Inspiration that always progresses

A view in South Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson)

When I step out of the house for the first time each morning, I often look up to the sky. What is it presenting today — a sky-scape that’s gray, or brilliant blue? Was the morning forecast correct? These questions are answered in a heartbeat, but that information really doesn’t predict our day. It doesn’t even predict much about nature, which thrives in navigating the unexpected and presenting us with sudden moments of beauty. Nature is that book with an unpredictable next chapter. 

I turned to such a page this afternoon, observing a lonely crabapple tree near my house. It was one of the last trees on the property to lose all its leaves. This may appear to be a disadvantage, when it comes to beautiful outdoor views. I myself was close to looking away. But then, I saw the larger picture: The pelting rains this afternoon had left hundreds of tiny water droplets on the branches, up and down the tree, as if each one was carefully placed there. What little light remained in the day was captured in each tiny droplet, hanging neatly from the bark. Together, they made up a whole network of rows of water droplets, lining the underside of each branch. Below the great sky, even on such a gray afternoon, this is really what the natural world was presenting: beauty not seen by many, but there, available for instant inspiration. 

What beauty I would have missed, if I had simply assumed I had seen all there was to see. I love what can be gained from a few moments of humble observation. If we take that time, and don’t take our surroundings for granted, we can learn something new each day. And there is always one more insight to be gained, one more lesson to know, one more kernel of wisdom to absorb. These small inspirations of nature serve to bring us a little bit more out of ourselves, and make us think more of the greater world beyond our own walls. The more we embrace such insights, the more we solidify our connections with that world and our fellow brothers and sisters that share it. 

Even on those gray days and amid difficulties, those moments of learning show us we can cultivate progress together, and see it manifested. Nothing can keep us from those moments. They are there for each of us, and abundantly so. We just have to remain open to them, regardless of how that morning sky may look.

— Gareth Henderson

Listening to the rhythm of nature

Fog settles on the hills by Lake Pinneo in Quechee, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

At my desk this afternoon, I had a constant companion: the raindrops, and the art they made. Their steady tapping on the skylight created the most gentle rhythm, leaving little circles of water on the window for a half-second. They landed, and down they went — the effect of perfect music. 

Naturally, they inspired me to play a few songs on my guitar, including a favorite of mine from Jakob Dylan, “Something Good This Way Comes”. As I played along, nature provided its calm, steady percussion. I added my sound to its sound, and on a rainy afternoon, the day got a little brighter. Like Dylan says, “This kind of day has no night.” 

The best part is, this inspiration doesn’t need long to settle in — it only needs us to have an open mind, and pay attention. When the day seems dark, gray and gloomy, there are reflections all around us of nature holding guard and setting the tone. We’re all included in that harmony, and each of us has the opportunity to reflect it a little more, moment by moment. Ever-present good is there to guide us, and we decide how much night enters into our day. Every honest step in a positive direction welcomes more light into our experience — it helps us see that goodness in the world. That’s true progress, and our constant opportunity to thrive.

— Gareth Henderson

The power of brilliant moments

A scene along River Road in Woodstock, Vt., on Monday afternoon. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The late afternoon sun is setting a bit earlier these days, reminding me that the first sparkle of light on a sunny day is a precious moment. Many of us miss that first glimmer of brilliance, edging its way over the hills until subtlety gives way to splendor. 

That last part, the splendor filling the sky, is what we remember most. But the entire display begins with one ray of light, leading to many. That single ray is powerful enough to illuminate any point of darkness, because it’s never separate from the greater light source. 

Stunning, ever-present illumination filled the Ottauquechee River corridor on Monday afternoon, as my wife and I walked the dog along River Road in Woodstock. I felt life coursing through the landscape, from the squirrel scampering up a tree, and the birds soaring over the water, to runner and cyclists enjoying same stretch of road. Plants glimmered in the sun, even in the forest shadows along the road, catching what light they could. We felt the gentle breeze passing by as it moved the plants and tree branches nearby. Reaching a stone wall, the view opened up to a wider scene with the river and surrounding landscape, seamlessly existing together, seasoned partners through decades of changes. 

Indeed, though change comes and goes, there still are many expressions of good in the world, like the progress of a river current, or the strength of roots underground giving life a firm foundation. Some of those expressions are seen, others unseen. Some deeds receive public reward, while others quietly move forward outside of the spotlight. We may not always see goodness in its most conspicuous forms, but it is still powerful, persistent, and existing among us. Even its smallest expressions carry profound meaning, though they may struggle sometimes to be noticed. Whatever is happening today, we should remember that even the faintest glimmers of light can grow, top the dark hills, and fill the sky of tomorrow.

— Gareth Henderson

Sharing a new tomorrow

A brook at the Green Mountain Horse Association in South Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

One of the gifts of writing is that it’s elastic, broad, expansive. It can capture things that may otherwise go unnoticed. Sometimes, those things enter into the written word by way of the camera lens. 

