Rainy February

Dear Friends,

Happy February! It is a rainy day here in San Diego. I am cozy in a coffeeshop with Tara. It is crowded here with people working or trying to work but trapped on social media or chatting away. I love this kind of bustle. I feel like I am part of something when I am surrounded by it. It is so comforting.

We are fortunate that we can do this and that our homes are safely on high ground. Many of our fellow San Diegans lost their homes in the last rainstorm last week. It is not surprising that it was the more poor neighborhoods that suffered. They are regularly neglected by those in power. Canals were left obstructed despite these neighborhoods’ requests that they be cleared years ago. And now these folks are going to face eviction as their homes are damaged and landlords take this opportunity to renovate and charge higher rents. It is awful.

I think we need to care beyond ourselves. It is a necessity for a fair and truly prosperous society. This includes allowing uncomfortable feelings in our minds without trying to find an excuse to ignore them. It is easy to focus on self-preservation. But I find that those who don’t have much are among the most compassionate people I know. You don’t have to treat caring about others as a luxury.

I think of this a lot.

I wish you all a great month ahead. It is Imbolg today, the Gaelic first day of spring. It is also almost Setsubun, a Japanese new year and spring celebration. And Lunar New Year is almost here, too! The year is still unfurling. I am so feeling that time goes so quickly. But such celebrations show that time can be grasped by appreciating the unfurling. It is a nice way to ground ourselves.

Take care! It is a new month and a chance to appreciate where you are. I am so glad you are all with me.

Your Friend,

Danny