I’ve been seeing lots of posts about “processing the grief and feelings of loss” of what some have come to call “This Season.” My challenge is that I’m not feeling grief or a sense of loss. Once again, I feel like the odd man out.
What am I feeling? I’m feeling a sense of hopefulness. I’m feeling a sense of joy. A friend posted about the Denver Howl ritual last week, and his thinking on why people were howling — grieving what was daily life and fearing what may yet come — was vastly different from my experience.
I shared how “in our neighborhood we are howling for our connections, howling lighthearted and loving, howling with gratitude and joy. Howling together in our oneness.”
I don’t see a sense of loss. I see a sense of coming together. Of neighbors helping neighbors. Strangers reaching out to ask for what they needed and strangers fulfilling those needs without question.
Two examples: a woman on my local NextDoor Neighbor app mentioned her mom was in a senior living facility, ferociously devouring every crossword puzzle book she brought her. Her ask was for any gently used crossword books in our homes. I found two, others did as well. She’s super well-stocked, now and getting sharper ever day, no doubt.
Yesterday, in the midst of a dental emergency, our next door neighbor remembered Sandy’s upcoming 50th birthday is this week, and dropped off a box of special birthday Voodoo Donuts at our doorstep.
We’ve shared food, supplies, and even let folks know when we were running errands in case anyone needed anything.
I’ve done free emergency sessions for people and churches struggling with how to communicate and get clarity on everything from relationship issues to financial decisions.
Although I have found it challenging to have other people always in my space – an introvert’s special hell – I’m enjoying the slower pace, the ability to catch up with friends and family, the extra time that no longer is filled with travel and errands. The ability to say yes to an impromptu game of HORSE in the driveway, with my son.
The Season, for me, is all about focus. On what’s truly important, on what I truly want to be, do and experience right now. On creativity, clarity, and connection. And on keeping my rose colored glasses firmly in place, watching as change unfolds in its mysterious ways.
The Season, for me, is all about focus. On what’s truly important, on what I truly want to be, do and experience right now. On creativity, clarity, and connection. And on keeping my rose colored glasses firmly in place, watching as change unfolds in its mysterious ways.
What are you experiencing, feeling and focusing on during The Season? And what go-to tools are you using to get through the day?
