Elegies and Arias

On Joni Mitchell, savoring the wonder moments, and what the holidays could be.

Weekly Wonders

We watched a wonderful tribute to Joni Mitchell at the Kennedy Center on PBS. Full orchestral arrangements of some of her songs, performed by a host of singers. Remarkable.

And there was an amazing sunset one night. I tried to capture it on my phone but couldn’t really. The color above the coral red was deep purple, which didn’t come out in the photo. But it was a wonder moment. I was cooking and saw it out the window and rushed outside to be in it. That’s how we cultivate more wonder in our days, by stopping to savor what’s given, what’s here.

Update from the Wonder Factory

This week the whole holiday thing has really kicked in. Two parties this week, two next week, two more the following week.

The gatherings are lovely. And the weird busyness at this time when our bodies want so much to sloooowwww down and hibernate is always disconcerting.

We got our tree last weekend but didn’t have the energy any evening to put lights on it, let alone decorate it yet.

Life, everyday life, has been overwhelming. So I can hardly fathom the holidays on top of that. I feel like I’m in a pressure cooker of transformation lately, fully in the formless goo stage of the caterpillar in the chrysalis—not fun.

But many years ago, when I was single and particularly feeling sorry for myself one holiday season, I was working with a shamanic teacher who said to me, “Oh, I love the holidays. It’s like a mini Age of Aquarius every year!”

I thought, “I don’t want to miss out on that!” and I set about having a grand time, enjoying the elements I chose to enjoy, creating a beautiful experience for myself. I need to think about what those elements might be for me this year, so I don’t miss the potential for celebration, warmth, connection, joy, fun, wonder—on my own terms.

Wonder Spark

What elements would help make this holiday season magical or wondrous for you? Do you love baking cookies, decorating your home, having a bonfire, driving around to look at the light displays, volunteering for something? What activities, music, foods, attitude might help you find the spark of joy and universal love that’s on offer?

And what do you need to eliminate, say no to, or slow down on to make room for the wonder and mystery of the solstice, the holidays, the deep dark (if you’re in the Northern hemisphere)?

Post your ideas in the comments to help us all.

Elegies and Arias

One thing I’m very happy about is I get to perform my poems alongside some amazing musicians this weekend. We plan to mix the poetry and music spontaneously in various combinations. I’m excited.

So, I’ve been selecting poems that I think might do particularly well in this format.

If you’re in the Nevada City, California area, do come out. I think you’ll find much to delight, inspire, and nourish you.