New Year Prayer

This year, especially: 


Find a body of water, and be still beside it for a time. Build a fire and watch the flames. Sit on the porch. Lie on the grass. Light candles. Take a deep breath. Write a letter to someone.

Discover something new everyday. Learn. Tell stories. Listen to old people. Ask them questions.

Do something nice for others when you can and treat yourself occasionally. 

Read actual, real books and newspapers. Buy grocery store flowers. 

Spend an entire day without looking at your phone. If you feel the urge to post a selfie everyday, take a picture of some other beautiful thing instead.  Remember that there is power in moderation.

Learn to cook or bake something new. Enjoy every meal. Savor your food. Drink water.

Any chance you get, hold a baby.  Anytime the opportunity arises, dance.  Always swim or wade in the water.  Study leaves. At least once this year, pee outside. 

Be completely quiet. Turn your favorite song up as loud as it will go. Sing.

If someone makes you feel bad all the time, get away from them. Laugh with others. Laugh while you're alone.

Spend time with animals. They make us better people.

Don't judge. Think this: "There but for the grace of God go I" or "Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."  

Forgive others.  Forgive yourself.


               Silas House, from "What I Know: a Prayer Essay"


Comments

Anonymous said…
I am an old person and if you asked me why people throw shade at Kentucky I would consult my experience as an old person who's lived in North Carolina for 75 years. In the Atlantic article I'm thinking of, Silas House says he has a "beautiful" George Floyd mural in his downtown. That's all he says about racism. If he thought about that angle, he would see that what he needs to work to erase is the impression folks have of Kentucky, which is the same as the impression they have of North Carolina, which is (the fact that) that most of its white citizens have the following overriding concern: it's the niggers.
January 3, 2021 at 8:30 PM
Roiann Ridley.com said…
My goodness- I love your suggestions and am very appreciative to have your intellect and influence in Kentucky!! Couldn’t read your blog post and the sad NC comment without leaving a good word. I have hope and do believe brighter days are ahead with great writers like you @Silas helping point the way—keep it up!!
January 4, 2021 at 7:13 PM
Nate Orshan said…
Love the prayer, less enamored of anonymous commenters feeling like they can drop the "N" word with impunity. Can we get that comment edited or removed?
January 1, 2022 at 9:07 AM
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