Michaelmas in a Time of Uncertainty
It is Michaelmas time!
Each year, when the length of day and night becomes balanced, this time is symbolized as the spiritual light (Michael’s sword) meeting earthly darkness (the dragon). This can be seen as the season of our inner light of truth, conscience, understanding, and love meeting the inner darkness of our own doubts, fears, and animosities.
And each year we confront the same question: Has our light become strong enough to tame and overcome our powerful, personal dragon?
This year, for the first time, we are not together for the Michaelmas celebration in the courtyard. We miss seeing the children gathered together, ensouling the dynamic between Michael and the dragon!
The 2020-2021 school year got off to a challenging start in Oregon in ways that most of us had never previously imagined: COVID, wildfires, financial instability, and political and social conflict.
People no longer feel safe to be in close proximity to one another, the air was no longer healthy to breathe, authorities became ever less trustworthy, and many of our long-held life values are in deep question.
We are currently living in multiple layers of uncertainty.
Consequently, our Michaelmas time must necessarily be particularly challenging. What is true? What is false? The boundary between truth and falsehood has become blurred, vague, and undependable.
What is asked of us is to identify that which is essential from numerous layers of inessentials, and to have the courage to let go of whatever is deemed inessential. When the wildfire threatened in its approach toward our homes, we had to make this very determination in preparation for potential evacuation. We learned that the most important things in life were each other and our connections.
When we are brainstorming together, a spark of inspiration can lift us above our doubts.
When we understand one another, healing may occur to mitigate our animosities.
When we work together in collaboration, we can overcome our fears.
This applies to education as well. When students are connected with their teachers and peers, they can overcome their own doubts, animosities, and fears; true learning can be achieved, regardless of externally imposed circumstances.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our intentional community during this most challenging time. We acknowledge your conscious and courageous decision (wielding Michael’s sword of light) to stay connected during this uncertain time.
This essential connection will pave the path toward the future in which our children must necessarily live and thrive.
Chiaki Uchiyama is Cedarwood’s Pedagogical Director, and teaches the Japanese language program to our middle school students. Born and raised in Yokohama, Japan, Uchiyama Sensei moved to the United States in 1997 and taught Japanese language at Cedarwood for 20 years before becoming the Pedagogical Director in 2018. Although she misses the fun of teaching Japanese language to the children, she finds infinite satisfaction and fulfillment in supporting our students, teachers, administration, parents, and the whole school community.