Day 2488: Who are we?

In previous posts, I’ve posed the bloggy questions “Who am I?,” “What am I?” and “Where am I?”

Today, I’m going more global with “Who are we?” because

• every new story and news story I read these days implies, to me, this question about the current state of humanity and
• I took this photo yesterday.

Who are we?  Are we

• factions of humans who never agree?
• a species who can bond together over a common goal?
• violent?
• kind?
• selfish?
• empathic?
• hating?
• loving?
• capable of change?
• doomed?
• serious?
• ridiculous?
• leaders?
• followers?
• thinkers?
• feelers?
• wise?
• stupid?
• enemies?
• friends?
• hopeless?
• hopeful?
• memorable?
• capable of remembering?

Are we ready for my other photos from yesterday?

I don’t know if I’ll remember the Alamo, but I’ll always remember Deb Carmichael.

Here’s Who are We? by The Dixie Hummingbirds.

How would you answer today’s bloggy question?  Who are we?

Are we grateful?  I am, for all those who help me create this daily blog, including YOU.

Day 2484: Girding and preparing for the day ahead

A few weeks ago, after girding and preparing myself for the day ahead,  I gave a speech at my 45th college reunion where I mentioned this daily  blog, as follows:

Also, seven years ago I expanded my network of friends by starting a daily blog. Every morning, including today, I’ve written about my heart, my son, my passion for the healing power of groups, my song-writing, my cats, my hopes, my fears, this speech — whatever helps gird me and prepare me for the day ahead.

Girding and preparing for the day ahead includes

• getting in touch with my priorities,
• observing what is,
• relentlessly celebrating the small things,
• awareness of loved ones who have passed,
• connecting with humans and other creatures, and
• sharing my photos from the day before.

Here’s the obituary of Debora Carmichael, past President of the Northeastern Society of Group Psychotherapy, who was such an inspiration and support to me and so many others.

I am girding and preparing myself for a day without the earthly presence of Deb,  friends, family members, and other shining lights who have passed.

Girding and preparing myself includes listening to music I love. Yesterday, when I was walking amongst the creatures and environs around me, I was reminded of a musician I loved when I was young — Jacques Loussier, who played jazz versions of Bach pieces, like this one:

As always, girding and preparing includes sharing my gratitude to all, including YOU.