When we were walking late in the day on Saturday, on the grounds of the Green Mountain Horse Association in beautiful South Woodstock, we crossed a small bridge with a quiet brook running underneath it. Unassuming and serene, the sound of the bubbling water came to my ear, and then the sunlight dancing on the surface amid the shadows caught my eye. The camera lens wasn’t far behind. 

That quiet moment came on a busy holiday weekend. GMHA’s historic 100-Mile Competitive Trail Ride was back in town, bringing equestrians and spectators from near and far. On Friday night, tackle football returned to Woodstock Union High School, where WUHS notched a big 35-16 win over Springfield. Also returning to the area this weekend is the Quechee Balloon Festival, with entertainment for all ages. On a yet larger scale: The school year began this past week for the Woodstock area and many other districts, with Vermont students able to see their teachers and each other once again, five days a week. 

Taken together, these events and many others mark a return to familiar ground, more progress toward more normalcy. Though the pandemic and numerous other issues present challenges, the opportunity to visit loved ones more often, see our kids return to school, and enjoy the events and activities we missed for so many months, does have a powerful impact. Being out and about gives you another lens through which to process the changes of life and come to terms with its challenges and further opportunities for progress. And you understand more fully that others are having this experience as well; we are one world going through this next chapter of existence, together. 

That said, “together” doesn’t always feel comfortable. We’ll encounter obstacles as the world grows into a new future, and people will confront the tough questions about what we’ve really learned from the past 18 months. But right now, we are building from moments, quiet moments of reflection, whether it’s walking past a bubbling brook, or spending time catching up with family or friends. Those times let the light of good pour in and illuminate our experiences every day. They give us opportunities to ponder concepts bigger than ourselves, and be aware of issues that merit more of our attention. If we approach life, right now, with a more expansive, compassionate thought, that’s fertile ground where lasting progress can take root. And that’s the way to nurture and care for this vast, precious world we all share.

— Gareth Henderson

The omnipresence of music

A field along Route 106 in Weathersfield, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Music is like the abundant goodness in the world: It’s all around and inspires us when we least expect it.

That musical magic came to my virtual doorstep on Thursday afternoon, in the form of a Jakob Dylan song I hadn’t heard before. I’ve been a fan since his famous days as the frontman for The Wallflowers in the 1990s, when a slew of their songs like “One Headlight” and “6th Avenue Heartache” topped the charts. Great songwriting was already in the family, thanks to his dad Bob Dylan, but Jakob also followed his own path — ending up with some real gems during his post-band solo career. 

One of them was “Something Good This Way Comes”, which Jakob wrote in 2008. Perhaps like many who were in high school in Jakob Dylan’s chart-topping days, I lost track of him after the 90s. So, it was a treat to discover this song, with its mellow, laid-back melody and positive message. I was grateful to hear it, as we near the end of a very newsy week which has brought its share of political rumblings and related fears. A simple tune can bring us back to center, and shine a welcome light on the good in this world, giving us hope to face what lies ahead. 

That light, however, is part of a much bigger picture; it’s greater than just a fleeting feeling. When we receive that gentle, calming inspiration from a great piece of art, whatever its form, it’s really part of an ecosystem of reminders telling us about the best parts of life. Like continuous radio signals bringing songs to us, they are everywhere, and always at work. Even when the radio is off, those same ideas are all around us as we look inward and embrace that ever-present goodness and love. They drive progress, and, as we remain open to such moments, they touch the heart with that light of good, and its sweet permanence. As the younger Dylan’s song says, “This kind of day has no night.”

— Gareth Henderson

The steady move into summer, like a river

The Ottauquechee River, as seen from River Road in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In this year of progress, the seasons have come and gone at a rapid pace. But come and go they must — on Sunday, the first day of summer arrives. Life marches on, sustained by that profound, natural momentum we all can feel.

The transition from spring to summer is, indeed, the least pronounced of the seasonal changes. Though beautiful and always much-anticipated, the differences between fall, winter and spring are decidedly more stark.

But when it comes to human activity, like traveling and traffic, you see the change more clearly, especially with summer holidays coming up and people heading for outdoor adventures. While running some errands on Friday, I went down River Road by the Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, and saw a number of people walking and biking. The most noticeable change, though, was seeing a couple of groups enjoy the rope swing into the river. That's an activity I shared with family on a regular basis, while growing up in the area. That one observation showed me that, those favorite pastimes with friends and family don't disappear, they come back — just like the blooming flowers and vegetation we've seen all around us in recent weeks and months. That's part of that momentum, like a steady river current urging us toward progress, as the warm season advances and the post-pandemic era approaches.

