Green Mountain grandeur

Farmland along Route 17 in New Haven, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Nature is good at reminding us that we’re part of the vast ecosystem of life. There is so much it richly shares with us, well beyond the borders of our own experience.

That reminder hit home for me on Saturday, when my daughter and I traveled north on I-89 to Huntington, Vermont, for her first cross-country skiing time trial of the season. Now that I work from home, and with travel activities obviously being limited over the past year, we haven't driven past large, consecutive, amazing views of farmland for long stretches of time, as we did Saturday. So, that was a welcome change, and a special treat.

On the way back, we meant to head through Waterbury, but, somewhere along the way I missed a turn and drove the long road into Bristol, and then into New Haven. And I was glad I did — we were treated to stunning views of local farms, the surrounding lands and the mountains beyond. The tapestry of nature was welcoming us to take in more scenery, and I couldn't resist hopping out of the car and capturing it on the camera. One example is the photo above, along Route 17 in New Haven, a tiny, rural community with just under 2,000 people. The grandeur of Vermont is the main feature, but this moment also portrays the combined experience of man and nature, co-existing harmoniously in this precious landscape.

The peaceful scene was a return to something I felt early last year, as daily life quickly turned into a home-based routine. I felt a gradual, beautiful renewal of my connection with nature because I was reconnecting with it, being out in it more often. Seeing so many vast expanses in one afternoon this past weekend was like reconnecting with an old friend, the state I love. Whenever the time is right, I look forward to such a drive again. Seeing so many expressions of nature is a blessing, and a reminder of how vast the world is.

Those kinds of moments take us out of ourselves long enough to remember we're part of an existence that's much greater than just us. Truly we are connected with each other, not separate, and it benefits us to move forward with an open mind and a gentle heart. Nature represents that openness and peace like nothing else can, and we must embrace those qualities and reflect them back to the world. Through that, we forge stronger, more loving connections with each other, and can genuinely share the benefits of our collective greatness — a greatness our majestic valleys and mountains so powerfully exemplify.

— Gareth Henderson

Healing through music

The majestic winter landscape in Starksboro, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Music has a healing effect, a way of cultivating peace within us. We know what a profoundly beautiful impact music had on a world crying out for some calm over the past year. The gift of song answered that call, and still does.

That's why music is part of the answer as we seek calming, uplifting influences at the end of a week like no other. Part of that reassuring effect is the fact that music unites. The peace, harmony and love it imparts is unconditional — it requires no political party, no race, no other background nor attribute. It spans across the human experience and blesses everyone whose heart it touches, no matter who they are.

Sometimes, the effect of a song can be enhanced by hearing it performed with a new voice, which can be a refreshing experience. Such was the case for me when I recently happened upon a 1976 performance of "Homeward Bound", the famous Simon & Garfunkel tune, sung by George Harrison and Paul Simon on the Saturday Night Live stage. This was a new experience for me, as I hadn't viewed that recording before. But I found the song, with the addition of Harrison's talent, to be comforting, just as it was when I first heard it as a young boy.

Even if some of you have heard this performance before, maybe it can be a calming reminder of not only its inspiration, but also the powerful effect of music in our hearts and in the world. Part of the power of song is its ability to stand in stark contrast to unrest, discord, and especially hate. Its beauty starts from a shared place, a place where our common humanity thrives in the joy we all feel from an inspiring song that renews our soul.

From that shared experience, music helps us recognize the potential for productive connections and powerful work that can elevate mankind's progress. Joy is an essential ingredient in that impact, because it makes us look up to the light, and helps us see our abundant potential, far above any discord in life.

Music is a lasting, positive influence that brings us together, even amid severe challenges and times of fear. It's a resource that helps us cut through the fog, dissolve tensions, and lovingly see each other through what we have in common. That starting point gives us hope, and can reveal the possibilities of what we can build together.

— Gareth Henderson

Looking toward the light

The sun shines across Route 4 in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Shaken to the core. That's a good way to describe how many felt when democracy was threatened at the U.S. Capitol this week, but as we know, democracy prevailed some hours later.

Still, after that crucial electoral victory was confirmed, the impact of that historic day persists, and does not relent. People remain shaken, and it's a struggle to handle the lingering fears and doubts. A Capitol desecrated, five people dead after the riot, and the world watching as a mob invaded the building - these are things that used to be unimaginable. Now, an effort is underway to impeach a sitting president, for the second time in his first term in office. A House vote on that could come as soon as the middle of next week, news outlets reported Friday.

