found in a community coming together (The Auctioneer). Looking to the past to feed our future is more than a worthy endeavor (Pre-Columbian Gardens). Maybe you’re the hands-on type and what speaks to you is working with your heart and hands – build a new brooder box or make a heartwarming meal. From a grandfather’s advice to the calm of Yellowstone and the hilarious chaos of life on the farm, there’s plenty within the pages of this issue to remind you to slow down and enjoy life. We only get to live while we’re here.
May the thunder guide you, the fire lend you its strength, and the sea give your life rhythm (more from “My Heart Soars”).
