Welcome to Monday and the theme of Solidarity.
We have much to learn about solidarity from the forest. Forests are no longer thought of as places of competition or survival of the fittest, rather as places of mutuality, even selfless giving for the benefit of those most in need.
How are we standing in solidarity with our human family?
Art from Our Community:
Forest Communion by Anne Mullenniex, March 2020
Watercolor, Ink, Gouache, Acrylic, Air Brush Medium on Paper, 12" x 16"
In Forest Communion Anne was inspired by Robert McFarlane's Underland description of the 'wood wide web', the fungal associations beneath a forest, deep in the soil, whereby the different species commune and share resources with each other.
Art from Our Community:
The Thin Space by Joanne Mekis, March 2020
Ink on Bristol board, 9.75" X 4.75"
The Thin Space describes my life at the Grunewald Guild during my artist residency in 2019. During those eight weeks, I felt at peace and closer to God while at this Holy place where I was able to live and create in community with new friends among the majestic Ponderosa pines that towered above and connected me to the heavens. How I long to return home there. Hidden in these trees, you will find tiny hearts nestled within the limbs and the words: Peace, Love, Life, Spirit, Presence, Rooted, and Community.
Artist Prompt: Consider how your art and life has flourished when it has been practiced in community.
A Poem for You:
If you stand at the edge of the forest
and stare into it
every tree at the edge will blow a little extra
oxygen toward you
It has been proven
Leaves have admitted it
The pines I have known
have been especially candid
One said
that all breath in this world
is roped together
that breathing is
the most ancient language
"Ancient Language" by Hannah Stephenson. Text as posted on the poet's blog (12/31/2013). © Hannah Stephenson. Reprinted by permission of the poet.