Wednesday's chaos dealt a body blow to democracy in the U.S., and our political divisions seem as rife as ever. But even as this historic week comes to a close and so many questions linger, there remains certainty. That certainty involves other moments from Wednesday, that show our common humanity and prove that something beyond the turmoil is at work.

On the PBS NewsHour on Friday, U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-South Carolina), the House majority whip, described one of those moments, when asked to point out his most enduring memory from that day.

"My most enduring memory would be the conversations I saw taking place between (Speaker of the House) Nancy Pelosi and (Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell when we were bunkered down," Clyburn said. "I saw how the government ought to work: Nancy and Mitch coming together, saying what we needed to do to get back to the Capitol, to get back on the floor, and continue doing what's necessary to have a peaceful transfer of power."

Sometimes out of dark days, come shining examples of our greatest qualities. On Wednesday and into Thursday morning, Congress completed its lawful work, with peaceful debate and a commitment to upholding the rule of law, together, as one people. After four years where meaningful, bipartisan action has been rare in Congress, this could potentially encourage more such collaboration. It could be the moment that awakens leaders and citizens to the true value of working together to get meaningful things done, while letting our common humanity light the way.

We each have a role in upholding that value, and the past year showed we are equal to that task. Many times while dealing with the impact of the pandemic, we showed an infinite capacity to love our neighbors and help others. We learned up front, that there is much more that unites us, than divides us. And going forward, we can use that common goodness to take steps forward, together. Now is the time to take that resolve and commitment into 2021.

— Gareth Henderson

Out of unrest, democracy rises

Sun shines through the woods along River Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The U.S. Congress showed the world that although the U.S. Capitol was overrun on Wednesday, democracy was forging ahead.

Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were confirmed as the next president and vice president of the United States, as lawmakers finished counting the electoral votes at nearly 3:30 a.m. Thursday. The process began early Wednesday afternoon, but protesters supporting President Donald Trump (R) eventually stormed the building, and Congress members, staff and journalists were evacuated from the chambers.

The Capitol was secured by early evening, and Congress was prepared to take that fundamental, last step toward completing the electoral process. However, that long step was more than just a completion of a process. It answered the call of many people who were weary after the Wednesday's unrest, and thirsting for a sense of shared, common humanity.

By virtue of lawmakers' firm resolve and under law enforcement's protection, the will of the people was preserved. Democracy was protected. Next, we must restore it. We must make it last, and that comes only through working with each other to support its honorable higher ideals. That work is underway, and it begins with vigilance, to make sure the underpinnings of democracy remain intact. That's a concept Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black spoke of in his closing prayer at the end of the historic joint session Thursday.

"We have been warned that eternal vigilance continues to be freedom's price," he said.

Black continued, "Lord, you have helped us remember that we need to see in each other a common humanity that reflects your image. ... Use us to bring healing and unity to our hurting and divided nation and world."

To heal, unify and restore our democracy is the greatest task before this country. After being sworn in for a new term in office this week, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican who has long opposed Trump, spoke of that fundamental need and lamented Wednesday's events in D.C.

"It ... shows just how divided our country has become and how desperately we need to heal and be united once again," he said. "Because we simply can’t go on like this any longer, and as elected officials, we all have a responsibility to step up and show the way."

The moment the electoral process was behind us, that way became clearer. That act dispelled some of the fog that had gathered in democracy's path, and it was the first step toward restoring hope that had been shaken.

To be clear, many, many steps remain to even sustain that hope over the long term. But meanwhile, in the short term, we forge ahead. We put one foot down, then the other, and we walk this journey. It will still feature many foggy, uncertain paths. Some may frighten us. But if we all "step up" to walk that journey together, we can make progress knowing we have each other's support, and the ability to rally around the cause of democracy. Together, we can oppose and defeat anything that would threaten our resolve. As we have already proven this week, even in the face of severe challenges, democracy rises, and justice overcomes.

— Gareth Henderson

Democracy holding strong

An American flag on the Fourth of July in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

After a day of unrest on the U.S. Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C., just seeing Congress resume the presidential electoral vote count Wednesday night was reassuring in and of itself.

But it was also heartening to see our better angels show themselves in some of the comments heard in both chambers. In one example, Republican Sen. Ben Sasse, of Nebraska, said we need to show our kids Wednesday's chaos was not what America is.

