Monthly Archives: April 2021

It wasn’t discomfort

I went out to eat at a restaurant recently. It felt good to sit down to a table and have someone else do the cooking. But I felt uncomfortable. Why?

I have been to other restaurants during the pandemic. They have been few and far between. All wonderful establishments that take pride in serving. Just as this place did.

The staff was wearing masks, properly, for the safety of their patrons. Customers were wearing masks outside their bubbles and stayed in their bubbles. The place was clean, the staff pleasant. So, again why did I feel different?

There was one restaurant that gave me concern. But not the feeling I was having. What was it?

Then I realized it wasn’t discomfort at all! It was grief. Deep sadness. It has been over a year now. People confined, alone, longing for such a privilege as I indulged in. Unable to do so. People wearing masks for everyone’s safety. Postponing appointments and family gatherings for health yet to the detriment of well being. The stark realization (this isn’t the first time) that this is how it will always be. The sadness was overwhelming.

People we don’t even know suffer every day for the things we enjoy. And the loss we have experienced this past year will effect all of us, in different ways, for the rest of our lives.

Yes. It was grief. An unfortunate grief experienced now for over a year. Some people experiencing more than others.

So wear your mask, keep your hands clean, and carry on.

“Winter is Coming!”

Potawatomi Medicine Wheel

“Winter is coming” is the motto of House Stark in the Game of Thrones fantasy TV drama. The Lords of the North strive to always be prepared for winter.

Recently I stumbled upon the Potawatomi Medicine Wheel. Potawatomi’s are a Native American People of the Great Plains, Upper Mississippi River, and Western Great Lakes Region. Their Medicine Wheel is a visual tool intended to remind their people of the significant aspects of life.

I find this illustration elucidates the unending circle of life, death, and renewal. The sun rises in the east is the begining of a new day. Yellow in color. In this Medicine Wheel it signifies spring and precedes all things. Red signifies summertime when the sun is warm. It promotes life and abundance. Black is equal parts of red, yellow, and blue. A painter would say that black is a mixture of all colors. The Potawatomis have a smudging ceremony where they waft sage smoke to rid the body’s negativity. Black on the Medicine Wheel signifies Autumn/Fall when things end.

But, “Winter is coming!” It has a new, positive meaning for me. It is a cleansing. A purification. A preparation for Spring, which precedes all things.

Happy Spring!!