“Coherent” is a good word.
In one sense, it means making sense; that is, speaking & writing in a way that’s both rational and relevant to our shared reality. It’s not messy, shouty, or rude.
It also means being complete in itself in that moment. It’s when all the pieces that make up an idea, feeling, or statement hold together. It’s the opposite of fractured or flailing.
It can seem like a high bar, especially in a country where the system of education has been under siege for half a century, the economy is teetering, and the leader is sending soldiers into cities to attack people that he thinks disagree with him. (If they agreed with him before, as many did — Southern California used to be deep red, despite Hollywood’s reputation — now, probably not so much.)
The opposite of coherent is incoherent.
So, as I lay here waiting for my body to come online and hope we get to be vertical in the next hour or two… and as I watched my mind flicker and flash among the upheaval, anguish, and uncertainty in my country, my loved ones, and my own future… I realized today’s word had to be “coherent”.
As I mulled it, I felt my mind coalescing into sanity again. I found myself reflexively doing the stretches that keep my legs working. I found my sense of what’s my stuff and what’s others’ stuff re-establishing itself. I found myself feeling fortunate again, which I am, because I’m safe and housed (and safely housed) and I live in a charming place where I can get my needs met.
The whirlwinds keep whirling. It’s their job. I think of being in a bright, bouyant column of air filled with those of us who hold each other up. The energy here holds us together instead of tearing others apart.
In the midst of the storm of chaos, I hold myself to the word “coherent”, and coalesce into myself. The winds may throw me around, but they don’t pull me apart any more.