"There's a lot that's broken in this country, but not anything that's so big that the American people can't rebuild it," he said.

This and other comments like it were signs of hope from a place people haven't looked for much hope lately: Congress. But a process that had ground to a halt when Congress was evacuated earlier in the day had resumed, and our democracy may find itself reinvigorated in the end. That's because our democratic institutions are standing firm amid headwinds, just as they did throughout the November election and all the legal challenges that followed.

This process is widely expected to end with Congress completing this process, and confirming Joe Biden as the next U.S. president. Biden has repeatedly pledged to work with his fellow Democrats and Republicans alike to accomplish major legislative goals. But that starts with some basics, as Biden referred to in a speech to the American people Wednesday.

"The work of the moment and the work of the next four years must be the restoration of democracy, of decency, honor, respect, the rule of law, just plain, simple decency," Biden said.

Those qualities were surely expressed in Congress after proceedings resumed. In all, even though some objections were heard to several state's electoral votes, the strength of our institutions was on display and holding firm. Under pressure, our democracy rebounded and resolutely continued the people's business. After a day like Wednesday, that much should give us hope.

— Gareth Henderson

A goal we can fulfill

The woods along River Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As the outward noise of news, elections and controversy rolls on, there is also an impetus beyond the push-and-pull of politics, an energy that seeks to bring us together and accomplish meaningful work for the greater good.

That work can take many forms. But, while listening to news about the Georgia runoffs on Tuesday, I came across a Vermont Public Radio photo of a sign simply stating, "Let us go forward together." The words carried a certain extra weight today, with political fervor reaching a new crescendo amid a week full of major happenings in our nation. And the fervor is certainly understandable, with a new Congress, the runoffs and then Wednesday's count of the presidential electoral votes in Congress.

Still, even in this very political week, a message such as that sign I mentioned above is certainly welcome. Reminders like that help us, for a moment, step out of the politicized thinking that can so quickly narrow our focus. Most importantly, they remind us that we can genuinely work together, because we have done so in the past. The Congressional compromise which led to the recent COVID-19 stimulus bill is proof that this capacity is still there.

Clearly, our nation is about to turn the page and head into a new chapter in its history of political leadership. But there are steep challenges which have followed Congress and the presidency into the new year, with the pandemic and a struggling economy still at the forefront. As 2021 continues, it will still be critical for not only our leaders, but all of us, to strive for, find and sustain the capacity to work together as one people, so that progress can be realized for everyone’s benefit. However the balance of power in Congress shakes out, that will remain the path we must follow. Even as we face headwinds, it's our most crucial goal, and one we can fulfill.

— Gareth Henderson

New week welcomes a new Congress

A winter scene along Barber Hill Road in Pomfret, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Sunday wasn’t the typical ending to a holiday weekend. It was the day that the 117th Congress was sworn in, and it was an opportunity for lawmakers to outline priorities for the year during a momentous week.

Among them was longtime U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), who easily won another two-year term in November. He said lowering prescription drug prices, increasing broadband access in Vermont, addressing climate change, and providing more COVID-19 relief for families and small businesses are among his highest priorities.

“I’m looking forward to working with a new administration to make progress on critical issues,” Welch said via Twitter on Monday. 

During this big week in politics, Tuesday’s runoff elections for two U.S. Senate seats in Georgia will determine the balance of power in Congress. Democrats emerged from the November election with a slimmer 222-211 majority in the House. On Wednesday, Congress meets to confirm the results of the November presidential election. 

Those important political happenings will be closely tracked by Americans everywhere, and, speaking of COVID-19 relief, so will the timing of the $600 direct payments from the recent federal aid package. The first payments started going out on Dec. 29, including those going out by paper check, and will continue to be sent through Jan. 15, CNN reports. More such payments are likely down the road, in some form. One of the top priorities of the incoming Biden administration is a new economic relief package, which the president-elect has said would include a third round of stimulus payments. 

That said, heading into the 117th Congress, politics still present their challenges, with divisions in the country persisting after the election. The compromise on the most recent relief package was a hopeful sign, showing that the shared focus on helping people through legislation remains possible. Let’s hope the focus remains on those priorities which are not political, but great necessities now, including food assistance, unemployment funds, vaccine distribution, child care and broadband. Surely such priorities can still provide a basis for moving forward with ways to help Americans, regardless of party. The goodness and compassion to help one another is still strong within us, and it remains a driving force connecting us all, allowing us to overcome barriers and make progress.

