On Solstice, in my neighborhood, I participate in a Guatemalan ritual called Quemar el Diablo. In the silence of the darkness, I light a fire outside and write on little papers all I wish to give to the fire: resentments, grievances, the longing for justice, grief and sorrow, the unfinished business of a life. I hold this small and fevered planet, with all its chaos and all its beauty. I try to reckon with what I cannot fix. I light the fire to try to put some intention into the flame: more empathy, more generosity, more courage to be in truth, speak more truth, more coming to terms without capitulation and despair, to find joy, not just distraction, to laugh despite the evidence otherwise in the chaos of politics, to embrace not knowing in whatever form it takes.

So, this Solstice, perhaps you might join me and light your own candle or fire.

...Inevitably the earth turns toward the light.

Mikele