Wordless

(Slightly Amusing) Survey Included

 

Then

I remembered—if you turn on the heat, it becomes even warmer.

I have a ‘thing; about turning on the heat in September.

Then

I turned on the heat.

Now it’s really warmer.

Now it’s comfortable.

I know what to do.

I know how to transition from summer to fall.

I know how to create comfort.

I just must do it.

~~~

Toss in a backdrop of pandemic-unchecked/election-unhinged/everything-unknown/….

Seasonal transition feels—

At best

For me

Intensified and rickety this year.

~~~

I feel wordless.

An unfamiliar place, indeed.

~~~

Solace.

I’ve been considering solace.

Again and again.

I’ve been considering solace.

• Solace—comfort or consolation in a time of distress, loneliness, or sadness

A relevant concept, right?

I’m interested in creating the circumstances in which I am comforted,

I am warmed,

I am held.

Solace as a verb.

• Solace—to give comfort, to give consolation in a time of loss and grieving

So much around me feels the contrary; I easily can feel distressed, cold, and alone.

We must do it for ourselves, dear friends.

Just as I remembered—closing windows works, turning on heat—that works.

Now I am warmer.

I must create the circumstances in which I can relax, renew, and be warmed.

Here’s what worked for me this week:

I received solace while:

• Lounging in a steaming bath, heavy with Epson salt and baking soda
• Considering, just considering Rachel Maddow’s voice, not even listening, just remembering she is out there, somewhere
• Locking eyes with Gibbs, the fantastic dog that works at Baldwin’s Hardware.   (I would take his picture to send you, but I fear I might be hovering on canine-stalking by now.  I did call to get the dog’s work schedule.  Yes, I am that person.)
• Dropping down into this wonderful tribute to RBG from Central Synagogue’s most remarkable rabbi, Angela Buchdahl.  This remembrance brought me comfort.