At Another Crossroad, June 2022

The pandemic and quarantine gave us two plus years to pause, feel, protest, propose, and demand. Now, we look at collective progress. At this point, with all the learning since 2020, we ought to know better ways. Yet, change loses urgency with time and powers-that-be insist on reverting back to the status quo at every conceivable opportunity. Now, we find ourselves again at a crossroads (our very first circle in October 2020 was same named): How to incorporate our Covid-era learning? Let's explore the options together. 
​July 11, 2022 Learning by Julia
After a month away, we begin again with acknowledging our connection to this land, and its ways of seeking that which nourishes life given any option. Nature cooperates, makes bold moves, destroys to grow, and choses with intuition. At this turning point in human history, we experienced time in quarantine with emotion, solutions, and frustration as well as inspiration. We pause to look at results, and question "originality" when contemplating adjusting strategies. Nothing is new, but much can be improved.  Given the unique nature, we ask the most general question: "What about the theme that brought you here tonight?" An honest way to truly ask, "And how are you doing?"
We go around, and with each story we seek commonality. We say things like, "I thought I was further along," when thinking of our own role. Then ask, "How to walk in love?" We acknowledge things that are working, such as working under the leadership of Black women. That feels good, even together in the belly of the beast. We listen not only for commonality, but to hear what is outside of us. We listen at this crossroad.
And we hear that at a certain age, we feel a calling to bloom where we plant even though stretching hurts. Everyone can want to blend in, take the quiet and easy road, but someone's gotta do the work; someone must lead and who better than those who know. 
As we get to know our own selves in new places, we come to terms with the fact that we're tired. The word "lazy" needs a re-branding because even though we can do all that our ancestors couldn't, doesn't mean we must do everything all the time. We're tired. And sometimes we need to hear our own selves say it. Say what we need to hear. 
After a brief break, we return to ask our second question, "What do you need to tell yourself moving forward?" We say: Loving is enough. I have everything I need in me. Rest is good, I have choice. Let others see me without condition. This month, we present, "The New Nature of Work". Stay in tune.

Jennifer Lail, Separated 1 Watercolor on Arches Cotton Paper, 14 x 20 inches Image: From both the top and bottom, two thick strokes of grey come together in an oval exchange where their hues overlap and become dark. Source: https://www.decontemporary.org/from-chaos-to-order

Maud Vantour, paper. Image: solid white on the top and each underlying layer a vivid color. the monotony of the straight line gives way to an eruption of peek-a-boo colors until the bottom last layer of black. Source: https://www.demilked.com/layered-paper-art-maud-vantours/ Artist website: https://maudvantours.com/portfolio-item/oscillations/