Music has been respite for me lately. From silly and catchy to serious to battle cries, I turn it on to soothe my nerves, reconnect, be inspired.
I’ve been following the political developments often, getting involved with Countable and the Indivisible Guide, and keeping track of what kind of actions are next. I’ve been horrified, terrified.
But underneath that, I’ve been inspired. People are mobilizing in a way I’ve never seen, in a way many folks are commenting on as unprecedented. Folks who have never been activists are showing up and asking what they can do.
This is one of the songs I’ve been listening to over and over … it has been settling me, and helping me accept the inevitable present moment, no matter how much I still want to be in some sort of denial that this is happening. And the sprouting baby-green seedlings of activism are so precious, and fuel me daily.
Everything Must Change
Nina Simone
Maybe it had to get this bad before it was going to get any better. How many times have I heard activists and change-makers say, “How do we wake people up?”
It has to get really, really uncomfortable before someone is willing to adjust, before they’re interested in becoming involved in a deeper way. Maybe this is it.
I go back and forth between being involved, reading things, keeping up with the latest executive order, and also some profoundly deep self-care. Rituals, honorings of my body, time with my sweetheart, really good nourishing food, spending time in nature, in the rain, by the ocean. Both have felt so necessary.
How are you doing in this time of change? What seeds of resistance or growth or activism are sprouting in you?
— Zed
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” – Fred Rogers
Nina Simone painting by Chris Gerbaux
One reply on “Everything Must Change”
I love Nina Simone; she’s my most-listened to artist according to Last.fm.
In answer to your question, last year every time the police killed another unarmed black man I needed to listen to the song “Black and Blue” by Louis Armstrong. This led to a year-long Louis binge that I am still enjoying.