A world on fire

We're gonna need to wait til the water runs clear

Photo by Stephen Radford on Unsplash

It’s a strange time to return from a year-end break, with an upcoming inauguration that has the potential to shred the fabric of our country, not to mention yet another firestorm raging in my beloved state of California.

Do I prattle on about my personal plans for the year?

Perhaps I should continue my Beginning series.

Or do I speak my heart? Is there any doubt?

I’ll be speaking my heart.

As so often happens, Spotify answers the question in my earphones as I write this, with the lyrics of a song I’ve never heard, “To be seen” by Searows.

Turn off the lights and go back to sleep, wait till the water runs clear.

I love the Universe; she’s always there waiting to assist. The lyrics mimic the conversations I’ve had in the last few days with three of my beloved friends. We understand our limitations in response to what is transpiring. Mindfulness, as reflected in these conversations, is key to staying centered and focused.

Our greatest power lies in taking good care of ourselves and those around us. By limiting our intake of social media, spending time in nature, educating ourselves through alternative avenues other than prime-time news, and supporting those agencies that are fighting for what we believe in, we can regain a sense of control in these turbulent times. Also connecting in real time, face to face, even if on a screen, with like minded souls, family, old friends, and neighbors, and offering help if someone is in need.

The water will run clear in due time.

In the meantime, I will try not to hold my breath. As I’ve learned from yoga, deep breathing is key.

I will definitely be celebrating Monday, January 20th, Martin Luther King Day.

I had the privilege of meeting, Clarence B. Jones, an American lawyer and the former personal counsel, advisor, draft speech writer and close friend of Martin Luther King Jr. who assisted Martin in writing the “I Have a Dream” speech. He and his wife were traveling on Virgin America, and I was their escort through the airport.

I’m not one to get too excited about celebrities or stars. But I must tell you, I was thrilled to meet this man. He didn’t disappoint, an absolutely delightful, understated human being.

As we moved through the airport, Clarence and his wife suggested we stop at one of the restaurants to wait for their flight. The three of us talked like old friends for the better part of an hour.

I asked him what it felt like to have been instrumental in changing the world.

He downplayed his role and instead reminisced about working with Martin, shared memories of the tragic events, and offered his opinions about the state of the world at the current time, never tooting his own horn.

The most potent souls are the quiet ones.

My mantra for 2025…

I know many of us don't like the way the world is unfolding. We need to remember, It just means the story isn’t over yet.

If you enjoyed this post, please heart, share or restack this post giving it wings. Also if you’d like to subscribe or upgrade your subscription, you can do that here.