The Stubborn Optimist 07: Water is life
"A sweet rain will pass down a wind of spring and the sun will shine out the clearer"
Dear Friend,
Now we’re into soft-butter season it’s easy to forget the endless grey cold rain we’ve endured over the last six (eight? ten?) months. At least in this pocket of the earth I’m writing to you from.
But now the rain is lessening it’s clear to see the impact it has had. Everything is green and blooming with life. Birds trill constantly from every corner. The air smells fresh and full. The farms are full to bursting.
It’s got me thinking that we all do well with a good soak.
A dip in the ocean can reset your mind.
A long bath can rejuvinate the most weary soul.
A glass of water to a parched mind can turn the day.
Even a good cry can be a reset.
Water is a life-force, even when it’s unpleasant.
Last month I hosted a live Q&A with the incredible Palestinian author Huzama Habayeb. At one point she said, “We all love the same way. We all lose the same way. And trust me, if you taste your tears they will taste the same as mine.” I’ve been turning those words in my mind ever since.
I’ve been thinking how we’re united by water, and how water has the potential to wash away the bad stuff and bring forth a new world. Stay hydrated.
Big Reasons for Optimism
A major study has shown that conservation efforts are successfully slowing biodiversity loss. Thank you Rebecca for the recommendation. It’s so important we recognise the work that is being done. It gives us hope about all the work there is still to do.
An NHS trial is underway in five hospitals that has the potential to completely transform the lives of people with severe alergies. Described as a ‘miracle’ by some of the participants it uses exposure therapy to minimise the life-endangering elements of an allergy. Fingers crossed it can be rolled out widely as allergies continue to rise across the world.
Plastic-eating worms could hold the key to our glut of plastic produce. Not only can they consume the polymers, but wax worms can digest them too, and their saliva could be the key to a cleaner world. Find out more (and watch a video of them) here.
A blog went viral last month about how publishing is dead, it was entitled “no one reads books” and everyone and their sister seemed to write a substack reply about how publishing might be dead but they still liked writing so they’d keep at it. I found the whole thing quite depressing. And then I came across this great analysis which shows that it’s all (always) more complicated than it seems. I feel it’s enough to report that publishing is not dead and that makes me optimistic.
Small Reasons for Optimism
Teamwork makes the world go around
These delightful inventions.
Dawn French getting the giggles listening to Miriam Margolyes’ incredible impression of an old school teacher:
Friends of the Earth recently worked with the University of Exeter to reveal the potential for wind and solar energy across the country. They found it could take less than 3% of all land in England to produce 13 times more renewable energy than we do now from onshore wind and solar. For comparison, 2% of all land in England is taken up by golf courses.
This great list of ‘books for a better world’.
This wonderful radio programme that was on Radio 3 last weekend about the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra made up of Israeli and Arab musicians originally brought together by Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim 25 years ago.
People power has had a huge impact for Hay Festival where I’m sending this from. After pressure from environmental and pro-Palestinian activists they have suspended their relationship with asset management firm Baillie Gifford over their investments in the fossil fuel industry and occupied Palestinian territories. It’s a great win for the boycot and divestment movement.
And this beautiful image:
The British Channel Seen from the Dorsetshire Cliffs by John Brett, 1871 Soundtrack for Optimism
“The Sun Also Rises” by Johnny Flynn & Robert Macfarlane - an uplifting chest swelling anthem of a song. Watching this live recently in Exeter with some friends and Robert Macfarlane’s beautiful spoken word prose was a true delight.
“Summertime” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong - it’s coming! Thank you Femi Koleoso for playing some Ella as I finished this post and reminded me of this glorious song. He’s been sitting in for Guy Garvey on his Finest Hour on BBC Radio 6 on Sundays and it’s well worth a listen.
“Little Yellow Spider” by Devendra Banhart - a fairytale journey of a song, the absurd whimsy is uncontainable.
“Botanical Garden” by Anna Erhard - this song made me cackle on a very stressful day which earned it’s place on this playlist.
“SUBLIME” by Disiz - This song builds tension in such a wonderful way and releases it with glorious results. Also if you like this you have to watch the heartbreakingly beautiful video for his song Casino.
“HIND’S HALL” by Macklemore - so many celebrities are keeping their heads down, desperate not to offend. But I think we’re passed that point and it’s great to see Macklemore standing up for the people in Gaza who are being left with little hope.
Here’s all the songs I’ve added so far in one handy list (The Time of Your Life remains the point that it gets more energetic). Also, for the Apple Music listeners among you here’s the Apple Music Playlist.
To finish, I have a question for you. I’m thinking of making these emails shorter or at least more refined and I’d love to know which bits you like the most. So,
With Optimism,
Catherine