“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings”. This quote is attributed to Lao Tuz. Collectively we have experienced a global dark night of the soul. 2020 has been a difficult year where an invisible virus has turned our world upside down. This year has been marked with political craziness, racial tension, financial upheaval and not to mention pandemic. Our hearts broke as we said goodbye to loved ones and friends. It’s like the Universe has sent us to our rooms and discovered the technology of zoom. Restaurants closed and we rediscovered our kitchen. When we venture out of our home sanctuary we wear masks and stay 6 feet away. We applaud the essential workers of doctors and nurses along with a new appreciation for truckers and grocery store employees.
As we step into 2021, we have the hope of a vaccine and a new political climate. We are trying to get our feet on the ground while still processing the traumas of last year. Many are struggling to make ends meet, put food on the table, and keep a roof over their heads. Lines at food banks get longer each day. Now is a time to be gentle with ourselves and others. May we not be discouraged from the events of the past year, but be grateful for the new opportunities that are unfolding before us. May we allow ourselves the space to heal and honor our need to grieve.
The French writer Albert Camus said, “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer”. May you find the invincible summer within you.
This painting “Going Bananas” was the last painting I started in 2020 and finished on January 1.
