As I write these words, my notebook computer is balanced on my lap and I'm sitting outside on my blue camp chair. It feels like a gift to sit outside, see the blue sky, and breathe fresh air. And for the third time in five weeks, we opened our windows!
With that, here's what I've been reflecting on:
Wildfires
“ . . . Climate Change is not a hoax. It is real and it is a fire-breathing dragon blowing fire at our doors.” —Terry Tempest Williams
After the wildfires began, we watched the sky turn red, orange, and black. Ash fell from the sky like a light snow fall. For over a month, the air quality has ranged from "unhealthy" to "hazardous." And the loss is unfathomable. Communities, homes, people, pets, and wildlife have perished across the west. Climate change is horrific. And, I'm hopeful that our global community will emerge from these times with greater empathy for one another, along with public policies that serve the public good.
Doomscrolling
Before the fires began, I spent 2 to 10 minutes a day reading the local and national news. When the fires began, I started doomscrolling. The side effects were increased anxiety and existential despair. Too much news is bad for my mental health, and yet, I find myself doomscrolling once a month. I’m determined to break this pattern. Last week, I started a news detox because I need to reset my mind. So far the break has been rejuvenating.
The Art of Repair
Earlier this week, I took an online class called The Art of Repair. It was taught by Molly Martin. Martin guided our class "through the traditional, mindful Japanese practice of reworking and repairing textiles through piecing, patching and stitching." It was such a lovely class! And in these crazy times, mending is a useful tool because it's a meditative practice. As Molly said, "By taking care of your clothes, you take care of yourself."
Movement
Consistently working out kept me sane during “normal” life, and it’s become essential during COVID and fire times. Currently, I love doing kettlebell workouts. Also, kettlebells are perfect tools for my tiny home gym. The kettlebells are easy to store and challenging to use. And that’s a good thing because I love interesting and hard workouts. I have a set of 25# and 35# kettlebells. And I might buy a set of 50# kettlebells for my birthday. Typically, I do four kettlebell workouts a week. When the air is good, I love pairing my workouts with short runs and walks.
Downsizing
My mom’s house is for sale! She’s been slowly downsizing for the past five years, but she has more stuff to giveaway and throw out. Over the next month, I’ll be helping my mom downsize. We will clean out her 2,220 square-foot home and two garages. Hopefully, my mom will move into a smaller home in the fall or winter. It’s a big transition; especially after living in the same home for over 20 years. My aim is to cheer her on during this process. Letting go is hard, and having support can make the process a little easier.
One Quote
“We have been living a myth. We have constructed a dream. We have cajoled and seduced ourselves into believing we are the center of all things; with plants and other sentient beings from ants to lizards to coyotes and grizzly bears, remaining subservient to our whims, desires, and needs. This is a lethal lie that will be seen by future generations as a grave, a grave moral sin committed and buried in the name of ignorance and arrogance.”
See you next week!
With gratitude,
Tammy