Rainbows are bridges— connecting one moment to the next. They are thought to herald change and be a symbol of hope. They mean lots of things, differently to different people.
When I see a rainbow, like this one from September, arching over my property I see the “bubble” of safety over this land. I feel held and watched over by Spirit, my ancestors, and the spirit of this land. For me, rainbows are magic (even though I know the physics of what makes one). Who thought to make the natural world work that way and who knows when the alignment of sunlight, rain and my body will all line up perfectly to reveal the rainbow?! Perhaps there are even more rainbows in existence than we know at any one time because we're just not standing in the right part of the constellation of these things to see it?!
Can you tell that I love rainbows?!
Today, Nov. 3rd, 2020, is the beginning of a major turning point in our American history. No matter the outcome, I feel the weight of what is to come next even beyond the politics and parties. I sense the chaos, fear and tumult that comes along with any change-- desired or not. I feel like humanity is on a precipice of some major shifts. Perhaps already in the swirls of the change which can be hard to see from within it all. That can be an overwhelming feeling to experience.
Looking at this rainbow photo again reminds me to say to myself (at least for now) “I am home. I am safe.”
As tensions ebb and flow in the next few weeks, simple words like these can help to regulate your nervous system a bit and bring a hint of peace to your field. One of my dear friends taught this to me. To just sit, wherever you are, look around and describe where you are. Finish by saying "I am safe." For example: "I'm sitting in my living room on a soft cozy couch. I'm in my house that is keeping me warm and dry. And, I am safe." That simple. Try it. I find it especially useful when the feelings get big and overwhelming. It's a little hint of calm. An interrupt in the pattern of fear and upset that can reset the systems a little bit.
For whatever comes next, it is my never ending prayer that humans can find kindness with one another and all living things with whom we cohabit this planet. Truly, I believe that something as plain as kindness can help us all through these times. Somehow, it is this kindness that seems so difficult sometimes. So, I know it that it can take a little work. I think that the work to be more kind is worth the world-- quite literally. I see glimpses of this kindness here and there and that’s what is my source of hope.
May you find peace and hope in whatever way inspires you.