Hunger

A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. —Brene Brown

These are challenging times. We are being asked to shoulder all the sorrows, surprising sweetnesses and unsettling machinations that cycle through what we now call the “new normal.” For me, dealing with what seems like insurmountable problems, the pandemic and effects of systemic racism, creates an emptiness in my stomach as if little food has passed my lips.

At other moments, I sense a growing confusion in my actions—of walking right instead of left, of not remembering where I parked the car—and this, of waking up only to discover that the place I landed in has shifted—the certainty of yesterday up in smoke. What can I do to find my place in the world? And help others find their places? In Margaret Wheatley’s words, the only way through is forward.  “Are you willing to use whatever power and influence you have” she said,” …and rely on our best qualities to create, produce and persevere?”

Recently, I read that one out of five children in America today are hungry. Food is a basic need and, yet, many are going without meals. And kids are also hungry for connection and belonging. For acceptance and respect. Being seen. So much heartache to bear. What can we offer as artists, as writers, as musicians—creatives—to make children’s lives more fulfilled, validated? Friendship and connection, new learning and creativity, discovery and fun.

Yes, I have fumbled through painting a unicorn fairy garden, explored with kids on Zoom a writing exercise entitled “Who Am I” (still working on this), did my best to draw electronically an astronaut and dog, and made up song ditties while jumping rope. Do I think such activities are precursors to young people becoming a Monet or a Toni Morrison? No, but I do think doing creative activities together can foster a sense of purpose for children, a personal connection and feeling of belonging.

Parker Palmer said, “I think there are two ways for the heart to break. It can break into a 1000 shards and explode like a fragment grenade…. Or, it can break into largeness. You can take your heartaches and use it to become a bigger, better person.” Poetry, music or painting—whatever imaginations bubble in your minds—foster real connections and create new memories for young people. Be an adult who sees something in another. The seeds for growth and learning are already there. All a child may need is sunshine and a little attention from someone like you. – Becky Breed

Creativity Exercises:

1) Identify a child to spend time with in your neighborhood, a grandchild, a friend’s son or daughter. Or, think about volunteering your time with someone who is culturally or ethnically different than you. Find out what they love—music, painting, writing, dance. If social distancing is required or if they live far away, be creative. How can you transform the space between you? What can you do to give kids new memories?  Watch VCC #OneVoiceChildren #memories Mix- maroon 5 children’s choir cover.

2) Or, finish these conversation-starters and see where your creativity takes you:

“I want to live in a world where children…”

“I am committed to…”

Pick up your paints, bring out your clay and Zoom together a shared creation. See where your imagination takes you.

Go to thewritingandcreativelife.com and find more things to love.