March, the month of expectations is upon here. While the world feels faster, louder, and more fragile than ever, nature’s rhythms remain constant. As I appreciate the subtle shifts in seasons, I also search for the unchanging.
Of course, spring follows winter. Each day, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. A smile remains a universal language. And so is unchanging art’s role in times of rapid change.
Across history, art has served a purpose greater than expression during periods of upheaval. It becomes a source of resistance, hope and healing. It fosters understanding and empathy, bridging divides and turning pain into insight.
The world has always needed love. But how can we love one another in these uncertain times, when we can’t even connect on a deeper level or put ourselves in someone else’s shoes to understand their perspective.
This got me thinking, and as we celebrate international women’s day, that perhaps this spring demands we sow not only seeds of hope but also empathy for a compassion and resilient world.
Think about how your artwork, whatever the form, enriches people’s lives! While art may not cultivate empathy, it prompts us to pause, notice and see things differently. This is what I find beautiful and powerful about art’s enduring role.
It’s also the reason I urge you to keep making your art, if you’re an artist. To borrow words from a fellow poet, Rosemary Nissen-Wade, maybe the only person your art will save is yourself.
Happy Women’s Day to all who identify! And of course, every day is women’s day. ♥
As you might have guessed, I’d love to hear from you. 🙂 What are some things that remain unchanged or have stood the test of time? Please do share!
PS. The photo featuring women artists working is AI-generated.
Ah yes, the power of art
Love the artivism in this piece Khaya. Beautifully done!!!!
Your posts always feel timely to me, Khaya. I haven’t felt very “artful” lately, needing instead to be outside where I can disconnect and maintain a sense of peace and balance in these turbulent times. But you’re right about art as a source of expression and connection, resistance and empathy. I will try to keep that in mind. Hugs.
“A smile remains… “Beautiful message and your thoughtful words throughout have me reflecting and pondering. Thank you, Khaya. 🕊️
I like this idea of perhaps our art will save ourselves. That is enough, or at least a good start. Happy spring.
One thing that never changes or shifts or fades is time. We can rely on time to continue to move forward with or without us.
And I love what you’ve shared here, Khaya. Especially this:
“that perhaps this spring demands we sow not only seeds of hope but also empathy for a compassion and resilient world.
Think about how your artwork, whatever the form, enriches people’s lives!”
Art is so necessary. Every time I tell myself I make trite horror, I have to remind myself it still has value, even in times like these. And we never know how what we make will strike someone else. It might be just what they need.
“Across history, art has served a purpose greater than expression during periods of upheaval. It becomes a source of resistance, hope and healing. It fosters understanding and empathy, bridging divides and turning pain into insight.” Yes – thank you for this reminder, Khaya.
Khaya, your amazing ruminations resonate profoundly with me. The gifts we have are embedded with purpose and should project hope and encouragement for those who are touched by whatever art form they receive from what you may present. 🤗🙏🏼🥰💖😊
Thank you, Mariss!
So glad you connected with it, Dawn. Thank you!
I appreciate your comment, Diana. Writing timely posts is becoming a challenge, as things are changing at a rapid speed right now. I feel those of us who enjoy reading and writing long-form content risk being obsolete… Yet this is the space that helps maintain a sense of peace and balance as you well put it.
So, thank you very much, my friend. Enjoy the spring and keep making your art! HUGS… <3
A smile, the most powerful language. Thanks to you too Michele for reading. <3
It. Is. Enough, Rebecca. Because we cannot do anything for anyone else, if we can’t do it for ourselves first. Many thanks, and happy spring! <3
That’s right! Time continues to move forward… Thank you for this important reminder to use time wisely. And yes, this spring (this year and next ones) demand all the work to cultivate empathy and more. Thank you, trE. Enjoy the spring season, and keep writing! <3
You’re most welcome! I will. Trust that! I hope you will do the same!
Christina, your work and stories are necessary more than ever before. “When I write, I try to think back to what I was afraid of or what was scary to me, and try to put those feelings into books.” Stine’s quote expresses my thoughts on the valuable contribution horror writers, like you, make to the world. Reading writers’ feelings makes me feel less alone… So, yes, keep at it, my friend! <3
Thanks to you, too, Laura. May your (he)art, music, continue to fill the world with light, peace, and joy! <3
So glad to hear you resonate with these ruminations, Kym. I, for one, am grateful for the gift of your poetry. These are frightening times, yet poetry remains my steadfast refuge, even while I’m also reading (and writing) other genres. Let’s keep writing, my friend! <3
My pleasure 🌺🎉🌺
Khaya, I couldn’t agree with you more. Writing is certainly helping me to maintain my sanity in the midst of profound craziness. Yep…keep writing my sistah friend. 😍✍🏽😘💖🤗
I like that we can decide that we merit saving and find the means to realize it. Happy spring!
Things that never change that mean the most to me – sunrise and sunset, the cycling of the moon. All taking place even on cloudy days and nights I cannot see them. I know they are there. They drive the weather, the tides. Each a daily miracle that will outlast mankind.