Hope is a Radical Act
I recently stumbled upon some paintings I made in the mid ‘90s as part of a class called “The Painting Experience,” a kind of a visual version of the wild writing practice I teach. I have little facility with visual art, and that left me free to just paint. When I saw these images 30 years later, I was astounded—not because I thought they were “good,” but because they were so wild, surprising and strange.
That’s the thing about creativity, taking what is inside and making it tangible in some form. You give yourself an opportunity to meet yourself in entirely new and powerful ways. You see parts of yourself you might not have known were there had you not taken that leap.
I was thinking about all this while walking Nico the other day, trying to organize my thoughts so I could write about them here. And then I bumped into my friend Victoria.
“I can’t bear to listen to the news,” she said. “It’s so awful. I’m 77 and life is short.”
I nodded because yes, it is.
“I feel bad that I’m not doing more,” she said, “but all I really want to do is curl up and forget about the world.”
I went from thinking about creativity to thinking about the news in under one minute.
These are the times we live in. And these times ask us to take the time to listen to others as we collectively witness outrages on a daily basis.
“What should I do?” she asked.
“Hold on to hope,” I replied.
Despair is this regime’s currency. Despair creates the illusion that our march into fascism is inevitable. Hope is an act of resistance. Hope allows us to get up every day and do the things that matter. Hope inspires us to protect the vulnerable. Hope inspires us to maintain our humanity.
I made a promise after the 2024 election that I would not spend my days frothing at the mouth. I haven’t. Because Victoria is right, life is short and it is precious. Instead, I’m funneling my heartache and anger towards mitigating the damage, one small action at a time: marching with my brothers and sisters; working to win back the House and possibly the Senate in November.
I refuse to let the cruelty of people in power change my belief in the essential goodness of most humans. I watch as millions across our country stand up for justice and love.
This month’s writing practice is to Mary Oliver’s “Don’t Hesitate,” where she reminds us that joy is an act of resistance. Joy reminds us what we are fighting for.
We’re in this together, and we need to to stand together. Hold on to hope. Find joy and connection where you can. Together we will make it through.
Love,
Dayna
*****
Don’t Hesitate by Mary Oliver
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the case.
Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.
****
Read the poem aloud to yourself. Don't rush. Really take it in. Take one of the following jump off lines:
Life has some possibility left…
This is life’s way of fighting back…
Joy is not made to be a crumb…
— or any other line or image that resonates.
An alternate line could be: A few things I’m thinking about…
Then write for 10-15 minutes, pen not leaving the page. When you are done, read it back to yourself, out loud if you wish. Thank yourself for taking the time to meet yourself on the page. Your practice is now complete.
*****
I feel blessed that my classes continue to be sold out. It is a testament to the power of this practice, and it is my honor to hold the space for others to write their truth.
The next eight-week round of Writing Circles begins Tuesday, April 14th, 4 pm to 5:45 pm PT on Zoom, and In-Person begins Friday, April 17th, 10 am to noon.
Zoom: Early registration by March 14th: $360 ($400 after). In-person: Early registration by March 17th: $360 ($400 after). If we haven’t written together before, let’s connect! dayna@daynamacy.com
*****
Retreat: Sunday, May 3rd, Save the Date!
On Sunday, May 3rd, Chrisandra and I will be returning to the beautiful Zannah Organic Flower Farm in Occidental for a day-long writing and yoga retreat! Two long writing sessions, a beautiful restorative yoga class, and delicious vegetarian and vegan farm to table food! 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. $395 before April 3rd. $425 after April 3rd. If interested, please email me!