Dear Earth, it’s the simple things.

Yesterday we had a very simple day. We woke in a leisurely fashion, went for a long walk with Aiko, ate a vegan fry-up for lunch, napped, read our books, did a little bit of writing, and had a pizza-and-television evening.

I remember several times thinking, ‘I am happy’. It wasn’t because of anything complicated, darling Earth. I was happy to spot a heron gazing out across the pond. I was happy to eat a bowl of Ben & Jerry’s caramel coconut ice-cream. I was happy to read my novel about trees. These ordinary things felt like extraordinary luxuries yesterday, dear Earth, because they are.

What luxury to have a whole day off to walk through the woods and across the fields in bright November sunshine. What luxury to have a husband who loves me. What luxury to have my health. What extravagant, preposterous luxury to be alive in these times, in this country, in this body, right now.

Today I’m burrowing back into work, and picking up complicated threads of correspondence and lists of things to do. I’m still carrying yesterday’s glow, and it’s also slipping through my fingers. Our brains contain universes, and many of our protective habits keep us from experiencing you as I did yesterday, sweet Earth.

That’s okay. Whether I feel the glow or not, I know it’s there. Parts of me remember how lucky I am, even when other parts of me are flooding me with their pain, hate or despair. The sun is always there, despite dark clouds, and despite you, dear Earth getting between us and it.

It’s often the simplest things that bring us the most pleasure, especially when our hearts are open and soft. If you what to know what that looks like, just watch Aiko – my greatest teacher. (Muddy puddles! I love muddy puddles! A smell! I love smells! Satya! I love Satya! Kaspa! I love Kaspa! Oh, there’s Satya again! I love her! etc. etc. etc.)

Love, Satya <3