Indeed, all these changes track with natural progress, a collective opportunity that can't be taken away from us. Sometimes, it seems hidden for a while, like the sun behind a group of foreboding clouds. But progress, goodness, love, compassion — they still abide there, cultivated in their abundance, and quietly doing their work as we press onward. Over time, these qualities gently urge us to learn from each other and grow as a result, sometimes against great headwinds.

At those times of struggle, when the path is steeper, it's most important to claim our innate goodness and trust it to guide us forward, knowing others will recognize it and correspond to it. As seasons grow and change, and new challenges come about, sharing the good we have is the path toward continued progress. It shows us, and teaches us, that light is always there.

— Gareth Henderson

A broader view of life

A flower in bloom on the Woodstock History Center’s lawn. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

There’s a certain freedom in wandering new trails and old roads in the area, searching for fresh, new images to capture with the camera. The weather is warming up, with sunlight streaming through the trees and hills, and the occasional rain blessing the landscape. While the buds on the trees are sprouting their leaves, some of the most compelling views are on the ground, right by our feet.

That was true of tonight's featured photo, showing an elegant flower with hints of purple, soaking in hints of light on a dreary afternoon last Saturday. Its home is the Woodstock History Center's lawn, a favorite spot of mine. It's an ideal place for a quiet stroll, to take in the view of the Ottauquechee River flowing by.

Seeing nature from a broader viewpoint has great value, but so does noticing those smaller, more subtle instances of life which also make a compelling picture. That awareness requires a willingness to slow down and engage with the varied life experiences right near us, grounded in the firm foundation of life. Doing this, I’ve noticed things I might have very easily ignored or taken for granted in the past, like the subject of the photo above. That little flower, with its elegant simplicity, is a humble representative of beauty, peace, and progress. It's a reminder that, as I eagerly search for those qualities, they're abundantly being expressed all around me.

As 2021 continues to bloom, and the activities and routines we've been missing become possible once again, we can have the presence of mind to proceed with a broader view. We can remember — and engage with — the seemingly "smaller" aspects of life that bring us joy, changeless good, and meaningful peace. Those qualities have value far beyond the workings of daily life, and it’s natural for us to share that goodness with others. As we proceed through the week, that is surely the greatest gift we can offer the world.

— Gareth Henderson

Embracing progress, like the river

The Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Progress for the greater good is a concept we all embrace. It's the very engine of life. There’s always a push to go up higher, to achieve more, and persist through challenges to seek opportunity.

For some time now, the gradual lifting of statewide restrictions has given us hope as we make further progress toward the eventual end of the pandemic. The idea of striving to help one another has continued, as activities slowly but surely return to some semblance of day-to-day normalcy.

We're each glad to note how things are improving during these weeks, and it's been a steady source of inspiration. Saturday night was the first night I have been out to see live music in a restaurant in almost 16 months. The band, George’s Back Pocket, performed at Du Jour VT in Ludlow, and played its inspiring song “The River”, which reminded me of the serene, powerful nature of this grand waterway. 

A river is winding, turning, in constant movement, always refreshing itself. Each drop of water, sometimes propelled by harsh currents, moves forward to a new destination. Similarly, we can never go back to a particular moment, nor remain “stuck” in the trappings of tomorrow, but we must be grounded in the present, and humbly move ahead with the progress experienced. Such moments show us that obstacles aren’t forever. Indeed, the most reassuring knowledge is that we’re constantly moving forward, with the innate ability to embrace the ideas we need. This broader view sustains our wholeness and completeness, as we look toward this bright tomorrow.

That bright tomorrow contains much newness, because we've learned a lot over the past 12 months. The pandemic has shown me how technology can connect us, how much we can lift each other up when times are tough, and how work life can be more efficient — just to name a few things. As the situation continues to improve, we can strive to move forward with these lessons learned and use them to propel progress.

That process won't always be easy. Sometimes, new knowledge seems to come into conflict with older methods, and the road ahead becomes unclear. But whatever the issue at hand, we always have the ability to work together toward the opportunities that make the most sense for all involved. That riverbed may become disturbed by progress itself, but the water has the innate ability to seek and find clarity, a purer sense of purpose and resolve. With that focus in mind, we can strive to rise together into a better future for all. From seeming obstacles, opportunities can come that strengthen every community and cultivate strong collaborations. Together, we can continue to embrace progress, persist, and succeed.

— Gareth Henderson

Redemption: a path of constant progress

The Kedron Brook flows through South Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The onset of spring always inspires. Those first few buds out of the ground, the symphonies of birds with their musical movements working together as one — it’s a transformation we all welcome.

This year, this season of change is especially poignant, because it naturally represents the transformation our world is attempting. It’s the embodiment of that transition from a cold, more stark season, to a more hopeful one. That’s what makes the spirit of Easter so fitting for this time of year: that idea of dispensing with the old, to embrace the new. More specifically, it’s that redemption of a former self, for a better reflection of who we truly are.

