A Note From the Redaktor:

 

 

Dear Forum Readers, Dear Polish Center Community:

 

Ummm, welcome to winter?

Is it welcome?

Not sure exactly what it was, but last cold weeks challenged me to my core. The weight of the year seemed to land squarely on my shoulders, and I couldn’t shake it. Nothing seemed to warm me, satiate my unhappy belly or calm my shaky nerves.

It was time for me to stop and take a pause.

In the course of not working last past 8 months, feeling alone and overwhelmed by fear, not being grateful for so many things, there is also pushing away of receiving thanks which I am apt to do at times. When I’m in that mode, I tend to think I’m not good enough or that my hard work isn’t worthy of other people’s accolades. Michelle Obama, in her book Becoming, talks about that. “Am I good enough?”, she asks herself. And each time, she reminds herself, “Yes, I am.”

Last week, it was my turn to remind myself of those same words. And, in steeping myself in the mood of „gratitude” and noticing how blessed I am by being healthy and having people I love close to me and being able to still provide yoga, even in pandemic, when so many yoga places suffer, I was reminded that we are all good enough. I am in a better space this week after the Christmas. A hardy meal revived my dwindling energy and led to a solid night’s sleep. A long walk with a friend, even in the snow, revitalized my spirits; and a letter to you all to connect with our community, has brought me out of my funk.

So, as a friendly reminder, I invite you to think about the following ideas:

 Move your body

 Connect with people you love and care about

 Eat real food and rest well

 Offer yourself loving-kindness without hesitation.

 Remind yourself that you are enough

Perhaps, simply put: Steep yourself in gratitude of yourself, for yourself, to be yourself. A little time of meditation, or prayer, a short or even better – a long walk – You may find it liberating from the weight of things you may be carrying on your shoulders.

Ten months. We’ve survived ten months of uncertainty, of newly developed habits and of personal growth, despite such strange times. At our house, the summer and fall months crawled. But it was the good kind of slow. My family embraced our time together. We took two blissful trips to Miami, but mostly stayed home, exploring our small neighborhood., grateful to have our space, our health and one another. We indulged in too much ice cream and watched our favorite movies of the past. I have always turned to the outdoors for comfort, taking cues from nature to guide and transform my energy. Even now when snowy winter arrived and when I don’t like winter, being outside gives me hope. I am reflecting on many teachable moments that have emerged amid the conversations our society is having to help shape a more positive future.

These days, little feels predictable. We don’t know what the next ten months (or weeks) will bring. But I do know this: I’ll always find solace outdoors. I will always find joy visiting my son, despite the circumstances. My family will always have room for ice cream. And Forum will keep connecting you to creative thinking, to creative people making our communities brighter and better – for everyone.

I also know that NOW, when we still live in slow motion, now is the time to reflect and plan for the meaningful future positively. Now is the time to change something what bothers us for years. Now is the time to learn something we have always wanted to learn. Now is the time… to use the time wisely.

With good wishes for a New Year,

Editor in Chief, Agata