The Year Ahead

Hello, Dear Ones,

The end of the year is upon us! The world continues to shift and while our awareness of the world is “post-pandemic,” it seems like we continue to find our lived experiences securely in the midst of it. 

So many things have changed since COVID-19 became a thing our immune and nervous systems have had to contend with. There have been so many adjustments, so much fear, and so much grief these past few years. And, yet, as we circle back around to holidays, I can’t help but think how much these challenging times have taught us. I know I’ve mentioned this many times over the past few years but I can’t help but return to Dori Midnight’s poem “Wash Your Hands” as it’s become somewhat of a salve for the places my nervous system has become raw and tender from the wounds this public health crisis has wreaked on our relationship to our bodies and our communities:

My friends, it is always true, these things.

It has already been time.

It is always true that we should move with care and intention…

We are already afraid, we are already living in the time of fires. 

When fear arises, 

and it will,

let it wash over your whole body instead of staying curled up tight in your shoulders.

If your heart tightens, 

contract

and expand.

Along with the struggle, I’m reminded of what I’ve learned, and what tools have been strengthened. And as we circle back around to the end of year holidays I want to invite you to do the same. Tests and vaccination statuses don’t have to be the only reason we set boundaries. We don’t set boundaries and wear masks to disconnect from one another but to make it safer to be in close proximity. We have created and evolved the ways that we celebrate and come together. You might even find yourself healthier the further you get from old traditions. You get to decide where it is still relevant to practice social distancing. 

From a safe and loving distance,

Traci (on behalf of Team GGOC)