Time of Too Much

Depending where we reside on our little planet, the subtle changes of light along the Equator could pass by unnoticed. The increasing lopsidedness of the presence or absence of light as we move towards the poles affects us more deeply. Yet taking a long view, there is a constant shifting, a mindless balance of planetary cycles with regard to how many hours we spend in the light or dark each day.

The Solstice is the day we sit with “too much”.

Here in the North, we are sitting at the bottom of a well in excessive darkness. Sitting in the black hole for too long.

In the South—scorched Earth under a blazing sun. Too much.

This shift into “too much” doesn’t happen suddenly – it happens gradually and then stalls for a moment. Now.

For the most part of this past week, we’ve been sitting in the extremes with a few seconds of change towards the light or the darkness every day.

Fortunately, everything changes eventually. For better or worse, we move into the next part of the cycle.

For us in the North, a fraction of light longer- illumination, hope? In the South, a fraction of darkness- cooling, refreshing the parched earth.

Nature may know how to balance herself, but she can’t, not with the way we have been treating her.

I can only hope that in some small way, if we can connect with the movement - this cycle of light and dark—if we can use this unfailing, elemental cycle as an opportunity to remember how we are connected to each other and to the planet, that it will remind us to take care.

Maybe we can do something to help the Earth to rebalance herself, to heal from our neglect and abuse. Maybe not. In either case, the planet will endure, with or without us. I’d prefer the first option.

Latkes and the Winter Solstice

December 21, 2019. Sunset- 4:54 PM.
San Francisco, CA.

The Winter Solstice at sunset. Experimenting with different latke recipes for tomorrow night. Thankfully, heading towards longer days with Hanukkah lighting the way. The daylight tomorrow will creep 1 second over the dark line!

I'd Rather be Hibernating

December 21, 2019. Sunrise 7:21 AM.
San Francisco, CA.

Better to let sleeping cats lie. Once I woke this one up for the bell ringing, she was restless and cranky for the rest of the morning. (or was that just me)? Hibernation is better.