After a few moments of reflection, we may well feel an eagerness to quickly move on from the main challenges of the past year — namely the pandemic, political strife, racial tensions and a cratering economy. But looking forward, it’s worth reflecting on what those challenges revealed to us. From my humble view, it revealed that a number of old constructs, old assumptions about each other, and old limits on ourselves, were impeding progress and needed to come to the surface for resolution.

At the same time, those challenges also revealed the solution: the best version of us. Our own nurturing, caring, and selfless giving had to be lifted up for all to see, and it was, through countless examples of support to our neighbors here and around the globe. The sunlight of that collective truth warmed our hearts and souls, and shared the fruit of selflessness when we needed it most. You might say, our real strength and courage as mankind was proven. It no longer requires proof, but instead, it needs constant work, patience, and steadfastness to cultivate that strength through love and compassion. Spring is the start of gardening season, where we tend our plots and start our seeds. Those gardens start from meek beginnings, but the same love and compassion we bestow on them, can be used to tend the gardens of our souls and sustain us. These are innate traits we all have, and with them, we have a grand opportunity to make progress and overcome barriers, for the good of all.

But the path is long and winding. Redemption is not the work of a moment; it requires constant effort and focus on the path that leads to the best version of ourselves. Like the springtime, the need for redemption regularly returns within this journey of life, always challenging us to go up higher. As we seek higher ground, we are returning to a place that’s natural to us, because our best qualities are always within us, waiting to be expressed. They hold the key to the best solutions to our most daunting problems, and each step toward a more loving awareness of the world, is another way to show that redemption is possible. That’s the most precious inspiration we can give as a society.

— Gareth Henderson

Tending the garden

The sun breaks through the clouds in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

On Monday, I was at the hardware store in town, gathering supplies for a home improvement project. I noticed racks of seed packets, pots and soil. Wide-brimmed woven sun hats and new fashionable gardening gloves were waiting for their new gardening homes. My wife is a collector of both. Gardening has been on our minds over the last few days, as we had a taste of spring weather tucked in between snow squalls, blustery wind and cold temperatures. 

We wondered, what should we plant? Last year we planted a little too much squash, but it benefited our neighbors and the local food bank. This year, the promise of rows of carrots, lettuce, red cabbage and fresh tomatoes brings promise of a plentiful harvest, nourishing our soul and body. Long ago, I always rolled my eyes when my wife wanted yet another pair of gardening gloves or a sunhat, but now they are more than material things; they are hope, gratitude and love. They are part of expecting and knowing that the path to a bountiful harvest is right here in front of us. Indeed, we know seeds will germinate and fill the garden with vegetables. 

That also shows how the ideas of growth and nourishment are so much bigger than any material object. The family time and creativity that come along with tending the garden are the real harvest. This garden is a complete idea from its very inception, made of those strong virtues that bring it to life. Reflecting those qualities of love and gratitude, we become better gardeners of our own lives. We take better care of the soil, which represents the various elements of our collective experiences. We’re aware of what seeds we buy and plant — what we allow to prosper in consciousness. That’s the kind of cultivation that leads us down good paths, and it helps us plant seeds that encourage growth and progress.

— Gareth Henderson

Marching forward

Sunset lights up the sky in West Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In March 2020, analyses about the growing challenges of the pandemic were everywhere. Our economy, schools, work, and travel came to a halt or went remote. Today, we’re not out of the woods, but one year after lockdowns took hold across the country, it’s a much different scene: We’re able to talk about growing points of progress. 

The $1.9 trillion U.S. relief bill is passed, well over 70% of Americans 75 and older are vaccinated, and three vaccines are being distributed.

In Vermont, the state Legislature is working on a fast-track spending bill for pandemic relief, and the push is on to return all schools to in-person learning quickly, but safely. The state opened vaccination appointments for teachers, school staff and child care providers as a group this week — a key step en route to full-time, in-person instruction. As of Friday, 1 in 4 Vermonters had received their first dose of vaccine. 

That all seemed a long way off, a year ago. Vermont had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 5. Vermont’s state of emergency went into effect the following week. Looking back during a recent press conference, Scott emphasized the great progress on vaccines in only one year. 

“When we had that first case, no one could have predicted, just 12 months later we’d already have three safe and effective vaccines rolling out to defend ourselves,” Scott said. 

As vaccine development was underway, we were also stepping up for each other, which officials in Vermont and elsewhere often acknowledged. During the holidays, Scott asked for examples of Vermonters who were selflessly helping their communities, and emails poured in from people highlighting their friends, co-workers and neighbors. Some communities began their own relief programs; the Woodstock community organized the Woodstock Area Relief Fund, which continues to help those in need. Vermont towns saw food bank donations soar, mask-making became a wartime effort, and people volunteered wherever they could to make a difference. 

