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Weekly Reflection February 3, 2025
Grassy Hills on campus in winter

 

In many mythological creation stories, the first humans are shaped from the earth or the soil—humus in Latin—a word that also gives us humanity. Science confirms this ancient wisdom: our bodies are formed of atoms originally from the soil, drawn up to make plants and animals. Every atom within us has been part of ferns and fish, prehistoric birds, and Stone Age hunters. Now, for a brief moment, they gather to form us, before returning once more to the earth.

From humus we also receive humility—the understanding that we are only one small part of a vast and interconnected web of life.

This week’s reflection comes from the poet Mary Oliver:

“Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?”
Mary Oliver

With love,
Mirza