“Hope is a dimension of the soul … an orientation of the spirit,
an orientation of the heart. It transcends the
world that is immediately experienced and is anchored somewhere beyond its horizons. … It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty
that something makes sense regardless of how it turns out.”
― Vaclav Havel
In this time of systemic and environmental collapse, which some call “unprecedented”, HOPEFULness is a very hot topic. Thank you, Patti, for having the courage to put it out there as our challenge this week! (See her interpretation HERE.)
My illustrations of Hopefulness were all gleaned from my very first trip to New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) last weekend. NOLA is a city with a unique history, a colorful layering of cultures and suffering and community awareness. I visited during the annual Jazz Festival with nine other members of my family. Humanity was evident everywhere! And the stories of relationships were palpable in the streets: indigenous, Creole, French, Spanish, African, and American people interacting in every way.
“It isn’t outcomes that matter. It’s our relationships
that give meaning to our struggles. If we free
ourselves from hope and fear, from having to
succeed, we discover that it becomes easier to love.”
― Margaret J. Wheatley (author of Warriors for the Human Spirit)
Traveling with my sisters, and my adult children and their partners was a heart-filling intergenerational experience. We are all unique individuals, and we are all family. We value our own choices, and we value each other.
“We’ve learned that no matter how despairing the circumstance, it is our relationships that offer us solace, guidance, and joy. As long as we’re together, as long as we feel others supporting us, we can persevere.” ― Margaret J. Wheatley
I was struck by the stories of the Mardi Gras or Carnivale parade traditions in New Orleans. I suppose I had assumed they were about debauchery, hedonism, or self-aggrandizement. I now have learned that they are also about honoring the human spirit and community support. The African-American “krews” who make and parade in elaborate feather costumes in semblance of indigenous cultures are paying homage to the bravery of those tribal people who assisted slaves escaping on the Underground Railroad at the risk of their own lives. They raise their children in awareness of the price and practice of solidarity as they prepare annually for these parades as a family.
scillagrace 
So much truth to this, Priscilla. I too found New Orleans different than I expected. A friendly and accepting people giving rise to each his own. Interesting history about the parades. And I smiled at the family connections. I feel the same with mine. So many personalities, lifestyles, interests, and when we get together, we are simply family.
Thanks for resonating with this, Donna! 🙂
Always love your words.
Priscilla, I enjoyed your response. We spent a weekend in New Orleans during Mardi Gras season and found the parades of young people to be uplifting, though a steady weekend of rain dampened the festivities.
Thanks, John. Lots of water running through NOLA, for sure!
Hi Priscilla. I really enjoyed your post and was moved by your words. The visit was a perfect “vehicle” for a message of hope. I didn’t know the backstory about the indigenous people and the slaves. Fascinating. Your message at the end really resonates with me: So, I suppose I am interested in discovering what might lie beyond Hopefulness and fear. I am interested in building supportive relationships based on what is needed, on what is most important for the good of the whole community. May we all be able to support each other so that all may thrive. Thank you for a wonderful response to the challenge!
Thank YOU, Patti! I appreciate a very timely and important challenge, and this certainly was.
Beautiful photos (love that hat!), thoughtful commentary and quotes. 👏
Thanks, John!
Priscilla, thank you for bringing up “this time of systemic and environmental collapse.” Your photos and thoughts speak volumes. Beautiful post from beginning to end!
Thank you, Egidio! Hopefulness is a continuing important challenge for us all.
A very powerful perspective this week Priscilla. And your family getaway/reunion was perfect timing for our hopeful challenge. Wonderful response.
Thank you, Tina. It felt like a perfectly matched theme. 🙂
I loved your images and commentary Priscilla. Well said.
Thank you – I loved yours as well. I will remember to hug a tree today! 🙂
Thank you! I think even the trees like the energy transfer!
A thoughtful and beautiful post, Priscilla. You always have a unique perspective on the challenges, it’s wonderful to see.
Thanks, Sofia!
Beautiful thoughts as always, and this time…they touched me so about the differences we all have and still being a family. A truly wonderful post!
Thank you so much!