We are living in a tumultuous time. Humanity is experiencing something previously unseen— and I am not implying that disastrous diseases or other crises have never been seen before, as they have. What I mean is that for the first time in a globalized world we are being forced to become so aware of the world around us in unprecedented ways. It is a time of great loss and fear, but also a time of the best bits of humanity shining through in the positive actions of many in the service of others.

This month I have been thinking about the world as a whole, about the roles we play in it as human beings and what the current crisis means for humanity as well as our planet. This crisis has made it clear that our current “world” view— capitalism, consumerism, using the planet rather than working with it, separating ourselves nationally through pride and fear rather than coming together sooner in times of crisis— is not stable. People are now fearing for their lives, not just in regards to the illness itself, but also due to crumbing financial security and the weight of the hopelessness that rises from realizing that the system in place is not there to serve us.

I didn’t want to put all of these heavy and troublesome thoughts into my prompts because art should be a way to escape the heaviness of living. So I decided to focus on the natural planet for these prompts. I love nature— it brings me such peace and a sense of being both small as well as important in the mass scheme of existence. I hope that writing these prompts can help some of you feel a little less heavy during this time of uncertainty.

My inspirations (writing notes):

~What are the many faces of nature? Why do we feel drawn to some and terrified of others? What does this say about us?

~What role do human beings play in the natural world?

~Can our “world” change the way that the natural world does?

~What do we expect from the planet and what does it expect from us?

~What can nature teach us about ourselves and society?

May you all remain healthy, and come through this difficult time safely.

Best wishes,

Ariel