Listen. It’s raining. Luckily, it’s not yet snow. For the last four or five years, we have become more aware of how extreme and precious the rain can be, switching between either drought or flood. It comes like a storm, harsh, or like a shadow, then it’s gone.
But not today. The rain is steady, and the sound is beautiful. Like the sound of crickets and cicadas, the wind, and the waves of the sea, it’s absorbing and surprisingly comforting. For the moment, it even washes away any anxiety over the election.
Even the muted light is soothing today.
I notice the fallen leaves, yellow, burnt orange, a bit of startling red. The leaves almost cover the deep green grass, which is eagerly drinking in the rain. The earth is thirsty.
I close my eyes and just listen. The sound gets more distinct. There are currents in the rain. The pace of falling water speeds up, creating a wind of rainwater pushing against my body even though I am in the house. Then it softens to barely a whisper. What before seemed steady and continuous is now revealed as something else, something unique in its pace. When I simply listen, there is more to hear.
Two days ago, my wife and I drove into town. From the opposite side of the road, just before the farm stand where we buy corn in season, an eagle rose out of the tall grass. Majestically and ever so slowly, it took flight right in front of a dark van. Its wingspan was wider than the van, yet somehow the eagle wasn’t hit. It flew off in front of my car window, unhurt. But the driver of the van barely maintained control of his vehicle and then pulled off the road and stopped.
We can easily assume so much. That one moment will be like the previous one. We walk out of the memory of yesterday’s door and drive on our memory of yesterday’s road.
We might assume that because we can (hopefully) vote, now, or because we have (hopefully) protections on the job now, or can get Social Security, or healthcare, we will have it tomorrow. We might tell ourselves or others we will have it no matter who wins the election on Tuesday, November 8. But as the GOP have said, all this can and will end if they win control, just as they work to take away a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her own health and when or if to have a family.
We need reassurance that our world won’t totally flip over on us. But to get that, we must pay enough attention, and be ready to act, so we’re not shocked when today almost slams into the windshield of our car.
The rain, so many drops of water, hit the roof, shake the apple, oak, Japanese maple, and cherry trees. It’s hard to realize the rain itself is threatened, that because of our actions or inaction such a natural and steady rain has become a rarity.
So, after letting my mind get washed clear by simply listening to the sound, I consider what I personally need to do to get ready to vote. Is a water bottle necessary? Which friends or family should I inform about my plans to vote?
I write blogs and make phone calls to motivate and inform possible voters and speak with the power of the rain ⎼ and for preserving the majesty of an eagle taking flight.
Help Protect Bird Life and All Life and Make the World a Better Place!
VOTE! Tuesday, November 8.
These are unprecedented times and many, if not all of us, feel the stress and anxiety. We might feel the GOP threats to our rights, our freedom and ability to choose when or if to have a child, to having a good job in a safe workplace. They threaten so much, even our right to live in a democracy under the rule of law and not under the rule of one-white-man. They talk about reducing crime while inciting violence, hate, and social instability; the states under GOP control have more violent crime than those with Democrats in major elected offices.
So, we must remember to take care of ourselves. To notice signs of anxiety, stress and trauma, and respond with kind awareness, calming breaths, exercise, nature walks, a conversation with a loving friend, meditation⎼ whatever feeds our strength and compassion.
And vote; vote for every eligible Democratic. Tell friends and family.
For early voting locations and dates, click this link.
For events and actions to still take to help Get Out the Vote, click this link.
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**This is an update of a blog from October, 2020.