In a recent conversation with literary podcaster David Naimon, abstract artist Stephen Hayes warns, “This is not the
time to be in a place of comfort.” As we close out this frightening and tumultuous year, I've been thinking about being in a place of comfort.
Comfort can have different meanings in different contexts. Hayes alluded to the ethical quandary of being in comfort while others suffer unimaginable horrors. He emphasized the need for solidarity with displaced and persecuted people, specifically the Palestinians of Gaza. Indeed,
awareness of other people’s suffering disrupts our places of comfort and compels us to act.
A different but related view of comfort has to do with learning, growth, and the transformation of one’s self-understanding. I often told students that in my classes, everyone should feel welcome and invited to fully participate. It was my job to make sure no one felt excluded. But that didn't mean students would always feel
comfortable. I pointed out that if you are feeling discomfort, it likely means the class is challenging your assumptions and worldview. It means you are learning and growing. Learning transforms and enlarges awareness, which disrupts our places of comfort.
Likewise with this newsletter. I am not aiming to put readers in a place of comfort. Yes, I purposely avoid negativity—there are many places for you to find bad news. I
want to highlight positive forces persisting in the maelstrom of meanness, ignorance, and tragedy engulfing the nation and the world.
But avoiding negativity is not meant to bring comfort and reassurance to readers. I agree with Stephen Hayes that this is not a time for comfort, but I also realize this is a time for encouragement. We need the positive to remind us that good work is being done and to inspire our own good
work.
On another note, as I begin the third year of the Sacred Wonderland newsletter, I have made a few changes to its format. You may have noticed last month I did not include a poem. Since no one seemed to miss it, I’ve decided to drop the featured poem going forward. But a groundswell of protest could convince me to bring it back, so let me know if you want poetry in the newsletter.
Otherwise, the newsletter stays much the same, with only minor changes to the order.
Wishing you happy reading and a joyful holiday season,
The Endangered Species Act as Noah’s Ark: “Just as Noah safeguarded all of God’s creatures from extinction, the Endangered Species Act has been instrumental in saving species from disappearing.” Faith Leaders Sign Petition In Support Of Endangered Species Act | National Parks Traveler
An eco-magician: “I like to use magic to show that it can be fun to care
for nature. You don’t have to focus on the doom and gloom.” Interview: Megan Swann, the climate magician | Imagine5
Northern Paiute author and activist Sarah Winnemucca: “Her work as an author, activist and interpreter made her the target of sharp criticisms before she finally gained recognition for her decades of work.” LEST WE FORGET: Sarah Winnemucca - ICT
National Park sites as resources for collaborative learning: Dr. Chandra Manning “realized that her students could volunteer for the National Park Service, doing research and completing projects to support the site and the public’s understanding of Barton’s place in history.” Students Develop Projects In Support Of Clara Barton National Historic Site | National Parks Traveler
Remembering Robert Redford, environmental activist and actor: “I remember hearing early on the Native American principle of not inheriting
the land from their ancestors, but rather borrowing it from their children. That really resonated with me, and I’ve tried to use their wisdom as a guiding principle in my own approach in working to protect our planet.” Keeping Nature in the Picture: An Interview with Robert Redford - Orion Magazine
Cooper Chapel
Photo by T.S. Bremer
Celebrated architect Fay Jonesdesigned the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel in Belle Vista, Arkansas, with his business partner Maurice Jennings. It sits on a scenic wooded hillside with glass walls bringing light and landscape into the sanctuary space. I made this photo in December, 2022, when Christmas greenery and decorations framed the worship space.
If you’re puzzled about what to get for a loved one who loves the outdoors, especially U.S. national parks, you can’t go wrong with QT Luong’s beautiful book of photographs. It’s more than just a hefty “coffee-table
book” with exquisite illustrations of all sixty-three parks. Besides the impressive large-format images, Luong includes maps of each park marking where he made the photos. Every chapter has a short essay about the park’s natural history and geography. Not everyone can visit all the U.S. national parks, but Luong’s book invites readers to experience more of these treasured lands.
I would love to hear from you.
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