Gratitude

 

Wow. Just wow. 

Looking back on 2020, we saw many trials and tribulations, fear and uncertainty, moments of despair, and moments of amazement and joy too.

Most of our moments of joy came from you, our wonderful, dear patrons, supporters, and friends. 

We feel blessed, not only to have made it through a difficult year but also to be part of a community that is resilient, supportive, and strong.  We are stronger together and this last wild year has proved it.  We are so grateful for your continued loyalty and encouragement. 

 Harmony Moon is celebrating 25 years this year!  And, quite frankly, we're not quite sure what 2021 will bring.  We know we will need to continue to be flexible, to continue to expand our online store, to perhaps offer more online classes and workshops as we know we will not be able to re-open our in-store classroom anytime soon.  

We also know we will continue to offer the same quality handmade goods that you have come to love, to continue to support our fair trade and American artisans as we always have, to support community charities, non-profits, and our beloved arts institutions as much as we can.

We are so proud of our Harmony Moon community!  Each day that we are open to serve you is a blessing and a joy for us.  Thank you.

 

 

 

"We come now to the very brink, where hope and despair are akin.  To waver is to fail." -Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings, book five, chapter IX, "The Last Debate"

 We all like to cling to our perceptions of duality - us vs. them, good vs. evil - it makes for a better story and allows us to be the hero of our own folktales.  

However when knowledge of people, places, historical moments, and events increases, then "them" can look a whole lot more like "us."  "Bad", when seen in a different light and from a different vantage point, can seem like "good."  

This bifurcation does not serve its purpose of changing people's behavior and attitudes, it only reinforces them.  In other words, it’s human nature to say that “it's not US who needs to change, it's THEM” regardless of which US or THEM you are.
 
What is lacking on both sides of the equation is compassion, empathy, and kindness.  I am not condoning harmful or unethical behavior.  However,  the only battle that can be truly fought is not "us" vs. "them," but "you" and the "better you" that you know you can become.  To paraphrase Thornton Wilder, “the good and excellent YOU stands moment by moment on the razor-edge of danger and must be fought for.” 
 
To reach that “better you,” please consider, moment by moment:

• Choosing inclusivity.

• Choosing equal treatment for all.

• Choosing empathy for those less fortunate.

• Choose kindness.

• Choosing love.  Always.

 

 

Power of Prayer

"I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us, and we change things." - Mother Teresa 

 

I believe in the power of prayer:

• prayers as we remember the lives lost on 9/11/2001
• prayers for all victims of COVID-19
• prayers for all those treated unjustly because of the color of their skin, their gender, their sexual orientation, their religion
• prayers for casualties of the west coast fires
• prayers for all victims of wars and acts of violence
• prayers for all that the world has lost - people, wildlife, natural beauty - due to global warming and climate change
• prayers for you and your loved ones
• prayers that the power of prayer can change us and that we can change the world