Vashon author and mythologist Michael Meade will bring his unique blend of storytelling, poetry and discussion to the Island this weekend, focusing on a timely theme — how to not only survive but thrive during hard times.
In an evening event, “The Light Inside Dark Times,” and an all-day workshop, “The Soul of Change,” Meade will review environmental disasters, economic upheaval and social confusion through what he calls “the elegant lens of myth and story.”
He’ll also address the current financial downturn and economic collapse and describe how it can prompt what he describes as “soul work.”
Meade is firmly convinced that hard times can be beneficial times of growth and change.
“I’m telling stories from different cultures about how there is hidden gold that is only found within darkness,” he said.
Meade, a poet, drummer and student of myth, anthropology and religion, has garnered international acclaim for more than 35 years.
He is the author of numerous books and a sought-after speaker. He is also the founder and director of Mosaic Multicultural Foundation.
The foundation’s current projects include mentoring youth, visiting prisons, assisting war veterans and fostering dialogues between genders and races.
A longtime Islander and the founder of Minglemint, Meade said he believes communities can come together during hard times because that’s when people realize how much they need each other.
He also expressed hope for the people of Vashon in particular.
“On Vashon, there are a myriad of talented and gifted people, doing many different things, with different styles and different aims. Maybe this is a time for all these things to come together.”
The bottom line, for Meade, seems to be a belief that the current economic hard times present an opportunity for enlightenment and positive social change.
“When all the news seems bad and getting worse, the mind falters and even the spirit can fail to light the way,” Meade said. “Secretly, our souls seek wisdom, and wisdom is a darker knowledge found in dark places and in dark times.”
