December. To say that this year has been tumultuous is an understatement, and it’s crazy to think that we’re finally in sight of the finish line. This Thanksgiving, I’m especially thankful for the Romingers (among so so many others) for hosting me and instilling a deep-seated appreciation for kombucha (along with a similarly deep hatred of grubby raw-dumpling-eating dogs). I’m also grateful for ready-to-eat cookie dough, bottled ice coffee, our art building, and probably also the people around me. All jokes aside, Thanksgiving makes me strangely and genuinely happy and was definitely a welcome break from everything. 

However, for seniors who’ve applied early to college, decision dates are beginning to loom close–and it’s undeniably terrifying. I don’t usually advertise myself as a giver-of-decent-advice (purely for the fact that it’s quite honestly always a hit-or-miss) but I did find solid guidance from one of my electives. In one of Ms. Jacob’s more recent religious literacy classes, we spent a good portion of time meditating on Daoism’s key tenets, which I would really summarize as simply “going with the flow.” I may or may not have zoned out halfway through the Zoom meditation, but at least one thing the narrator said really stuck with me. In a loose paraphrase of what I’m sure was a lot more concise, he prompted listeners to consider how much energy they spend in their everyday lives bracing in expectation for things to come. As a follow-up, how would our lives be improved if we stopped bracing?

Admittedly, this is easier said than done. I have absolutely no advice on how to stop bracing–though meditation does sound pretty promising–but that guy sounded really at peace, and isn’t that the goal? Take this unknown man’s words for what you will, and as we head into a new year, I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season. The Post will see you all again next year! 

Best,

Carina