Inspired by Joanna Macy’s cycle of active hope that transforms despair and apathy into constructive, collaborative action.
The roots of my gratitude are deep
I appreciate my health and my safe home
I am thankful for the care of loved ones and my community
I am blessed to have time to write this poem
The leaves and stem of my pain are strong
I mourn for the lives we have lost and may yet lose
I fear my own mortality and the anxiety buzzing in my brain
I regret not sharing more with those in need
The blossoms of my vision are bright
I believe we are all in this together
I understand how deeply we are connected with the natural world
I realize I have much to offer.
The seeds of my actions will travel
I will act to protect myself and my loved ones
I will reach out to those in need
I will remember this experience even after we recover
The strength of our active hope will sustain us all
May our gratitude comfort us
May our pain encourage us to seek help
May our vision open our eyes to climate change
May our actions bring an end to this virus
May these words bring truth
and healing through open hands and hearts.
And then, let it flow back into our Mother Earth
for the love of all her beings.
©Diane Finkle Perazzo March 2020
For more about active hope check out Joanna Macy’s work here: https://www.joannamacy.net/main
Image credit: Dori Midnight
Diane Finkle Perazzo 
This is amazing, powerful and beautiful. Thank you so very much for sending your seeds of possibly out into the world. I/we are so very grateful.
Sophia
Sent from my iPad
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Thank you Sophia! ❤️🍃
Blessed be, sistah!
“I will remember this even after we recover” – yes! Our memories have become short with all the distractions that rage around us in our “normal” world. May we hold close the calm we are entering and pass through it wisely and with grace and ease.
Thank you! xo
So true! Thank you Kate!