March News: Walking Through Grief

Many of us are experiencing pain and deep grief right now. Our planet and our democracy are under assault, and looking at the news everyday is a dose of despair that is hard to absorb. 

Longtime eco-activist and spiritual leader Joanna Macy says, "Walk boldly through your life with an open, broken heart." I appreciate Macy's encouragement to not hide or push grief away. However, there are things we can do to ease the heavy weight that grief can cause. 

1) Look for spaces to talk with others. Interested in an online climate grief circle? Check HERE. (Hope for Creation will be offering these in-person in May). 

2) Unplug and go outside. I recently bought a pair of hiking shoes, and I am intentionally wearing them all the time. They have become a symbol of how I want to live in the world and a reminder to go outside.

3) Find solace in spirituality. Through prayer and silent meditation we can remain centered and grounded in the presence of a Divine Creator (see Eric Nelson's online mindfulness offering below). 

4) Read, write, draw, dance, sing, create. Engage your creative brain and body -- it really does bring joy!

5) Join with others in hopeful action. Here is the GOOD NEWS -- there are so many opportunities to do this locally in the next two months! Drawing again from Joanna Macy: "Action isn't a burden to be hoisted up and lugged around on our shoulders. It is something we are. The work we have to do can be seen as a kind of coming alive."

This newsletter is full of information and upcoming events. Spend some time with it and pursue what fills your heart and soul.