Kindness eases Change.
Octavia Butler's prophetic wisdom once again provides solace, but only with a warning.
When apparent stability disintegrates,
As it must —
God is Change —
People tend to give in
To fear and depression,
To need and greed.
When no influence is strong enough
To unify people
They divide.
They struggle,
One against one,
Group against group,
For survival, position, power.
They remember old hates and generate new ones,
They create chaos and nurture it.
They kill and kill and kill,
Until they are exhausted and destroyed,
Until they are conquered by outside forces,
Or until one of them becomes
A leader
Most will follow,
Or a tyrant
Most fear.
-Octavia Butler
Being tasked to talk about Lights Out amidst the tragedy and uncertainty is no small feat. The exuberant joy and excitement that comes with the work we do is currently in competition with news of mass death, rights being stripped away, and the burning of cities. How is one supposed to compete with that? How is one supposed to engage with the world and the future, to not lose hope, and to make the change without fearing it?
Change is constant. There is no way to avoid change or stop it. In these times, do not turn inwards towards solitude or isolation. While that act might preserve peace of mind, isolation reinforces the distinction between you and another. Suddenly, all of the restrictions and attacks on fellow humans become a separate matter. That’s a problem for them, not us. Unfortunately, many of us have become numb to the brutality and indignity. So often, “building bridges” is used to show compromise, but after a bridge is built, there are still two sides, only thinly connected.
Octavia Butler, in her infinite prophetic wisdom, comes with words of advice that hold a simple truth. Kindness eases Change. What is needed now is to unite and care radically. Strengthening your local community, even through small actions, is essential to pressing onward into the future. Showing up for your community by donating groceries and clothes, attending community events or services, saving money to buy from local craftspeople instead of corporations, giving to organizations with jeopardized funding, being kind to strangers, dancing with your friends, having a garden, volunteering, or anything at all, any of these things are easing the world we live in.
Who am I to say what action you take in the world? I ask you not to become a camera eye and remove yourself from the action of everyday life.
Upcoming events:
Community Art Night (Afternoon)!
Sundays, 2pm-5pm in the Community Room at Lights Out!
Why make arts and crafts at home alone when you can do it with others! Bring your materials or some of ours to spend some time being creative! Recent projects have included, painting miniatures, mixing DJ sets, darning and sewing, watercolor journalling, beading, painting and drawing, clay sculpting, and more!
Life Drawing
Mondays, 5pm-8pm in the Community Room at Lights Out!
Come practice your figure studies with a variety of poses! The Western Maine Art Group is moving their Monday figure modeling to Lights Out. Bring your own supplies, easel, and such, the chairs and the model will be waiting for you. $12 for the three hour session.
Snowshoe Festival Decorating Extravaganza!
Wednesday, February 5th AND 12th, 10am - 2pm in the Community Room at Lights Out!
Help us get ready for the Snowshoe Festival dinner by making snowy and sweet Valentine’s Day decorations with us! Hearts, snowflakes, glitter, you know the drill. We will feed you lunch!
15th Annual Snowshoe Festival
Friday, February 14th AND Saturday, February 15th, in Norway Maine
Join us for a fabulous and fun weekend celebrating the 15th Annual Maine Snowshoe Festival in Norway! Dinner and dance, snowshoe races, chili contest and beer, fashion show, and more! Activities for the whole family! Visit https://www.wfltmaine.org/snowshoe-festival for more information and tickets.
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