Such stories exemplify the heart of Vermont, and reflect the community spirit that has sustained us. It is our guiding light to more progress. Creativity, ingenuity, and patience were seen here and in many other communities across the world. Those virtues are foundational, and they empower us to move forward through even the darkest times. Even then, there is always light, some goodness right around the corner to lift us up. Our love and compassion for each other are here to strengthen us, and they point the way to greener pastures ahead.

— Gareth Henderson

Look to the horizon

Clouds are illuminated by the setting sun, as seen from Woodstock’s East End Park. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

What captures our attention? It's a question we may not often ask, but the answer is pivotal to our lives.

What we choose to focus on is the rudder of our day, and how we start our day informs that focus and sets it on a certain course. However, we are still the captain of our own ship. We determine where that course ends up. A few years ago, I went sailing for the first time. It was important to know where the rocks were in relation to getting to the channel. One of the first rules I learned was to look to the horizon and pick a point to sail to, all while avoiding the rocks in the shallow water to get to the open channel. I could have focused on the rocks and never made it to open water, but instead, I made it to the channel and had a wonderful little sail around the bay.

Over the past year, our individual channels of attention encountered multiple figurative rocks as the world changed. Many of us looked out on the world with a different perspective, one that thought of our neighbors more than ever before. Our attention had shifted. The world, our communities, our neighborhoods seemed closer, because of our new, shared experience.

The question is, where do we invest our attention now? This is an individual answer, and as such, answers will vary. However, the best and most productive focus is to emphasize the good every day in the present. Even on our toughest days, the act of moving forward, rising above negative influences, and finding a way to accomplish our goals adds to the collective good. Each individual triumph uplifts the whole. Every neighbor helped, every hurdle crossed, every new insight glimpsed is a light on the horizon we all can share, because we are not separated from each other.

We live in our world together, and every day is an opportunity to see that fact further demonstrated. Plenty is out there to try and divide us further. But we each have a path illuminated with progress, even on the darkest and most impossible days. It begins with turning our attention toward the horizon, the light, the good, and never giving up on that effort. Let's seize every morning as a new opportunity to look forward and see the great possibilities before us.

— Gareth Henderson

Signs of progress

Trees near Lake Pinneo in Quechee, Vermont, on Sunday afternoon. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

While cross-country skiing near some trees this weekend, the late-afternoon sun sharpened and dark-blue tree shadows blanketed the snowy landscape. I saw the shadows shift ever so slightly, every time I moved forward on the path before me. Where shadow seemed to reign, there was also light. 

We have seen many looming shadows over the past year as the U.S. has dealt with the pandemic. Those challenges have begun to shift, and the light of progress has shone a little brighter, with each forward step. For example, Vermonters recently got the good news that, effective on Tuesday, individuals who have been fully vaccinated — meaning two weeks after their second dose — will no longer have to quarantine after traveling to Vermont. This includes visitors coming in from other states, as long as they can prove they've been fully vaccinated.

That change in Vermont was announced Friday in accordance with new CDC guidelines. The state’s public health guidance remains in effect, including the required masking and social distancing, Gov. Phil Scott noted at a press briefing. Though the vaccination process has been going well, Scott said, the state will be cautious about loosening its COVID-19 regulations.

“I want to be very clear: We’re going to do this carefully and methodically, like we have throughout the pandemic, and I’m asking for your patience as we work our way through this,” Scott said Friday. 

Vermonters’ strong adherence to public health guidance has helped greatly reduce COVID-related deaths and hospitalizations since January, the governor said, noting the state’s successful vaccination effort has also contributed to that progress. As of Friday, over 21,000 Vermonters age 70 and older had already signed up for their vaccine shots, after that age group had become eligible just three days earlier. That means Vermont will be able to open registration to the 65+ age group “very soon,” Scott said.

The hopeful COVID-19 data has also allowed progress on other pandemic regulations. Recently, the state allowed competitions for winter sports to proceed, and school music rehearsals and performances were given the green light as well. All these activities of course, must follow specific health guidelines, with no audiences or game crowds allowed. 

One of the state’s more stringent rules came just before the holidays: Vermont’s ban on multi-household gatherings. However, the governor on Friday said the state is taking a look at how the new CDC guidance may impact that rule, and he expects to make an announcement this week. 

All this comes amid a backdrop of steady improvement for COVID-19 data here and around the country. New cases in the U.S. have been on the decline since mid-January — same for Vermont and much of New England. The data suggests vaccines are a big part of that positive trend, and vaccination will speed up as more supply becomes available. 

Recent trends are indeed hopeful, and they help that light of progress shine brighter. For many individuals and business owners, those brighter days can’t come soon enough. Businesses need the larger crowds and greater traffic flow to survive, especially during the busier, warmer months. People deeply miss being able to gather with family and friends, and communities miss having the cherished annual events we all love. 

