Ukraine at VCCA

The atrocities are continuing. It is horrifying. While here we are at VCCA. The juxtapositions are disorienting. There was a suggestion from a fellow fellow to get together one evening last week and share something about this war and being here. Below (photo and mini-essay) are my contributions.

Stream of consciousness on Ukraine at VCCA.

Sorrow and rage are two of the many emotions that overcome me (along with fear, disbelief, despair and…). Years of therapy have taught me that ignoring or denying these emotions does not usually help for very long. The high energy of rage leaves little room for the depth of sorrow, but there they are, both, together. Confusing. Exhausting. 

Of course, this is nothing compared to what the people on the ground are experiencing. What privilege I have of never experiencing a war zone or having to flee for my life. The Ukrainian response has been inspiring, heartbreaking and a model for us all. If you haven’t seen today’s Post article, “Music as Resistance” – a 25 minute concert in freezing weather – amazing! But the brutality continues. This is one of those situations where my empathy is not helpful, just debilitating. But what can we do? Here, in paradise at VCCA?

Donate if you are able, sure. If you can’t send money (and even if you can), send energy, good juju, reiki, prayers, meditation, whatever tradition you follow. Send the yellow bursting joy of those daffodils on our walk, the swooping delight of bluebirds and cardinals, the endlessly varying songs of mockingbirds, send all this possibility of spring – to yourself, to the world.

Try not to break down under the pressure, the fear, the anxiety. Solidarity in whatever fashion we practice, such as doing what we are doing here, right now.

This will help us to continue to practice our art, which is why we are here at VCCA. And to stop practicing our art – that is to let Putin win.

Onward in solidarity. Slava Ukraini! Glory to Ukraine!

I tried to take a photo of my favorite tree with the moon behind it, lying on the wet ground. I failed. So here above, instead, is the iconic VCCA night photo (thank you, Karen Bell for printing it for me). I’m sending the energy I get from looking at it to those who need it. Onward.

Sarah B. Dorsey