— Gareth Henderson

Two champions of winter

A tranquil scene alongside the Ottauquechee River Trail in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

On winter days when the sun doesn’t appear, and there’s no falling snow, you might say there’s reason for an eager photographer to despair. But with shades of blue and purple pervading the winter landscape, there’s still plenty of room for even minimal light to put on a show for the lens. 

Blue and purple — I call them the foundational colors of winter. You could also call them champions, because sometimes, champions have to shine when their possibilities seem a bit obscure, or even non-existent.

Venturing out to ski the Ottauquechee River Trail in Woodstock on Saturday, I wasn’t sure what I’d find for pictures on a cloudy winter’s day, but where there’s a river and land, you have something good to work with. The purple and blue waiting up there in the sky didn’t disappoint. In several photos, even the precious little daylight nature had left illuminated the elements in stunning fashion. The sky with its blues, grays and whites, the mountains and their purple hues, the stoic fields below, the calm river, the trees and their reflections — all were united in one, grand natural composition. It was there, just being, in perfect harmony. 

More was happening in that quiet place than met the eye. It was life, in all its bounty and richness, absorbing light and creating its own radiance on a cloudy day. At the center of it all, were blue and purple, abundantly sharing their beauty throughout the landscape. All of this holds something special for us to know — and remember. Light doesn’t always appear the way we think it will, but the elements to create the beautiful picture we need already exist. And if we get out into our surroundings and stay open to what life can reveal, we can find the inspiration and encouragement that leads us on to progress. We can find champions, illuminating the greatness that was always there. 

— Gareth Henderson

Joyful dawn

The first sunrise of 2021 breaks forth in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Today, it was a hopeful dawn. We saw the brilliant sun, and felt buoyant joy to see the new year.

On this day of reflection, nature was patterned after our feelings, showing its deep, gentle kinship with us. The earth went sleepily through the night, after the change in weather chilled it to the core, and yet it was ever more covered in light as the new day drew closer. It was calm. Life slowed down and poured joy into the day. As my wife and I took a stroll downtown this afternoon, others did the same, and a relaxed atmosphere permeated the world around us. Light was present.

In a way, the gentle, harmonious emerging of nature in the early hours of New Year's Day urged us to be similarly present with each other. The world is stronger when connected through kindness, harmony and gentle regard for others. Using our moments to compassionately form stronger ties to one another is a good starting point for 2021, and one that nature reflects. It encourages us to grow stronger through those opportunities, embrace them, learn from them, and share the lessons they teach. Let's elevate that concept in our lives this year, and welcome the warmth of that powerful, connective light, strong with its promise of unceasing renewal.

— Gareth Henderson

2020: the year of discovery

Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley of the North Universalist Chapel Society speaks alongside Woodstock Police Chief Robbie Blish at a Black Lives Matter rally in Woodstock, Vermont, on June 9. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

2020 was the year that turned us into discoverers. As our struggles grew, our connections to one another were revealed and, in many cases, also reinvigorated. We learned those connections underpinned one grand, shared existence, enriched by the diversity of individual experiences. And this year, more than ever, we felt the true weight of what we shared.

Throughout 2020, how often did we hear that major events, just a couple of months apart, seemed like they had happened "years ago"? That refrain underscored how unique the year was, and how we bore the multi-layered impact of converging challenges. But we didn't bear that heavy load alone. We volunteered, we donated, we checked on our neighbors — in all things, we persisted, and we discovered. We came to see ourselves and others in a whole new light, because we found out how much our expressions of love and kindness sustain us.

Still, that virtuous resolve was tested in ways it hadn't been in decades. As the pandemic impacted the world, so did cries for justice. The killing of George Floyd and the tensions that rose up in its aftermath caused us to look deeply inward. Multiple generations of multiple races protested, with young people in particular leading inspired calls for change. The younger generations remained determined, even in the face of rife criticism — some of it in person. That discovery, that courage, we bring with us into 2021.

We also bring politics forward, knowing that this contentious election season left us much to address. As the current Congress winds to a close, it's important to note it managed to do something rare in 2020: Congress managed to compromise. That compromise led to the new relief bill, and, though it wasn't a perfect deal, it's getting economic support to many who need it, and it showed genuine collaboration can still do some good on even the grandest scale. Not long before, many might have called such a compromise impossible.

