Making happy magically!

So, what are you going to do with the extra hour we all get tonight? It seems a shame to waste it by sleeping, but at least while I’m asleep the emails, text messages, Tweets and tv ads from and on behalf of political campaigns go unnoticed. Such interruptions were annoying enough before the Better Half and I completed our early voting exercise. Now all they do is feed my naturally misanthropic perspective. But, I’ve found a counter to the attack ads. I’m getting out more and doing stuff.

Today’s Guardian has an article: Study finds first direct evidence of a link between low serotonin and depression. It notes that the brain chemical is sometimes referred to as a “happy hormone”. but does not inform the reader of the source of serotonin. That gap was quickly closed via an internet search that produced: Serotonin: The natural mood booster with the assertions that:

• One natural way to increase serotonin is by working out.
• Exposure to either the sun or to the bright light meant to replicate it is another way to naturally increase serotonin levels.

sunrise on a country walk

Photo by J. Harrington

Having reconfirmed that a serotonin boost is likely to help get through the winter and the months that follow,  I’m going to be much more consistent about doing my morning exercises, especially on dreary, cloudy days like today, and I’m going to increase the frequency and duration of walks in and around the woods and streams, especially on sunny days.

Another activity that often cheers me is reading poetry, especially by Native American poets such as Joy Harjo, Linda Hogan, N. Scott Momaday, and Louise Erdrich. Many of their poems highlight the importance of Catching the Light as a means to get through depressing times. As we continue through Native American Heritage Month this November, consider reading works by Native American authors and learning how to honor nature and to withstand the consistent, persistent, dominant culture's attacks on your beliefs. We would benefit from such improved abilities regardless of how Tuesday turns out.

Original Fire

by Louise Erdrich

for Aza

I watch my daughter build a fire
not from a match or cigarette lighter
but from the original elements,
two sticks, a length of sinew, friction.
She has formed a cup of juniper shreds,
and when she spins out a black ember
and breathes it to life
she transfers the radiant pebble
into the nest and breathes again.
Sparks fly from her lips.
A dove of flame bursts from between her hands.
She speaks to the spark
until the words catch and burn
and I think, here is my daughter
who is innocent of all things
yet from whose lips
the terrible and merciful
flame flies out, the truth, the fire.

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