Because of our current predicament (against our will we are living in an area slowly being destroyed by induced seismicity), I’ve taken on another role. Besides a writer and an artist, I am now also an activist.
Does this make life easier? Not at all. I had enough roles as it was. Really, how many levels can one person unravel during her life? But hey, presto, I opened my mouth and took a stand, and though it was scary, I also felt that it was OK. In a way, a writer/artist IS an activist.
Activism is hard work, though. These past few weeks, I wasn’t sure what I found more distressing – the fact that I knew I was taking on a huge system that is rotten to its core, or the fact that me fighting the good fight is so insignificant, on the scale of things.
“Fight With A Heavy Heart” – click for larger image
But gradually, I’ve come to see that it doesn’t matter that I am the tiniest of drops in the ocean. What matters is that I act upon that which I hold dearest: being true to my soul.
The road ahead is dark, and to stay afloat I must stop focussing solely on the bleakness of it all and remember that, first and foremost, there is light within.
(There is SO much light within!)
So, for the umpteenth time, I have worked hard to drag my heavy heart out of the mud, and it is now taking a bit of a rest. I know and feel I’ve had help this time round, for which I am very grateful.
To continue to be an activist, I need to keep making art and keep writing poems, stories, novels. These are the things that honour my heart, which hopefully means it will not become so heavy again anytime soon – leaving me with one fight less :-)
PS The original painting is now available in my store. By buying this work, you not only support me and my family, but also honour the good fight. Plus, you get a potent reminder to always, always rescue your heart, no matter how difficult that struggle may be…