“The world begins at a kitchen table. No matter what, we must eat to live.
The gifts of earth are brought and prepared, set on the table. So it has been since creation, and it will go on.” -Joy Harjo, from her poem “Perhaps the World Ends Here”
How do you prepare and share the gifts of the Earth with those you care about?
“My mother and uncle are clearly the most skilled dancers. They settle into an easy rhythm together, floating across the old terrazzo flooring, the card players occasionally pausing to watch them. Order turns to chaos as everyone takes turns practicing steps on their own, and then we engage with other family members. We each bring our own skills, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses to Tango, but always we seek to balance feeling our way through the relationship of the dance with each new partner—and with respect and love for the person and the music’s rhythm.” -Katie Romano Griffin, from a Braver/Wiser reflection
Who are the people your skills, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses balance?
“I’ve always found early morning a holy time—not that I necessarily want to be awake then; sometimes what is holy is also difficult—and as a new parent, early morning has taken on new levels of sacred. Now I hold my crying son against my chest and he quiets, breathing warm against my neck, as I murmur lullabies. That warm breath makes my eyes prickle.” -Caitlin Cotter Coillberg, from a Braver/Wiser reflection that ends with this prayer:
May we carry joy into each new day, and practice hope even and especially in the midst of grief and uncertainty. May we have the courage to love, again and again and again, and may we love with the fierce determination our world and lives demand.
“Joy is an act of resistance.” -Toi Derricotte
Experience joy today.
We don’t know when your birthday is, but we are clear that you are worth celebrating. We are glad you’re here. We are glad you were born. You deserve a song and a treat, and maybe even a party. We celebrate you today, whenever your birthday might be.
Treat yourself with kindness and respect today. Someone else is glad you were born.