All those things remain possible. But first, we must renew our patience and our care for one another, and forge ahead through this winter of change. We can know that, although stages of progress may seem small with our hopes so great, they’re each a forward step and a reassurance that we’re heading the right direction. The hard work so many have done for their communities and the state is encouraging to remember as we face the shadows ahead. While we proceed, those challenges will shift as progress resolves them and guides us toward better days. The last several months have shown that the state, region and country can indeed make progress together. This is not only a chance to resolutely pursue that path, but to build a stronger future, using all we’ve learned during the pandemic. We’re equal to that task, and we have an opportunity to seize.

— Gareth Henderson

Starting out with good

The sun breaks through along Route 4 in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

It’s easy to be swept up in the energy that seems to be prevalent today. From the pandemic, to economic woes and the sense of division in Congress and the country, there’s a troubling weight to current events. 

But, especially now, the most important daily consideration is what we allow to exist and grow in our thinking. Our thoughts are the real fuel by which we get through the day, and only we, ourselves, can consistently give them a foundation of good that guides our experience. Years of working in a newsroom environment taught me this quite well, because the news cycle often brings you topics which are difficult to hear. Creating a routine that brings positive momentum to your day is critical, because it sets it on a positive trajectory based in goodness. It also brings reassurance that good is always available and able to lead us forward — a good reminder to have when we grapple with the more difficult topics of life.

As we embrace a positive start to the day, it’s also important to have aspects of our day that inspire us. Throughout recent months, I’ve increasingly appreciated how important this is, because it lends a kind of freedom to thought that grows joy in our hearts. We can always use more joy. For me, in the summer and fall, I found that joy in playing tennis, and, later, regularly revisiting old matches I used to watch in earlier years. It was a rediscovery of how much I love that sport, and it’s something I plan to continue. 

This all comes down to remembering what’s foundational to our well-being, even amid the constant busy-ness of daily life. There are important moments in each day, and the most critical one is right after we awake. Starting our day on a positive track, and keeping our thinking inspired for the better, is a sure way to welcome good into our lives and share the resulting joy with others. It can be easy to forget what we need most, but if we remember to plant the seeds of good early in the day, there’s no better way to build the groundwork for daily inspiration, harmony and progress.

— Gareth Henderson

Pausing for progress

A snowy tree is bent along the Prosper Trail in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The more time you spend in nature, the more you notice the unusual. Cross-country skiing along the Prosper Trail in Woodstock, Vermont, on Saturday, I was impressed by a tree so sharply bent that it pointed straight to the side. It had a certain majestic quality, with fallen snow lining each branch and the whole trunk, and the outlines of the mountains and clouds lingering beyond the distant trees.

The image was one of inspiration, making me pause along the trail just to capture that one moment. It reminded me that "pausing along the trail" is a good habit to put into place in daily life, because moments of reflection enrich us. Within them, we have opportunities for inspiration we may not experience otherwise. Sometimes, our daily routines shut out chances for reflection without us even noticing, but that can change if we slow down, consider our actions and put genuine thought into what we do.

That "slower" approach to life frees our thinking, and opens it further toward the acceptance of useful ideas and possibly innovation. Those well-placed pauses till the soil of our thought, so we can cultivate progress and generate expressions of good in our lives. Being more receptive to that good is critical today, because it provides renewal — something the world greatly needs. Each chance we have to help with that renewal, is a chance to make a difference for ourselves and the world. That's the best way to grow as a person, and we should cherish each such opportunity.

— Gareth Henderson

The light of understanding

A view of Wyman Lane in Woodstock, Vermont, on Thursday afternoon. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Sunlight illuminating the path ahead is one of the more powerful images out in the countryside. It offers a calming, gentle presence, one of peace and vitality supplied for all, without limit.

Those last two words lay out the most comforting aspect of that image: abundance. That sunlight has no label, no price tag, no boundary — it just is. And no matter the weather which creeps in, or storms against it, those beams keep shining.

For me, it was a good time to be reminded of those more reassuring qualities. The news cycle remains heavy, and the political divide in the nation is still a daunting problem. It’s important to not only talk about the potential for unity — that potential should be demonstrated. To me, that's what happened during a recent discussion, “Hold America Together”, hosted online by the national nonprofit Braver Angels, which works to cultivate a greater understanding between those of different political persuasions.

The discussion I'm referring to took place a week after the U.S. Capitol siege, when tensions from that day remained quite raw. That's why it was particularly encouraging to hear this discussion, and one of the most heartfelt moments came during a conversation with U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, a Minnesota Democrat, and former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, a Republican. Phillips spoke about how, every day since the events of Jan. 6, he walks the halls of the Capitol thanking people for the work they do.

