7/26/24 Dream — A better world

I’m standing at a medium to large table with a group of people 
We are surrounding the perimeter standing shoulder to shoulder
They all feel close to me 
Like we are a tribe 
The energy is harmonious and rhythmic 
I am with the community I’ve always belonged to 
We are talking and laughing together
And it feels like we’re getting ready for some kind of activity 

The table is outside and we are all barefoot
And surrounded by tall lushes trees
It’s nearing sunset and the sky baths us in pinks and purple light  
There is a soft breeze and the air is just a degree warmer than my skin
I feel held by it 
I feel at peace and so content and happy 
My partner Adam is there 
He is standing on the other side of the table
He looks at peace at happy too 
We lock eyes amidst the chatter and we smile 
We share this moment - we can tell the other feels the same way we do 
A few seconds later Adam is standing beside me on my left 
I wasn’t expecting it and I am surprised
He smiles and says he switched spots with the girl that was standing there before so we could be by each other 
A wave of love and gratitude rushes over me 
And I smile and put my forearms on his shoulders, stand on my toes, and kiss him 
And everything is perfect

The next morning just after sunrise
I am at a picnic table outside surrounded by trees once again
I am looking at a clear product package of some kind 
It might be a kite inside but it’s wrapped up 🪁 
The packaging is minimal and biodegradable 
And there is no real brand or advertising on it 
There is a sticker or imprint on it that has text in a square that displays the image of a simple leaf 
The short text reads something about this package and product coming from the earth and its quest to return to it again once it has served its purpose 
And it honors the role that nature played in allowing us to create it, like one might express gratitude for a co-contributor on a piece of art

I took a deep breath and had this long-ago memory of when our culture and species did not respect the natural world 
And I felt a nostalgic rush of relief 
And pride in being human