That word may describe 2020 very well. It was a year of impossible challenges, that required impossible solutions. But we persevered as a people, and discovered those answers were possible. We greet 2021 with vaccine distribution happening, with a greater awareness of race issues, and with, perhaps, a chance to see more political compromise in the future. Through such sweeping change in 2020, we're still firmly rooted in our compassion for one another, although some national issues may make us think otherwise. We're stronger than we were, and more aware of each other's needs, how we live, and how we can express the love that supports the greater good. That's a reassuring way to move into the new year.

— Gareth Henderson

Cherishing hope for all seasons

Lights along an Elm Street sidewalk in Woodstock Village. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

It wasn't long ago that varying temperatures and the crunch of leaves under our feet were common features of the outdoor experience. But now, we're firmly in the chilly grasp of winter, and — if the forecasters have it right — we'll soon feel even more snow crunching underfoot.

The full arrival of wintertime is one more reminder that, regardless of changing human circumstances, the natural world rolls on. There is some comfort in the constancy of nature — it has ushered in the seasons we're already familiar with, during a year full of things unfamiliar. The experience that sticks in my mind the most was the shift from winter into spring, and what a huge sense of hope, comfort and renewal it inspired. The world was coming alive, showing its brilliant light and resilience, and posing a stern, visual challenge to the dark shadows of adversity.

Today, we're faced with a winter of now-familiar obstacles, including the pandemic, political tensions, and the struggling economy. But even as these loom large, we don't have to forsake the feelings of hope the spring inspired. We can remember all that’s been renewed and richly expressed, time and again, which is our love of and dedication to our neighbors and communities, and our collective strength in the face of many hurdles.

Those virtues remain at the heart of our existence, because they are foundational to us. They persist because we are still here, with each other, and for each other. No matter how steep a mountain we have to climb, we can still genuinely seek ways to work together for good and witness progress. That's a foundation made from hope, and one we can still build on.

— Gareth Henderson

The value of slowing down

A hillside winter scene off Cloudland Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A newsroom colleague of mine used to have these words taped across the top of his computer monitor: “Slow down”. In my mind, I can still see those big, bold letters, and I understand why they were so important. They were a reminder of something that’s healthy to do, but isn’t always part of an endless cycle of deadlines. You slow down to not only give more thought to what you’re doing, but also to let life’s other components, like family, bless and enrich your experience. 

The lovely non-routine of Christmas Day and the following weekend made me think of this concept a bit more, with the holidays being the ultimate time to slow life down a little. No need to speed up the routine on that weekend at all. Everything has its place, but it happens when it happens. It was a great time to re-engage with the outdoors and get some exercise in, as well. My wife and I got the cross-country skis out at night on Christmas Eve, which was wonderful, and we also got a couple of walks in — including tonight, with the returning chill in the air. I think snowshoeing is also on the list for this week, along with a forecast for more snow, which we love to hear.

The last few days reminded me that slowing the daily routine down helps us refocus on the most important things in our lives. That’s certainly one of the lessons of 2020, to open up to newer, fresher ways to look at life and its blessings. We may have found that the things which bless us the most have been right here with us all along. We just need to slow down and pay attention to what really fulfills us and gives us joy in life.

Those slower moments can be some of the best teachers, and they have a way of letting our better attributes into the picture more often, such as love, compassion and humility. They are our guides in the gloom, and they can show us better paths. If we keep allowing those moments into our experiences, we keep growing, and in many instances we learn what we wouldn’t have learned otherwise. Such opportunities show us the grander lessons of life, and learning those with love and humility is what we’re built to do.

— Gareth Henderson

Our most cherished gifts

Seasonal decorations in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

When Christmas arrives, much attention is given to what will be waiting for us under the Christmas tree. What can we expect this year? Without a doubt, the anticipation, joy and love we feel on Christmas morning is a cherished blend of feelings that enrich us. Throughout the day, reconnecting with family is part of that precious tradition. It's a time to slow down and remember what truly matters in life, and enjoy some fun moments with those we love.

Of course, a lot of Christmas holiday traditions look different this year. If we're connecting with other family members, we're likely to be doing that virtually. Events that fill the community with people have gone online, with the hope of returning to normal in 2021. For a lot of families, there are fewer gifts under the tree than last year. Everywhere, many things remind us about change, and make us worry about what is to come.

