As the coronavirus pandemic crosses the globe, we are learning that while we may be far apart, we are also deeply connected. In this post, we’d like to invite you and your students and families to write letters to our universe. If you could tell the universe anything right now, what would it be?
Bernardo Marçolla, author of Me and You and the Universe—a book showing us how we are all one—shares his own letter to the universe to kick us off:
Dear Universe,
Perhaps this is the first time I have written directly to you. Yes, we have talked many times . . . We talk whenever I realize the beauty and immensity around me. I know we also talk whenever I have the opportunity to pet a dog or a cat, or even when I see a colorful bird at the top of a tree (how I like them!). I know that sometimes I talk to you in the dark, before going to sleep, even without using words, when I feel safe and grateful to be here. But this time I will do it differently and send you this little letter. I want to ask you something.
I know that we are living in a very difficult time on our planet. I feel in my heart that this is a turning point for all of us. And for that, I ask you for healing. The healing is not for any specific disease; I know that sometimes they come and go—and that is part of life. The healing that I ask is for the heart of all humanity.
Our hearts need to understand that we are not separate from you or from each other. Yes, I suspect that our hearts already know this, but I think they often forget. Then, I also ask you to give us, whenever possible, the opportunities to remember this. Every day. And in the most beautiful ways possible. May we feel embraced when we look at the stars. May we feel loved whenever our bare feet touch the ground. I ask you for trust in our hearts because, knowing that we are part of you, we know that we will never be abandoned or alone.
In fact, what I have to say is difficult to say with words. But I know you understand me, even when I’m silent. Finally, I ask you to keep the child I once was alive in me. Children believe in their own hearts. A child knows that any other child can be a friend, just as we are. Children have the gift of seeing how magical and beautiful the Universe really is.
Well, deep down I just want you to know that I know that you are there—and that we are one.
With all affection,
Bernardo
P.S. I send a photo of me when I was seven years old, when I was in the garden of my house with binoculars hanging from my chest, trying to see even further. We were already friends at that time, remember? 🙂
What’s your message to the universe? Use this space to send your and your students’ messages out into the universe. Your message might be what you’re grateful for, what you’re worried about, what’s bringing you hope, or just a primal scream into the void.
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© 2020 by Free Spirit Publishing. All rights reserved. The view expressed in this post represent the opinion of the author and not necessarily Free Spirit Publishing.
Dear universe, Thanks for all!!
Dear Universe,
How I’ve missed you! Shut away in my small apartment it’s become easy to forget you’re there. I’m writing today because I need to remember that I’m not alone. Thank you for reminding me of big and small things that lift me up in dark moments—the scent of lilacs wafting in through my window; the raccoon-esque antics of my indomitable cat, Felix; the momentary jolt of pain that reminded me that I’m alive when I stubbed my toe; the spark of pride in completing a Spanish lesson without errors.
Finally, dear Universe, in hope and gratitude for things to come, I’ll share a poem by Mary Oliver, When I Am Among the Trees:
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
It’s amazing!