October's Theme is Soft

It was chosen by our Victoria chapter in British Columbia, Canada and illustrated by Leah McInnis.

The world feels hard in so many ways. Couldn’t we all use more softness?

Soft is gentle, empathic, and vulnerable. But being soft is not a weakness. It is a sign of deeper strength. Having the courage to walk through life without armor. A willingness to listen before speaking. Welcoming whatever comes with open palms. Pulling someone close for a hug.

What if our work was softer? What would we make with a little tenderness? Art that truly resonates. Innovations that heal instead of harm. Communities that hold one another instead of tearing other people down.

Soft can be a quiet form of resistance. Practice subtlety, trust, and intimacy in a world that celebrates loud braggadocio, knee-jerk reactions, and blunt force.

Let’s snuggle up and let down our guard. Soft can be our salvation.

And now.... please enjoy a lovely poem inspired by this month's theme written by our member Alex Gonzalez.

Be Soft

Be soft
Like the wind blowing on the shore on a hot summer morning.
Be soft
Like a mother’s first kiss.
Be soft. Be soft.

Be soft with yourself,
Because the air in your lungs is all you need to keep going.
Be soft, ’cause you’re doing enough just by showing up for yourself every day.
You got it.

Be soft
Let the tears fall when they need to.
Sometimes, peace is hidden right in the middle of them.

Be soft with your hands
Teaching them only hardness leads to hitting, to shooting, to destroying
Bringing war, pain, and death.
Be soft
Use them to create, to touch with love and respect, to embrace.

Be soft. Be soft
With your daughter, with your son.
The miracle of giving life is a gift from God and creation.
Be soft
Show them love, show them tenderness,
So they can learn compassion and kindness.

Be soft with your brothers and sisters,
Because we are all one with creation.
It doesn’t matter what color their skin is,
Or which part of the world they come from.

Be soft
’Cause the stranger before you is someone else’s son, daughter, mother, father, cousin, or friend.

Be soft
Open your heart.
Share your voice.
Offer your strength.
Give your love.

’Cause today, more than ever,
Is the moment to
Be Soft.