But our true gifts have remained the same, and give us hope for the future. The love and support neighbors have given each other, that's still happening now, along with efforts to provide some help for families who are struggling. In Vermont and throughout multiple states, people are holding up some joy for others, by decorating their homes and neighborhoods for the holidays. The outdoors has also provided some wintertime enjoyment, and some much-needed peaceful moments.

We are indeed facing a landscape of diverging experiences. On one hand, there are the challenges. On the other, we have the things that help us weather the difficult times — love, compassion, joy, patience, humility. In many ways, the holidays inspire us to feel those qualities, and acknowledge and cherish their presence in our lives. The news we hear or read about may not match those qualities, but the fact is, people are gravitating toward them more than we think. There are people helping others with groceries and chores, providing resources to each other as they can, and raising money to help with ongoing needs in their communities. We have cause for gratitude; there is a great deal of kindness happening in our midst, and it touches each of us.

During this holiday, as we receive all of our lovely Christmas gifts, let's remember the ones that have nothing to do with money, the ones that lift up and strengthen our hearts in even the darkest hours, the ones that open the way to hope when the impossible must be done. Those are the gifts that give us the most light, the deepest joy, and the greatest riches.

— Gareth Henderson

Finding our truth in nature

The afternoon sun shines through the woods by Cloudland Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Nature has been a steadfast support for many people this year. As so much has changed in the world, the basic elements of the natural environment endure, along with that constant sense of peace the outdoors provides. This has been a meaningful and healing refuge for people amid challenging times.

That refuge has never been more relevant for people's lives than right now, especially with COVID-19 relief from Washington up in the air — again. In various ways in 2020, the national news hits home locally like it never has before. But in Vermont and elsewhere in New England, the winter landscape provides a number of opportunities to head out into nature and forget the worries of the world. That kind of relief is always available, right outside our doors, and it goes well beyond the confines of the material landscape.

The abundantly harmonious, peaceful atmosphere of nature is an essential resource. It not only helps dissolve our worries, but nature's peace is part of the bedrock of our existence. It points to a certain permanence we might take for granted, but is foundational to our well-being. It's truly wonderful to know the beautiful landscapes we enjoy have similar, harmonizing, grounding impacts for everyone. These impacts are not isolated; they unify us.

The near future will once again bring challenges, some we perhaps can predict, others we couldn't possibly see coming. But what is for certain, is that we have a shared existence, one in which we all have access to the same amount of good, which we can readily share with one another through kindness. Similarly, the natural environment is something we also share, a grand ecosystem that supports all of us. And we have countless opportunities to enjoy it, and learn from it. Let’s remain open to opportunities to learn from each other as well, as we move through this season of celebration. So many times in 2020, we’ve lifted each other up, and we know there is a lot more that brings us together, than separates us. Now is the time to hold courageously to that truth.

— Gareth Henderson

Taking a deeper look

The Ottauquechee River under snow and ice in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

What’s obvious to the eyes is often not the entire reality, and nature has a way of reminding us of that concept. If the surface level seems to speak volumes, you can bet there are more details below it to aid understanding. 

A stunning example of this caught my eye on Saturday, when driving along Route 4 in Woodstock, Vermont. The snow and ice blanketing the surface of the Ottauquechee River captured the sun, creating a brilliant, white expanse. Viewed outside of context, the beautiful scene in the photo could pass for a snow-covered field, bordered by trees and brush. But instead the picture carries one of nature’s deceptions: a river disguised by winter and topped by snow, looking for a moment like something totally different. 

We usually find that what’s happening at the surface is only part of the story in any situation. That concept applies broadly to 2020, a year with such unique challenges. So many times, the layers at the surface seem to complete the narrative, but they don’t. Below the surface of the pandemic, where contagion and fear threaten, a collective perseverance empowers those on the frontlines. Below the surface of the economic downturn, people have rallied around suffering businesses. As hopelessness confronts us, a neighbor steps up to help another neighbor in need. Some volunteer for their local food bank or help a friend shovel snow. 

Examples of unselfish efforts to help others are abundant. On the cold, icy surface where obstacles spring up, you wouldn’t necessarily see the layers of good people are expressing. But the hard work and good deeds are continually making a difference in people’s lives, and it’s the greatest inspiration to know that such love and care embrace the world, even during tough times. If we strive to reflect those qualities, we can help others see goodness where it seemed hidden from view. Sometimes, all it takes is a deeper look. 

