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As the daylight shortens and leaves fall, we are reminded of the impermanence of our lives. Sharing time with others in this season is warm and comforting. It brings us two elements of human well-being: connection and joy.

The experience of well-being is a desired state for human beings; however, it is often harder to attain than we might hope. The current trauma-inducing state of our world often stands in the way of well-being for countless individuals who endure poverty, suffering, disease, hunger and so many more reasons.

First Harvest and the Festival of Loaf Mass, Lammas, Lammastide, and also called Lughnasadh!

Walking outdoors in the month of July in any northern hemisphere locale, olfactory nerves are tickled with the flowery smells, blossoming trees, grasses, and the sweet aroma of herbs growing in our gardens.  Our optic nerves are stimulated with a flood of color and taste buds await the first harvest of herbs to spice our food, adding beauty, flavor and good medicine to our plates. 

When I was a child, we celebrated May Day with the traditional Maypole, May baskets and community gatherings for these events. Sadly, those things have gone away in most communities, but it does not lessen the joy the month of May brings.

When I was a child, we celebrated May Day with the traditional Maypole, May baskets and community gatherings for these events. Sadly, those things have gone away in most communities, but it does not lessen the joy the month of May brings.

The fact is, we live in unsettling times. Decades of hard work toward equity, equality, the recognition of human rights, services and supports we fought for and have held dear are being eroded like sand pulled out to sea by a tsunami.

I was a young adult (probably more accurate to say that I was an older child) when I started my first day and first round of college at Northern Michigan University.  For years prior I had listened to an odd assortment of music that can best be described as carrying social justice messaging.

We were so excited for our Christmas celebration this year. We lit up our Yule log, decorated the house and enjoyed the celebration of Winter Solstice preceding Christmas. Yes, I celebrate both! And I do not believe I am an enigma. I have authored several poems about this season that is full of light and grace.