We shall bake a black promise. One that rises to fill every soul, leaving no room for sticks and stones. We shall sit at a table round and bare, with no heads, no wooden spoons or cups to fill. We’ll play games for no prizes, make rainbows without green and red, black and blue. We’ll shed tears and fears into a well so full it forever flowed into holding hands, as trees grew back tall around us and grass reached out lush and long, holding us so high in endless respite – there would be no end or beginning. Click on typewriter for Clunk & Jam note you can print and keep close. Photo of a group of young people who came up with this symbol of shared strength.
Just some light conversation and things to think about as the red man approaches…. Morticia Addams used to cut the flowers off roses and arrange the thorned stems in vases. An alternative is to put the flower tops in a small bowl – they last for ages and dry to shape in the pot… if you neglect them long enough. I gave my ‘wise man of the couch’ (psychologist) one of these black iron pots (pictured) and often bring him a rose bud picked fresh from the garden. When I return for the next session, the rose is still there in its pot. And it would actually last forever just like that. It’s symbolic of containment for me I think – and maybe a sense of continuity. But all that analysis aside – it’s also about the joy of giving. With Christmas upon us check these previous posts… ‘Wanting Small’. This about ‘Less is More’. And something the think about in relation to ‘Unhappiness’. Pass it on Morticia style – click, click…
A strange phenomenon… when I go on Youth Focus camps and spend time with young people – one thing strikes me everytime. 20-25 young individuals arrive to spend a weekend together and often there’s only one thing they have in common – they’re all different. That ‘difference’ too, seems to be the carrier of loneliness, the feeling of disconnection and lack of sense of place in the world. But, over the space of a weekend, that very difference is what unites and strengthens them. Why? Because, unlike the world outside the camp environment, difference is valued and accepted there. So it’s safe to reveal their true selves, however strange, weird and unacceptable that might be to the outside world. And they are safe also to try on new ways of being without judgement and criticism. And it always makes me wonder … what if being different meant you’d never be alone again….what if society valued and appreciated difference as opposed to casting aside those who don’t fit the mould.
What if individual flags were flown in the face of the ‘one size fits all’ (we know it doesn’t). Wouldn’t the world be a far more interesting (and safer) place to be …. pass it on or click on the typewriter for a Clunk & Jam note you can print and stick somewhere to get others thinking about this strange phenomenon- and perhaps make some strange difference to the world….
Drawings by Ann James found in an old school magazine called ‘Blast Off’.
When you’ve got a head that’s full of good thoughts and images, life looks a whole lot different to those who have a head full of unwanted thoughts and images. And they say thoughts can’t hurt anyone else, but they can cause harm to yourself. One way I dilute unwanted thoughts is by reading and collecting helpful words and images. Creating an alternative world - which is what I do through the Clunk & Jam notes. And because of all the overbearing thoughts in my head, reading can be a challenge, so as I read I have to write on and circle things that I wan’t to remember – and share. Click on the typewriter to view this interview I marked out with Author, Paul Jennings in Dumbo Feather Magazine. He talks about a boy with mental illness; about the value of dark stories to children; and about not fitting into the tribe too (2 pages)… click and see…
On the weekend I spent some time with a brave young soul (at go-karting), whose friend had taken her own life - she was only 15 years old. And it’s really hard for those close to comprehend and understand this tragic loss of life. Deal with questions left unanswered. But what was so heartening was that this young person had arranged a raffle to raise money to assist with funeral costs. And many others friends were out raising money also. But it wasn’t just money these young people were raising – it was also awareness. It was also a rally of strength between them all – something that will help them get through this. To stand again, and keep standing as a tribute to their friend. Although this film clip has the theme of war – some battle a relentless war within themselves. See links page for further support. Or call Lifeline 131114 for 24 hour support or visit the Lifeline website.The Red Tree short film is really soothing. And there’s an article about suicide here. Strength to you all…
In memory of lost souls – some hopeful light (for Skye). Click here to join Black Dog’s call to ‘group mend’. Read more about how we can mend as individuals and as a community here. You can pass this on through your facebooks too (click on symbol below).