— Gareth Henderson

One small step of kindness

The sun glows through the clouds in Woodstock, Vermont, on Thursday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Indeed, 2020 has been a year of moving forward with new steps, often unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable steps, as we navigate today's landscape. However, that new landscape has also made goodness stand out a bit more, giving us a new awareness of smaller things that used to get little more than a passing thought.

Now, we all know a smile, a kind greeting or a simple offer of help can go a long way. They each provide much-needed comfort, some extra nourishment for the soul, which is especially important during these holidays when large, festive gatherings with loved ones are greatly missed. We can continue to show love and kindness to others even in the smallest ways, and when we do, we shine light into our own lives as well. Also, people are ready to show kindness, and ready to help. Everyone has spent too much time away from other humans this year, so it's that much easier for everyone to relate to each other and see the need for a kind moment or two.

I experienced that concept on Saturday, and I was reminded that people are beautifully helpful, and sincerely so. After dropping off our daughter to ski at Pico Mountain in Killington, my wife and I drove down Route 4 into nearby Rutland to run errands. Several times at a local shop, we found ourselves in the same section as another customer, who cheerfully helped us find what we needed each time. I know the staff was grateful, since there were only a couple of employees on the floor during that shift. So, this woman’s kindness helped in a couple different ways. Later, we enjoyed a friendly chat by the check-out line. All told, the whole experience lasted a few minutes. But it got me thinking about small ways we can lift up each other’s day. The truth is, it doesn’t take much; just a couple moments of consideration, and some grace.

There's no better time to cherish kindness than during the holiday season, because that loving spirit is alive within each of us, and so very ready to be shared. Taking a quick minute to lovingly reach out to someone is well worth it, because the impact goes way beyond ourselves. It uplifts everyone involved, and ushers in a happiness that benefits us all. No gift has greater value than that.

— Gareth Henderson

To rise and renew

Sunlight pours over the landscape along River Road in Woodstock, Vermont, on Friday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The day after a winter storm, nature puts on a brilliant, sparkling show of beauty, and Friday didn't disappoint. In contrast to the cloud-filled sky of a day ago, sunrise gradually filled the landscape with light as Vermont woke up to frigid single-digit temperatures. Some of us had more snow removal to handle, or snow to play in, but for others, it was a day to look out on and admire from the indoors — at least for the chilling morning hours.

That last line describes me well (the staying inside part), but by mid-afternoon, spending time at the desk became old, and it was time to check out this day of abundant sun and snow up close. The temperatures rose somewhat as daylight grew, but a strong chill hung in the air with the stillness of winter. The late-afternoon sun along River Road in Woodstock was sharp, piercing the snowy white landscape with its dazzling rays. The light, cast into the woods, held its graceful poise upon the trees and snow, as shadows boldly heralded the coming night.

Yet, this show of light and shadow was not gone in an instant. It had its own peace and permanence, with the light's power and vitality remaining strong even in seeming retreat. After driving to several spots along River Road where I could photograph the setting sun's brilliant impact, my wife and I took a walk along the section near Billings Farm. By then, the sun was hitting only the very tops of the surrounding mountains, and I was pondering how spectacular certain views would be during sunrise, when the veil is lifted for the day. The graceful transition from darkness to morning holds a timely lesson, that the light can’t be forever hidden. It must always rise and renew everything in its path. That's sunrise — buoyant, joyful, strong, advancing. It always returns, with the hope of a day renewed.

— Gareth Henderson

Winter’s majesty

Branches are weighed down by heavy snow in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Early forecasts had the southern Vermont area missing the heaviest snowfall of this week's epic winter storm, but that was not to be. Instead, some parts of the region got over 40 inches, like Ludlow which saw a whopping 42. Elsewhere in the Northeast, parts of New York also topped 40 inches, and snowfall records were snapped in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. In Binghamton, New York, the National Weather Service reported nearly 40 inches of snow, that city’s largest total snowfall since records began in 1951.

This storm got winter off to a start many areas hadn't seen in years. For some parts of the Northeastern U.S., this one storm dumped more snow than the entirety of last winter. That says a lot about the size of this storm and the mild snowfall some areas experienced last winter. Obviously, this week's winter blast was the antithesis of mild, and caught some people quite unaware. Case in point: Check out the timelapse video in this CNN report where some lonely deck furniture quickly gets buried in Binghamton, New York.

