Doom-Scrolling + Rebellious Joy

So, I duno about you, but I've spent the couple weeks putting most of my energy into resisting the urge to doom-scroll 24/7. (The fact that we have a word for that says a lot about where we are as a civilization, doesn't it??)

I've already spoken to most of our Iranian farm family personally, but if I haven't seen you in a while, please know I'm thinking of you all. Same goes for our family with roots in Eastern Europe or Russia.

It might seem like a strange train of thought, but watching the world catch fire has reminded me how important the arts are.

We are quick to dismiss them as superfluous, but in times like these, I cling to art and artists as a means of holding onto my own humanity.

Artists provide a mirror, a window and the imagination required to both hold on and to believe in the possibility of something better.

In that spirit, here's a copy of one of my favourite Mary Oliver poems, Don't Hesitate. She captures it so much more beautifully than I ever could.

We humans are capable of much horror, but we are also capable of immeasurable beauty. It's up to each of us to choose.

As always.

Best,
S