The trees are bare, most of the birds have flown to warmer regions of the world, frost covers the ground, and thick mist fills the air. We stay cozy around the warm wood stove, sip hot chocolate, read books, do handcrafts and cut lots of firewood. We nourish and mend our souls. This is the time of introspection, the time to give thanks for a bountiful year, the time to cherish what we have and try to love one another well. This is the season of giving.
This is also the time of year to watch movies. I drove into Kirksville last night to see a movie called "Sleepers." It is an intensely violent and sad commentary on the state of mainstream culture in general and an indictment of the juvenile penal system in particular. The movie profoundly moved me and lingers in my mind today. I think about our society, how we treat children and what I wish for my own child. The experience affirms what we are trying to do at Sandhill Farm, Dancing Rabbit and in the intentional communities movement as a whole. It compels me to ask, once again, why do we choose to live the way that we do?
It's a struggle being a pioneer! So why do we do it? I suppose we all have our own personal reasons, but I would like to think that we hold the common belief that we are trying to create a better world for ourselves and for our children. I believe we are succeeding in small steps; we have a lot to unlearn and the going is slow. However, perhaps it is just as well that our remaking and building of a new culture is slow. It is best to be intentional, careful. Perhaps it is also wise to question what we are doing and its validity so that we may once again affirm that we have chosen the right path for ourselves and that the struggle is worthwhile. I am grateful to be a part of this struggle with people whom I adore. Joyful Solstice and Happy New Year!
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