"There's something remarkable that happens when you express gratitude and that humility that goes with it, and that's how we experience repair and rehabilitation, and I think it's time that our country start expressing a little more gratitude for what we have, because it's precious, it's fragile, and it's in our hands," Phillips said.

That truly captured the spirit of the entire discussion, which also emphasized seeking out people of different views and talking to them, but also listening. As Gov. Herbert mentioned, "I think we need to seek first to understand, and then be understood."

Another encouraging aspect was that 4,000 people were listening in during this online event. True, that's not a huge part of the American population, but we have to begin somewhere when it comes to fixing the divide. Building new understanding between people is a good, strong foundation to start from, and it's uplifting to know there are groups taking the lead on this work and inviting others to help. Those genuine efforts, and the opportunities we each have to participate, are things to be grateful for, and they light the way to healing. But the work needs all of us to play a role and bear witness to each note of progress. There's no better time to live these words of the late civil rights champion, U.S. Rep. John Lewis: "Democracy is not a state. It is an act."

— Gareth Henderson

When gratitude shines

The rising sun tops the mountains in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A familiar mix of national issues captured the spotlight in recent weeks, and sometimes it's challenging not to be swept up in the various concerns surrounding them. Sometimes, the pressures within our own lives, combined with larger issues in the world, are simply overwhelming.

But one important thing that often gets lost all in the noise, and can also help us, is gratitude. That concept is always important, and it is especially crucial during difficult times. Being consistently grateful for what we have helps us adjust our mental focus toward the good, which is a sure foundation for progress. We all have the ability to find points of gratitude in our lives; we just have to look for them, and value them for the blessings they are.

A song by the Vermont band Pete's Posse, called "A Grateful Place", captures that idea beautifully here:

I can be evermore grateful

Grateful for everyday grace

Whatever remains of this story of mine

Can be told from a grateful place

Even though the events in the nation and the world are daunting ones, we still have the power to build our own stories, and we don't have to let negative influences govern them. Frankly, gratitude can be a way to frame each of our days positively, by acknowledging the good in our lives, some of which we may have taken for granted. For example, we can daily take a few moments to consider what we're grateful for, whether it's something simple like a beautiful view out our window, someone being kind to us, or a major, positive development in our lives. It's a habit that unselfs our existence and adds more love and humility to how we live. And those are qualities we always need.

If we intentionally acknowledge the good in our experiences, we feel a stronger sense of hope, the energy in our day brightens, and we renew and increase our appreciation of life. Gratitude helps us do this. It can build paths to progress by changing our thinking for the better. Such an approach to life is much-needed today, and we don't have to wait for it to appear. The best part is, it can start with each one of us, right now.

— Gareth Henderson

A new dawn

The rising sun casts an arc of light into the sky on Wednesday in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The radiant moments just before and after sunrise may not get all the attention they deserve. We rush here and there, we don't look up. That's certainly true on days that begin with some clouds, or a bit of haze on a slightly warmer morning, when a less spectacular display of light is expected.

And yet, even when the sky isn't entirely blue, the sun rises, and with its power, tested over the ages, it sends forth a powerful light, a herald of illuminating grace.

While driving through Woodstock, Vermont, in the early hours of Wednesday, the rising sun had a majestic glow, projecting a silvery hue onto nature's winter glory. Down the mountains, over the Ottauquechee River and to the village street where I pointed my camera, came the brilliant light — an unexpected moment, captured and cherished, its own reward.

It was the dawning of a new day, a new beginning for the country on an historic Inauguration Day, welcoming a new president, and the first woman, African American and Asian American to hold the vice presidency. Adversity tried to delay this new dawn, even stop it entirely. But democracy could only keep shining, so very brightly, with a steadfast, rock-solid resolve emanating from its sturdy foundation. Its light wasn't hidden, diminished, or broken. It increased, propelled by a flood of hope from the millions of Americans watching special moments unfold, one after the other.

Still, for others in our great country, this light was darkness. The calls for unity rang hollow on their ears, perhaps stirred anger in their hearts. At this moment, the grace of compassion and the soft voice of love, is the only answer for discontent, frustration, anger or hate. It doesn't matter where on the political spectrum those negative qualities appear — we must always counteract them with goodness, with love, meekness and compassion. To secure a better future for all, our best qualities must direct our progress and be our stalwart guides in the darkness.

This clouded night of obstacles lines the path toward eventual unity, because there will always be challenges to overcome. Along the way, they will demand more of our collective strength as we press on toward the brighter dawn. As William Shakespeare said, "Sweet are the uses of adversity which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head."

Today, the jewel we seek is a stronger, more unified, and more just society, operating genuinely for the greater good. The most powerful aspect of sunlight, is that it shines equally for all. Whatever your background, whatever your politics, this new dawn offers the opportunity to repair the fabric of a divided country, step by step. With love, empathy and compassion driving it, the work of unity can be uplifting for everyone, just as the light of dawn shares its brilliance with all people.

