On Reflection & Merriment

Credit: The Enchanted Woodland (wallpaper) by Mind the Gap

“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.”

-E. B. White

Dear friend, 

The end of any year brings with it a contrast of existence. In northern latitudes, Mother Nature invites stillness and quiet. Rest now, she says, so that you will be ready for the next season of growth. And yet, in the corridors of shopping malls, airports, and homes, we face a frenetic energy: hurry, hurry, finish the tasks before the year runs out, wrap the presents, look happy, be happy, you’ve got this! 

I find myself inclined towards both–the restorative, introspective quiet of the winter woods and the life-giving (for an extrovert like me) merriment of holiday gatherings; and so I do my best to move between the two with what is, at best, a scattered presence. 

This is my work for the year ahead, and probably for the rest of my life: to bring my full presence to every moment, no matter the to-do list or noble intention. When I am in celebration mode, to fully show up for those around me; when I am in reflection mode, to fully drop into the spirit within. And when I am in between, to be at ease in the liminal space where uncertainty reigns. I’ll keep you updated on my progress…! 

In the meantime, and in keeping with the season, I offer the gift of “Desiderata,” a poem written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann, an American author whose public recognition came only after his death in 1945. I am grateful for his words and the reminders they bring: the peace found in silence, the power of listening, the balance of caution and idealism; the value of authenticity and self-love, and perhaps most profound for me, the truth that the path is unfolding in ways we cannot know or imagine. Trust the process.    

With thanks for welcoming my words into your inbox these last six months, & warmest wishes for a season filled with reflection, merriment, and presence, 

Caroline

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Desiderata By Max Ehrmann Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

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On My Kindle + Feed + Calendar

You’ve likely heard about the surge in migration at the U.S.-Mexico border–a political, economic, and social crisis that our society seems ill-prepared to resolve, much less with a sense of shared humanity and compassion. Such crises can be hard for me to absorb, such is the magnitude of suffering; which is why I’m grateful that my friend, attorney, activist, and Brownsville, TX native Laura Peña, has launched a new podcast, Valle de Suenos (Valley of Dreams), featuring the voices and stories of migrant families and activists. Listen and share here or anywhere you get your podcasts. You might also consider an end of year donation to Laura’s organization, the Texas Civil Rights Project.

I’ve been on a novel binge these last several months, eager for page-turning fiction that distracts me from headlines. My latest read, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, has me plumb riveted. It is a story of Appalachia without disdain or judgment; a modern, small town take on Dicken’s David Copperfield; and a plainly beautiful narrative of hard knocks, hope, and the brutality of a society that, for too many people, hands out more of the former than the latter. Find it at your local bookstore or order here, and let me know what you think (and what else you’re reading!).