Some Give and Take
Interdependence as radical action
A cartoon
A thought
Self-help and extreme independence are part of late-stage capitalism. If we work hard enough, just try hard enough, we will have the money to sort out all our problems. To buy our solutions, to buy support and help.
I know this: I would rather do more work and make more money to pay someone to sort something for me than, god forbid, ASK FOR HELP!
So this cartoon is really to remind me of what I need to remember - INTERDEPENDENCE is the way of nature, the natural way of being, in community, in relationship. Reciprocity is the natural law, not independence. I have a note in my drawing ideas file that says:
Don’t give more until I can take more. Giving is pleasurable; taking should be, too, as you are allowing others to give. I don’t know who to credit for this gem, but I need the reminder!
Oh, the unlearning and deprogramming - I am such a work in progress.
Glimmers and sparks*
My glimmers for today are:
This Parisian band: Les Fo'Plafonds - I want to have this much fun!
Beautiful songbird morning, including an Eastern Whipbird who I often hear but never see! You can check out the sound here: https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profiles/eastern-whipbird/. Also, the Grey Shrike-thrush, whose scientific name is Colluricincla harmonica - best songbird ever!
Enjoying the company of my little dog who is lying in my open office door, soaking up the sun and watching the world go by.
Li’l bean is your reminder to pause and ask: What are your glimmers for today?
From your friend and your small, steadfast companion,
*Drawing Li’l Bean helped me navigate out of a period of depression in 2023. A good friend 13, 595km away, helped, too, through a ritual of swapping daily glimmers via text.
A glimmer is a tiny spark of hope, enthusiasm or joy that lifts your heart. By helping me find three glimmers each day, she gently helped me see the joy and beauty already around me.
I’d like to share this practice with you and invite you to reflect on your glimmers for the day when you read this. Think of Li’l Bean as a reminder to notice the glimmers and sparks in your life. We’d love it if you would like to share your glimmers in the comments or by hitting reply (if you don’t like sharing publicly).
I wonder if different birds can understand each other's calls?
Like, can the magpie understand the kookaburra?
Can the galah understand the Fairy Wren?
Love your little cartoon this time - words are not needed.
M xx
Thank you, Gillian, and Li'l Bean, for recharging my battery 🙏
Related to your birdsong glimmer, M16 Gallery in Griffith, Canberra, has a lovely exhibition by Jorji Gardener called 'Tree Maps for Birds, Wayfinding' 🦜🎶