I wait a few days to a week for inspiration for the month’s prayer flag to come. I look to my property and gardens, and consider personal, family, friends and current events. For November, the month began with so much tension, fear and anger as the presidential election drew near. I knew that no matter the outcome, peace and unity would not automatically come. I considered the many ways people differ and have differing opinions. I also considered the many ways we share so much in common. This became the theme for November’s flag and my contemplative prayer time as I stitched it.
I chose a random assortment of fabrics from my bag of scraps. (I save every little fabric and paper scrap since I love collage.) I laid these out on a 9” x 12” piece of soft, vintage linen dish towel. With the pieces pinned in place, I hand basted each of them to the cloth.
Now that I had these pieces tacked down, representing the individuality of thoughts, beliefs and ideas, I considered how the thread I chose could connect and unite them. Phrases like “golden thread” and “red thread” came to mind. While their symbolism would be appropriate to this project, golden thread wouldn’t be practical to work with in this instance. Using red thread might be misunderstood in the current political climate and turn some people off.
I chose to use green and blue threads to symbolize the Earth. The green represents the plants that sustain us with food and oxygen. The blue represents both water and sky, which also sustain us. Each person depends on Earth and Earth too depends on humans and other creatures to survive. It is a reciprocal and interdependent relationship.
Using the symbolism of Earth and Sky to unite humankind is the intention of this prayer flag. As I stitched through the month, I prayed for peace, love and understanding between family, friends and neighbors. I prayed that the values we share will be more significant than the opinions we hold. As I stitched, the lyrics to the Elvis Costello song, “What’s So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding” (written by Nick Lowe) played in my head.
I also listened. I listened to the pain, fear and skepticism in the news. I listened to my heart and my desire for peace and joy to flourish. I listened to the events going on in the lives of my loved ones and prayed for healing. As Thanksgiving approached, my prayers transformed into gratitude for my life, the people in my life, and the beauty around me all the time whenever I remember to be open to it. And for the power of creativity that can transform everything.
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