It Begins Like This With The Light - These Things

peas growing toward a trellis in the early morning in Boise, Idaho in June

We lie in the darkness dormant.
After what seems a lifetime
its warmth is enough
and something moves within us.

The Sun insists
so we work our way
up and through the darkness
ineluctably toward its light.

It feels good to be again
alive this morning.

* * *

These Things too inspired me recently:

  • “With All the Love That I Am and More” - There’s plenty of news now about the limited extent of compassion for others many in our country experience daily. This note, essay, personal message from Boise State student Risë Kevalshar Collins stopped me with its raw sincerity and openness about her personal experiences. This is a must read for all human-type people right now.

  • “James Baldwin: How to Cool It” - This article was originally published in Esquire in 1968. I love how Baldwin is able to speak his mind so clearly, from a place of vast human wisdom, and so economically.

    ESQUIRE: How can we get the black people to cool it?
    JAMES BALDWIN: It is not for us to cool it.
    ESQUIRE: But aren't you the ones who are getting hurt the most?
    JAMES BALDWIN: No, we are only the ones who are dying fastest.

  • “'The new toilet paper:' Bikes are flying off shelves, overwhelming shops” - Yes, another article about bicycle sales in the U.S. right now! This is so exciting to see. By the way, I’m selling my 1973 VW Super Beetle that I bought in 1988 or ‘89 to get a bicycle. It’s more of a project than a car right now, but if you know someone with a tow truck who’s looking for a project, please email me.

  • “Important Message to All the New Cyclists During COVID and a Note to Experienced Riders” - If you consider yourself a bicycle rider, in any way, I encourage you to watch this short video. For new riders, or riders who feel shy about their experience level, you will feel a great validation. For experienced riders, we have a responsibility to our bicycling tribe. This video should be required viewing for all bicycle purchases.

  • “Improvisation for a Sonic Cure” - You likely know the music of Ryuichi Sakamoto from his ethereal score to the film “The Revenant.” You know, the one where Leonardo DiCaprio wanders through winter in British Columbia. It’s a beautiful film. Did you know they only used available light to shoot that film? What you may not know is Ryuichi’s interest in combining analog sounds, recordings of nature, and synthesized music to create immersive sonic experiences. This work feels like a meditation to me and has helped ground me this last week.

What seed is sprouting within you right now? How are you nurturing it? I’d love to hear your story.

These ThingsJeffery Oliverryuichi sakamoto, james baldwin, music, poem, bicycle