Speaking of decks, cars and walkways, many of us were thrust right into the middle of wintry clean-up in the blink of an eye. This storm seemed that fast. In some parts of the region, the snow fell at six inches per hour. That slowed and continued through part of the day, before tapering off in the afternoon as people everywhere continued with their wintry tasks. A few people turned to wintry walks in the evening, and, as for us, my wife, daughter and I headed downtown for a brisk walk in winter air — my daughter bringing her Nordic skis along for fun.

In every way, today felt like the beginning of winter, and with its majesty all around us, I look forward to enjoying it and letting its beauty inspire me as I write. That inspiration can be shared by all of us, as winter brings out some of the most beautiful scenes in nature. Perhaps that awe-inspiring beauty can warm our hearts at the coldest of times and inspire us as we endeavor to make progress in life. That's the kind of inspiration we can really use this winter, and with that spark of winter's majesty, we can bring that light with us into the holiday season and share it with others.

— Gareth Henderson

Our innate perseverance

The sun brightens up Route 4 and its environs in West Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In the face of even the most severe challenges, we persevere. That virtue is at the core of our country’s identity and has become a strong, steady guide in the darkest of days.

While observing Vermont's geography, especially as winter winds chill the outdoors today, it naturally represents the foundational perseverance at the heart of our nation. The stalwart, unmovable mountains set in rock and the valleys carved over time have themselves persisted through some of Mother Nature's most unforgiving winters. Amid times of stirring change, they've turned those obstacles back with their relentless strength, and in any season, their beauty, vitality and determination remain.

Similarly, Americans have faced and overcome adversity this year with the same perseverance. It's a relentless quality desiring not only to survive, but to help each other survive. We have consistently shown a dedication to each other and to our local communities. People continue to support their neighbors in various ways and persevere through this unique holiday season, maybe even finding a little joy along the way.

As with Vermont's mountainous landscape, there are highs and lows in the vast continuum of life, and at times, we might have some of each. But even with the difficult circumstances before us, we have the strength to persevere and make progress with our best qualities leading the way. If we persistently put one foot in front of the other and let compassion guide us, we will find our steps moving in a positive direction, and others will be inspired to do the same. That positive direction has power behind it, and we build and sustain it with perseverance, underpinned by the good we do each day.

— Gareth Henderson

Starting with compassion

The Ottauquechee River flows through Woodstock, Vermont, at dusk. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Understandably, much focus has turned to our struggles, which are daunting. A pandemic, economic hardship, and uncertainties around federal relief — these all add to our fears. 

But in these times, especially when the situation is at its bleakest, we can find some comfort in remembering how we've gotten this far: by helping each other. Many of those efforts have been rooted in compassion, a quality that unites us through loving and caring for each other. This virtue, innate for each one of us, binds us together in the toughest of moments. 

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott referred to this during the first night of Hanukkah on Thursday. 

“The traditions of Hanukkah are rooted in a period of perseverance and triumph for the Jewish people, when a small group overcame the odds to witness a miracle," Scott said in a statement. "This year, we faced some of the greatest challenges of our lifetime. ... But through it all, we leaned on one another and met each obstacle with determined unity."

This provides a chance to consider what we've done amid our shared challenges, Scott added. 

"Let’s focus on all we have achieved together because it should be the kindness and compassion that defines us," he said. "This is the light that will guide us through the dark."

To be sure, we're facing a lot of that darkness today. Vermont and many other states have set daily records for new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks; federal unemployment benefits are expiring in the middle of an economic downturn; and the political divide keeps widening as Congress struggles to advance a new relief bill. The Pfizer vaccine's approval by the FDA was applauded by many, but it's likely to be a matter of months before vaccinations are widely available. 

Even with the major issues facing the country, a spirit of compassion still pervades our daily lives. Neighbors helping each other remains not only a trend, but part of who we are as a people. We've all felt the warmth of the holiday season bringing out the best in people, as it always does, even as we have to forego many of the typical seasonal gatherings. That's a very different feeling from the politics we read and hear about, but it's my hope that a compassionate approach to relationships will increasingly improve discourse at the national level. While none of us holds all the answers to how that should happen, kindness and compassion should be guiding us. That positive approach is natural to us all, and we can forward that progress by making our own approach to life more compassionate. We each have a role to play in the larger story we’re building. Positive impact on that story starts with individuals, we can each put some compassion into the scale, even when we face a mountain of challenges. When we do, we help build a better society, step by step.

— Gareth Henderson