So early last week I wrote an email about the tickets going on sale but before I was ready to send it the American election happened. And I pondered it, as I think all of us did. What it meant for our community and the earth and the future. And what it said about our society. All that pondering lead to me prefacing the email with the following words. After sending the email I got a some in return from lovely women around the world who reached out to let me know that it resonated with them. And so I thought I would what I wrote here. I hope it resonates with you too xx.
I was lying in bed this morning, staring out the window when I realised that I needed to talk about the week that was. It was big week. One full of unexpected outcomes, uncertainty and fear. Many of us this week have experienced dark moments - and felt the weight of knowing that the global society that we want to be a part of, one filled with generosity, open hearts, connection, community and truth, looks like it may have gone a little off track. I have read many posts on the interweb and instagram this week where people have spoken of their heartbreak, their disappointment and their concern.
And so lying in bed this morning, I was thinking about the deep need we have to find solace, to find ways to replenish our spirits, and ultimately find our sense of hope and courage.
When world events occur it may feel like a strange time to be talking about craft. Craft is trivial isn't it? And beauty too? .... in the face of such obstacles.
Lucky for you and I, we know this is total rubbish, right? But as the week has been so big in so many ways, today I wanted to remind you of the place craft can have in filling our cup and reminding us of our connectedness.
Craft provides us with a place to sit with our feelings and find solace. The act of working with our hands slows us down and allows us to find rhythm and flow. It centres us, and grounds us in who we are, and what we care about.
Craft gives us a place to connect, with ourselves, with the earth, and with our community, both local and global. Creating objects with our hands speaks of our shared value system, one whereby the small things, the unseen things where intention is the key, are important.
Craft enables us to create beauty that nurtures our spirits. We get to make stuff, and fill our homes and our hearts with intentional objects of utility and beauty.
Beauty is not trivial. Connection is not trivial. It inspires us and lights us up. And when we are alive we can't help but find hope.
I just listened to a Rebecca Solnit interview on the podcast On Being where she talked about how in times of crisis sometimes a community can fall apart - but also how big events in life cause us to be present in a way that can cause us to fall together, as humans with a shared experience, and really connect. And how there is courage to be found in that connection.
I truly believe that with courage, and a lot of work, we can create the world we want to be part of.
So I wish you peace this week and a quiet 30 minutes to make and connect.
Felicia x
