1.Where I live, November is synonymous with darkness. The SAD state that can suck the joy out of everything.
2. But I adorn my iron armour, self-care, the second strongest type of protection.
3. Dark, however, has its benefits; both literally and figuratively.
4. That’s why I expend little energy searching for beauty during this time. Instead, I let the dark touch me.
5. As the saying goes…
The depths of darkness from which you can descend and still live is an exact measure of the height to which you can aspire to reach.” ~ Pliny the Elder
6. November is also a month where my old working titles start to sound profound. Only to realise later that they are just a translation from one language to another. For example, “BeAm of Light” means Litha in Xhosa.
7. Talking about a beam of light! This baby crow, Litha, created by a beautiful soul at MagicLoveCrow, years ago, continues to brighten my autumn days. I cherish this painting.
8. Well, you see, even in the dark one is never truly alone.
9. As they say (mythology), where there’s a crow, there’s magic. Because crows can summon the right people to cross your path. And boy, did those right people cross my path this past month! Best October gifts…
10. On the note, allow me to share want I recently learned from the collection pictured below:
The sound level of normal breathing is said to be 10 decibels. A sound so quiet you don’t hear it unless all else is silent and you are close to the source.”
Mind-blowing stuff! Really, this is a book to invest in.
11. So, this month, I invite you to make space for silence. Allow it to bring you back to yourself!
12. Because who needs a flashlight, when you have a glow inside to light up your world?
13. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m being both flippant and serious regarding embracing the dark. If you’re moving towards winter where you live, please take care of yourself. ♥
Happy November, Everyone! I’m back. Thank you Rajani at Thought Purge and Colleen at Thursday Thirteen for inspiring this list-making joy exercise.
What have you been up to? Please do tell! 🙂
Yes to self-care, Khaya, and the good fortune of good people crossing our paths. Lovely post and beautiful photo! Who needs a flashlight, indeed. Thank you for this morning glow 💛
It is good to hear your voice again, Khaya. I admire your embracing of the dark.
Aah the list monster has got us all!!! Love that baby crow artwork… super!
I’m welcoming the dark, Khaya, and looking forward to the silence that comes with winter. That will be my selfcare after a hectic year. Just to surrender to a time of dormancy and gather myself. And I don’t doubt that you’ll find beauty even in the darkness, as I think it’s your nature. Hugs, my friend. <3 <3 <3
“Hello darkness, my old friend
I’ve come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.”
lyrics, The Sound of Silence, by Simon & Garfunkel
Although the rest of the song addresses other social issues, this opening verse seems to offer hope for the coming literal season of darkness in your part of the world.
I love the baby crow! It gladdens my heart, too. I have been wrapped up in my own health issues, and in a sense, have had to become project manager of myself. The dark time of year to me means more time to rest, heal and and reflect. Rebirth follows the darkness. I am still alive and continuing to heal.
I will slowly catch up with your older posts, Khaya, yours and many others.
The dark and I have always been good friends. I give her her space and she makes space for me. This year, I’m hoping she’ll let me write and read and cook and all those things that keep me me.
Say it again about the good fortune of good people crossing our paths! I’m glad ours crossed too. <3
p.s. Don't forget to journal or write down your first impressions about your new home, now that you're no longer a tourist. That's rich material for a book... 🙂
Awww, Mariss! Thank you. It’s good to be back; a blogging break does me good. 🙂
The list monster has got me. It’s super handy for covering a number of thoughts, and as the year-end is upon us.
Kudos, Diana! I love that you embrace the rhythm of each season. Resting in winter is something we all should be aiming for; it’s been (and continues to be) another taxing year. And about finding beauty…you’re most kind. Thank you, my friend. Enjoy the season! <3
Dearest Laura! The Sound of Silence from The Concert in Central Park. I went back to listen to the song. The lyrics are still meaningful as ever, and atmosphere in that stadium say it all. Thank you for this. <3 And yes, the season of darkness is literally upon us already. But as I said I'm fully equipped for it, and I've got all fun stuff going... :D
Hi Lavinia, I’m so glad you love the baby crow; it was made with love. I’m sorry to hear about your health issues, I hope you are on a mend. Being one’s project manager becomes necessary at some point in our lives. It’s not a bad thing but a caring for self and loved ones. Yes, you’re right about darkness. Please do rest, count your blessings as you continue to heal…and proceed at your comfortable pace with catching up on the blogs. It’s lovely to see you around here, always. <3
You are one of the few people I know are not afraid of the dark. There’s something freeing in embracing the dark than to fight it. So, I’m hoping with you too that she’ll let you write those stories. Woman, how long does a reader have to wait for a book!!! 🙂 I wish you a joyous season filled with delightful and delicious things that keep you you. Take care, Maga! <3
Thank you Khaya, I feel the same! ❤️ I have Finland on my travel list now that I’m here and it would be amazing to meet IRL at some point.
And yes, I am journaling (much more than blogging 😜) about my impressions here. Thank you for the reminder!
It was another taxing year. I’m a little worn out, and self care has been critical.
Yes, I’m looking forward to meeting IRL at some point. 🙂
I am going thoughtfully into my dark. Making room for small delights and homely goodness wherever possible. There’s a heaviness I will carry until the end of my days, but I am finally remembering that there’s plenty of space in the dark for new things to grow too.
“There’s plenty of space in the dark for new things to grow too.” This is an important point to remember, especially on days when your heart feels heavier than others. And making room making room for small delights, regardless is great plan. Take care, Rommy! <3