Finding Solace, Finding Strength
“You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring. The first lesson is to make yourself that strong.”
― Holly Black, The Wicked King
“It’s in the most trying times, when we ourselves have nothing, that we mustn’t forget there are higher virtues like compassion, kindness and solidarity. Doing something when it is hard, because it is the right thing to do, matters more than doing it when it’s easy.”
― T.L. Huchu, The Library of the Dead
The right to strike is under increasing threat in the UK. As I write this, many public sector workers across many different sectors are striking. The reasons are varied, unique to each job and profession but can ultimately be reduced to the fight for better pay, job security and conditions. In the face of overwhelming public support (you wouldn’t believe it though if you watch any type of mainstream news), the Tory government is pushing through legislation that would forever change the right to take industrial action.
But that isn’t the only issue people should be concerned with, there are many threats to the rights we have, and it doesn’t take long to find them. You don’t need me to rehash the issues here. If you are looking for somewhere to start, this is a good piece and provides a good springboard for further exploration and research if you are inclined.
It’s tiring though, isn’t it. These issues are ones that we should all be concerned about, are not unique to the UK and are a symptom of capitalism, particularly when the plebs get a bit lairy. I think what can be most tiring is the feeling of uselessness so many of us have. It’s easy to become swamped down with the struggle of surviving in this current cost of living crisis. In the face of such, it is easy for the small people, the individuals, to feel powerless. What can I do, just one person?
Like I’ve already said, I have nothing new to add to the discourse, no interesting new insight, or any clever sounding statements or analysis. Instead, I offer this, a small token to be sure, but one that I hope might give you whatever solace and strength you need to do whatever it is you need to do to survive and thrive in this world of man that seeks to keep us sickly weak. This exercise isn’t a cure all but is instead intended to help give you a little space when you feel the anxieties of the world pressing in. I hope it gives you some strength, if only a little, to carry on a little further, to make those connections with the land and people where you live. May it help to make you strong enough to continue, to take the next step, whatever that might look like for you.
Take a deep breath and hold it for a count of three before exhaling through your mouth. Repeat this for three breaths, and each time, notice how your body moves and shifts. Feel your chest rise and fall. Feel the air as you draw it into your body and expel it.
Allow your breathing to return to normal.
Visualise a ball of gentle light above your head.
Feel it as it radiates a pale golden light.
Feel the energy of the light at the top of your head. It is soothing and energising. Soft and gentle.
Feel the energy as it flows into your body through your third eye. Notice how this feels. Like warm water, flowing into you.
Feel this energy as it passes down through the head and into the neck. Feel your shoulders relax as it seeps into them, down into the upper arms, the forearms, the hands. The fingers.
Feel it as it sinks lower, down through your chest. Notice how it gently dissolves any blockages, knots and small bubbles of stress.
Lower and lower still, down through the torso, past the waist, the hips, and lower still, until you can feel the energy in the very tips of your toes.
Enjoy the sensation of feeling full, of feeling relaxed and content. Safe and secure.
Spend as long as you need in this state of relaxation.
When you are ready, take a deep breath and hold for a count of three before exhaling through the mouth. Repeat twice more before allowing your breathing to return to normal. Slowly become aware of any sounds or sensations in the room, any sounds from outside of the room.
Sit up slowly.
EMMA KATHRYN
Emma Kathryn, practises traditional British witchcraft, Vodou and Obeah, a mixture representing her heritage. She lives in the sticks with her family where she reads tarot, practises witchcraft and drink copious amounts of coffee.
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