— Gareth Henderson

Staying in the room

Sunset illuminates the clouds as seen from Woodstock’s East End on Monday afternoon. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

It can be tempting to avoid uncomfortable, challenging circumstances, but some of the most important moments in life require the opposite reaction, especially when the stakes are high.

Such was the case when the Problem Solvers Caucus met online the night after the U.S. Capitol riot, to better understand each other’s reactions to the events of Jan. 6 and lay some groundwork for future progress. Amid tension and high emotions, they "stayed in the room", as U.S. Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) put it during a recent discussion with fellow caucus co-chair U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), led by the Cornell Institute of Politics and Global Affairs. 

To hear that phrase from someone working at the heart of the leadership of our democracy, during such times, was deeply impactful. That’s because we don’t often hear about people “staying in the room.” From the halls of Congress, to family gatherings, we’ve often heard about people leaving political discussions, or not wanting to have them at all. But the fact is, constructive dialogue is critical to building the kind of progress our nation needs. 

To achieve that, we have to do that work from a sense of empathy - a key part of that three-hour Jan. 7 meeting the Problem Solvers held. Empathy is a building block for progress, even in the most tense of circumstances. It naturally creates a sense of genuine caring, which leads to the most important aspect of doing meaningful work with those who disagree with us: love. Starting with an empathetic approach encourages others to remain in the discussion. For that reason, we must strive to reflect the innate lovingkindness we each have within ourselves. Just as people can sense hate or dislike, they can sense love as well. Simply put, that approach — in Congress and in our own communities — is how we reverse this pattern of political vitriol in our country. 

As civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. powerfully said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” King had seen, first-hand, the impact of both kinds of thought. Through his work, he knew which approach was more powerful.

In times of strife and fear, love is sometimes cast as one of the weaker solutions to daunting problems. But that’s a false notion, and one that would hamper progress. The fact is, love is a close cousin of courage. Courage is what it takes to peacefully reach out to someone the world would call an enemy, show empathy, and work with them in a genuine, compassionate way. 

This is not to say building these bridges is anything close to easy. Months of difficult discussions, hard work, successes and frustrations led to the latest COVID-19 relief bill spearheaded by the Problem Solvers Caucus. There will be roadblocks that call for tough negotiations and creative solutions. But if we are to be creative — and this time certainly calls for that — we must empower this work through compassion and love. We must remain in the struggle, and not be afraid of discussing differences. Because of the vital nature of this work, we must persist alongside our brothers and sisters. We must stay in the room.

— Gareth Henderson

Cultivating cooperation

A scenic hillside viewed from Cloudland Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Cultivation leads to greater things, and it's the same in gardening as in life. Some conditions make it more difficult, but the task is worth the effort. Better days will come if you tend the soil properly — a concept I saw in action while gardening over the summer.

That concept applies to our politics, as well, and there is much work to do. America's partisan divide has deepened greatly, and it seems no corner of the U.S. is untouched by its impact. Even after the Jan. 6 siege on the U.S. Capitol, Congress remains divided, and perhaps even more so following that tragic day.

Though divisions in the country might have deepened further, it's important to remember another impact from that day: It made working together even more crucial. The bedrock of democracy is civil society, in which people can work together for the common good. Taking steps in that direction is key to the cultivation and very survival of our democratic system. The soil is ready for democracy to flourish when we reach common ground and collaborate successfully.

The resolve to do this will be tested quickly in the new administration. On Thursday, President-elect Joe Biden announced his American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion proposal that includes $1 trillion in direct relief to Americans, as well as funding for a national vaccination plan, efforts to contain COVID-19, and relief for communities and businesses. There were no specifics on timing, but Biden has noted all of these as top priorities.

The Biden team faces the challenge of working through critical priorities at the same time as an impeachment trial in the Senate — which could be a difficult test for any bipartisan efforts going through Congress. However, we still must build and sustain those efforts. As the bipartisan momentum behind the latest COVID-19 relief bill showed, there are lawmakers willing to strike a balance and compromise.

As we know, however, the work of cultivating democracy is larger than what happens in Congress. Forging positive connections and finding common ground is very important outside of those chambers. That looks like a steep hill to climb right now, as tensions are high and people appear far apart on big issues. But we have to try to take the necessary steps toward a stronger, more unified America, though progress may be slow at first.

Like cultivating the soil, there are days which feel longer than others, times when it's simply harder to move forward. But forward is the only direction to pursue. We must continue this process, and imbue the soil of our society with love, compassion and empathy. Together, our steps will lead us on to a better place, a stronger democracy, where our best work is done because we care for each other and we truly understand we are one people. Let each of us plant a seed of cooperation and reap the harvest of the greater good.

— Gareth Henderson