August 2025

Abundance

My dad died in early August, almost a decade ago now. He died on the same day that my grandfather and brother were born. It seems strange that he would leave this life on the day his father and son came into this life. The day feels like a portal to me…to what…I have no idea.

I attribute most of my stability and sanity to the fact that my dad was my dad; he was grounded and kind, he never once shamed me, he always saw the good in folks, he loved the Earth, he was generous even when he had very little to give. Thinking about who he was reminds me that there is abundance all around us, an abundance of love and service and gentle tending, an abundance of resources and laughter, an abundance of this wild-green-watery-forested-deserty-magical planet.

August also sings of abundance: of warmth and play, of long evenings with friends, of chattering birds and ripe berries. (I like to tuck this time of year into the back of my mind, so that come the colder, darker months, I can pull it out and remember that warmth and light and growth will find their way back to us again.) This time of year, I notice how much Earth is giving us. What strikes me is that everything is growing even while I sleep; there is something so generous, so magical, about being able to rest and know that when we wake up, even more will be available. More food, more beauty, more life. What a loving planet.

Reciprocity

I read this the other day and have been thinking about reciprocity.

From Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass

Know the ways of the ones who take care of you, so that you may take care of them.

Introduce yourself. Be accountable as the one asking for life.

Ask permission before taking. Abide by the answer.

Never take the first. Never take the last.

Take only what you need.

Take only that which is given.

Never take more than half. Leave some for others.

Harvest in a way that minimizes harm.

Use it respectfully. Never waste what you have taken.

Share.

Give thanks for what you have been given.

Give a gift, in reciprocity for what you have taken.

Sustain the ones who sustain you and the Earth will last forever.

Generosity

I know that not everyone on this planet has a father like I had. And I know that there are people and creatures who cannot access safety, food, shelter, or sane relationships. If we are among those who do have our needs met, I hope we can rest in the wonder of being gently provided for.

And…if we find ourselves with excess, may we practice generosity…with the land, with other humans, with the more-than-human beings we share this living world with.

May you find some laughter and ways to cool off in these high days of summer. She’ll be gone before we know it.

Things to Watch & Read

I just started watching Lena Dunham’s Too Much. Whether you keep your rage and crazy buried inside or let it all out, you might find it pleasant to watch.

A flock of Bushtits has scheduled daily playtime in the shade garden outside of my bedroom window. They are delightful, so I’ve been reading about them.

If you don’t know Orion Magazine, let me introduce you; you’ll find excellent writing about the Earth and our place among all her beings. I love this piece; it’s about life — women, reproduction, democracy, plants as allies — and some ways we can take care of each other.

And this poem.

Full Moon Gathering

Our next Full Moon Gathering is almost here: Saturday, August 9th, 4-530pm. We’d love to see you there! You can find out more here or reserve your spot using the button below.