What Now?

Another week – more innocent people, their homes destroyed and loved ones killed, added to millions of other refugees. The Russian Bear tries its best to level a democratic country yelling claims that it’s fascist and ruled by Nazis. Really – with a Jewish President who’s probably thinking stand-up comedy was so much easier!

If I went on I’d run the risk of ending up in the gulag or even worse – just ending: poison darts in a park or strangely spiced tea. So perhaps something in a lighter vein (no, not bleach as suggested by an equally dangerous individual) but some random thoughts on Spring or Life since Sunday last (3/20) was the spring equinox when the sun was overhead at noon and day and night were equal in length.

We’re coming into Spring when the trees bud and snowbells and crocuses pop up through the snow in warm corners. Forgive me, I’ve forgotten that Havok is online and is read worldwide, and write from where I sit – if you’re down under, please save for 6 months.

I’ve done my pruning, at least as far up as I can go. And I try to tell myself to ease off on the comfort foods – all that energy being held in reserve or providing extra insulation is no longer needed.

There’s plenty of advice on the internet to consider. Right after St. Paddy’s Day, detox seems to be a popular spring-time suggestion. Just surprised it isn’t coupled with not listening to the news or watching the shenanigans in DC. A soak in a hot bath with added minerals is a less painful way to detox. And it’s not just a girl thing. Big men take baths! They may need a bigger tub, but OK – splash less. Think of it as a reward for all the hard work you did. And if you sneak in a little rubber ducky – I won’t tell.

Commune with nature. No need to go overboard. When you’re out walking, running errands, take a minute (or 45 seconds if you’re really pressed for time) and look around. I mean really LOOK. Observe how the tree-tops cut across the sky, or lay out against the front of the buildings in the background. Or at eye-level, the pattern of bushes screening the front of a house. And listen: how many different sounds can you connect to a source? Be nice if they came from birds or ducks, cats or dogs. But if it’s from a squeaking truck, what kind of animal could it be – a big mouse, well, a really BIG mouse. Or the thumps of a waste removal truck – a herd of elephants?

Ah, and better yet, eat a little bit more of nature by way of a nice green salad. Try incorporating a new vegetable or splurge on one you may like but is a bit pricey: watercress, spicy sprouts, radicchio. Or dice a little baby bok choy in a salad. Best yet, find a vegetable you may never have eaten. Think of the country of origin. Befriend the food and the people they represent. (Beware of allergies.)

And soon local asparagus will be available. Best of all – for those in the know – spring mushrooms are coming. Time to organize a morel hunt!! But be careful. A walk in the woods is a good thing even without the mushrooms.

Look around you; listen up. There are many reasons to be thankful. We should pray that they are available for all others in good health and peace.

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Ken was a Professor of Mathematics, a ceramicist, a welder, and an IBMer until downsized in 2000. He taught yoga until COVID-19 decided otherwise. He continues writing, living with his wife and beagle in Shorewood, Wisconsin. He enjoys chamber music and mysteries. He’s a homebrewer and runs whitewater rivers. Ken is a writer and his literary works can be found at https://www.kmkbooks.com/

He welcomes feedback on his articles and can be reached at havokjournal@havokmedia.com.