How is Your Heart?

How is your Heart? Oh, goodness! That is a loaded question these days for me, because simply, mine is breaking. Do hearts really “break”? I am not sure what the answer really is, but mine feels shattered. The climate (fires and floods), the world, America, Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina, Vermont, Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine…and on and on. It is all too much, complete overwhelm. 

There is a word that comes from the German language, Weltschmerz (from Nautilus Magazine). Scholars have used it to signify a unique type of sorrow that is linked not to personal hardship but the hardship of others; not to one’s own misfortune, but the misfortune of the world at large. It feels like it fits perfectly today. 

Warnings alerted humans that all of this would happen. Climate change, Project 2025, and other signs. It seems humans choose, mostly, to just ignore warnings. I think of that old “joke” about the guy in a flood, sitting on his roof and a row boat comes by and says, let me help you. His response is no, thanks, God will save me. Then a helicopter happens by and says let me help you. Response again is no thanks. God will save me. Well, that poor fool drowned. The message? God helps those who help themselves. 

As a species, as a nation, we are not doing a lot to help ourselves! I am compelled to acknowledge gratefully that this does not apply universally. Some valiant and beautiful souls are fighting tirelessly against the cruelty, the isms, the injustice, and darkness that has descended. Many of us, in our own way, do our part. We must focus on that and keep on keepin’ on, as we said so often in the sixties! 

I read these words of the amazing Corina Andromache early this morning. Her words moved me and, with her permission, share them with you today (below). After reading those words, I did what a dear friend recommended a while back when I felt overwhelm. He is a wonderful man, a minister, but so completely nonjudgemental that he accepts people where they are and treats all equally. He accepts me, a lapsed Methodist, former UU, survivor of the Catholic Church, with definite Pagan and Buddhist tendencies. I’m often irreverent! Begin your day with intention. Sit for ten minutes and just BE. I call it meditation. He calls it something else. Today, after reading Corina’s words, after my quiet time and intention, I knew I wanted to share her words with you today. I’m hoping they will speak to you even in some small way. Balm for our souls in a very troubled time. Blessings and love to all. Be authentic. Find your tribe. Commune with nature, birds, trees, flowers, etc. Use your voice when you are able. Be kind. Take good care of your heart.  

artist unknown

Oh, dear Human

How is your heart today?

A burning fire grows...

The sky splits open unveiling the sound

flames run high in the distance

yet close they seem

as trees speak with a song

waiting to give birth

to the rhythm of joy

To the life we once lived

We long

For what was lost

Silence disrupting thoughts

We descend into the agony of sadness

Thorns push deep into the senses

Life has a new meaning

We distance

We mask

We walk alone

Valleys of hope

Crumble and new eyes

Grow from the visions we once had…

We are split

Emotionally

Socially

Politically

Economically

Uncertain where we go

Blinded by fear

We try!

We try to break the clouds of unknowing

Trees come to our aid

Birds sing for us

They try to help us see

To hang on

To grasp for air

To breath in

To breath out

One day at a time…

Yes!

Let’s take it easy

No need to rush

Life has taught us

Uncertainties are always here

The flow can be diverted

Oh, dear Human

How is your heart today?

Let me hold it close to me

Let me look inside it

And find that flash of hope

Laughter

Peace of mind

Peace of heart

You have been through so much…

Oh, dear Human

How is your heart today?

....................................................

Poem by Archaeology for the Woman's Soul

Corina Andronache