In a social art endeavor called Letters to the Universe, I embarked on a series of summer tours
with a group of spirited teenagers. Our mission? To invite people to write heartfelt letters to
the universe, sharing their deepest desires, hopes, and dreams. Clad in vibrant costumes, and
armed with a colossal winged mailbox, we journeyed through diverse festivals and events,
capturing the essence of human aspirations.
Over the course of several summers, we amassed a staggering collection of over 5,000 letters. Each one a testament to the yearnings that dwell within us all. As promised, I diligently pored over each letter, searching for the underlying themes that connected these missives from the soul.
What we discovered left us astounded. A staggering 35% of these letters were imbued with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and appreciation. It seemed that gratitude, like a hidden
jewel, resided within the hearts of most individuals we encountered. The sheer magnitude of
this revelation left us breathless.
Yet, nestled among the expressions of gratitude were two other predominant categories. The
second category encompassed those who selflessly sought something for someone else. These altruistic souls, through the power of their words, reached out to the universe, beseeching for blessings upon their loved ones. A testament to the enduring spirit of empathy and compassion that pervades our society.
The third category, equally poignant, bore witness to a universal truth - our innate desire for
grace and assistance. These courageous individuals, grappling with their own predicaments and challenges, sought solace from the universe. Their vulnerability, laid bare in the form of written pleas, spoke volumes about the indomitable human spirit and our unyielding pursuit of hope.
Gratitude, it seems, has emerged as the indomitable attitude that permeates the human
experience. It is the thread that weaves through the fabric of our lives, connecting us in ways
we may not have realized. In a world often overshadowed by turmoil and discord, these letters to the universe remind us of the remarkable resilience and inherent goodness that reside within us all.
As we continue to unravel the mysteries of our collective consciousness, let us not forget the
power of gratitude. It is a force that transcends boundaries, unites us in our shared humanity,
and ignites the spark of hope in even the darkest of times. The legacy of Letters to the Universe stands as a testament to the enduring power of gratitude - an attitude that has the potential to transform lives and reshape our world.
Kathleen Joy, Founder & CEO of LumiereWork™