The power of magic

Kathleen Anderson

I believe in magic. Not the “pull the rabbit out of the hat kind” or the kind with rituals, curses and incantations, but magic, nevertheless.  

I believe in the kind that appears in the most unexpected ways, when it is needed the most. Some might describe this as a miracle or blessing. It really doesn’t matter what you call it. It only matters that it happens. 

Like when the little people in your life watch their first caterpillar to butterfly metamorphosis. Or you are present at the birth of your grandchild or see a deaf child’s face when it realizes it is hearing its mother’s voice for the first time. 

Or the way Tina Turner’s breath control, energy level, voice, hips, legs, and 3-inch heels all worked together when she was in her late sixties, as she was when I last saw her in concert.  

Magic. 

I believe that my personal definition of magic is best described as joyful. It can be peaceful and calming or filled with energy. Either way, for me, it is sheer emotion. This winter season, so far, has been too gloomy for my taste. So, I feel it is time to mix in a little magic to lighten my mood. 

I have begun by looking for buds on the trees. Every day I comment on the fact there are none and every day my daughter reminds me it is only February. I know what month it is. I also know magic can happen anytime.  

So, I continue to look. Today a tiny bird was traipsing through the branches of the tree outside my window. Perhaps she also is looking for buds. Now we have the power of two. 

My 3-year-old great-great grandson often sings to himself. Usually, it is bits of songs I recognize but once in a while it is a new melody and lyric I have never heard before and I wonder – is he creating his own music? 

Magic. 

And speaking of which, I definitely believe in the healing magical power of music. I have seen and been on the receiving end of music’s magical powers. It can quite literally take your breath away. 

I also believe in the magic of words. 

We are now halfway through the National Month of Random Acts of Kindness, and I am happy to report I have witnessed many of these acts. Words of love, support and kind observations, helpful gestures and encouragement flowing freely. The right words are as powerful as the wrong ones are destructive. They produce the power to change I can’t, too I can…magic. 

I have watched people gather to protest and protect a special tree that has graced our landscape for decades. I have seen the power of passionate voices, raised in support of mother nature. So far, the tree stands. Whatever the ultimate outcome is, man once again stood with nature. Magic. 

Our whales sing to one another. It’s their method of communicating. Our trees reach out through their roots to heal and warn one another of incoming pests and diseases. Science has unpronounceable Latin names for these phenomena. I simply see magic. 

Bella Rose, the smartest dog in my world, knows when I am sad or ill. I know she knows by the look on her face as she anxiously watches me while sitting at my feet … just as she joyfully dances and leaps around my legs when she knows all is well. We communicate. I do not know how this works, I just know we do.  

Magic. 

So, I will continue to watch for buds on our trees and the return of hummingbirds, dragonflies, caterpillars, a murder of crows …and the magic of spring. 

Kathleen Anderson writes her column each week from her home in Olympia. Contact her at kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comments.