One of my favorite authors is Octavia Butler. Butler redefined science fiction and is well known for novels that highlight the intertwining of history with the present (in a terrific book entitled “Kindred”), in thinking about how we relate through difference (her Xenogenesis series), and in imagining the ways we might be creating a future that is catastrophic (in her series beginning with “Parable of the Sower”).

In the latter series, also called the Earthseed series, a major character founds a belief system called Earthseed, which sets an aspirational future amongst the stars. Perhaps Butler intended to remind us that living well, living at our very best, is about aspiring to more than we can imagine.

Her work has influenced hip hop and opera, been adapted for television, been recommended by fictional booksellers, and been the subject of reflections both scholarly and popular.

In this season of graduations and transitions, those aspirations matter. As does another theme Butler’s Earthseed books point to: change. As her character Lauren puts it:

All that you touch you change

All that you change changes you

The only lasting truth is change

In these words, she reminds us of our agency—our power—and our embeddedness in the world. She reminds me, today, of Salem College’s mission to prepare students to change the world.

As we step back from this semester—as at the end of any academic year—we stop to reflect. This year—of pandemic, unexpected change, and a complex future—Butler has been on my mind. I hope that you have a touchstone too—a book, a song, a friendship, and our community, that helps you stop and remember that WE are the change.

Best to everyone,

Susan Henking
Dean of the College

Mindfulness—the process of being fully present in the moment; aware; grounded

The Office of the Chaplain began a focus on contemplative practice and mindfulness in August 2018. Weekly offerings for mindfulness have been held for Academy and College students, as well as separate weekly meetings for faculty and staff. Interest in such practices has increased in recent years, and anecdotal evidence indicates this has dramatically increased during the weeks of the pandemic.

Why is that? Research shows that taking a few minutes a day for mindfulness improves our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. These spiritual practices are foundational elements of the major religions of the world. Theologian Paul Tillich described the Divine as “the Ground of our Being.” Finding ways to connect with our inner essence, to the core of who we are and who we are meant to be in our fullness—these are the moments which will see us through difficult days and will propel us to a better place.

Here are a few ideas about how to be mindful during these days—take a walk outside, looking for gifts in nature like a pretty flower or tree or bird. Take time to sit in silence, meditate, or pray—just focusing on breath and putting aside the frantic things that can twirl in our minds. Do yoga. Journal. Make a gratitude list. Burn a candle and focus on hopes for your life and for others. Listen to music. I hope all of you can join with me as we attempt to make time to connect with the ground of our being. In this rootedness, we will have the strength and courage to meet the days ahead and shape our world for the better.

Rev. Amy J. Rio
Chaplain

Kudos to sophomore student, Edi Nixon, for requesting a partnership with the Office of Student Wellbeing to spread positivity and encouragement during the end of this semester. Here is the result—a compilation of hearts to share the Salem love.

Susan Harding
Director, Office of Student Wellbeing

The announcement of the 250th Celebration drew great interest in having a logo designed by “one of our own.” All alumnae, students, faculty, and staff are invited to submit a design for the 250th logo. Please send a scanned image or mobile phone picture of your design entry by June 10 to Katherine.watts@salem.edu. Our community will vote on the final choice in late June.

Volunteer to get involved in any of the 250th planning: salem.edu/250