Finding the light in this dark world | Letters

I was drawn to Jonathan Freedland’s article (‘How do we live in this terrible world?’ a reader asked me. Here’s the only answer I have, 20 December), as it is a question that’s continually on my mind. There’s much substance in his well-informed piece, though the ending’s quite simple and resonates with my own take: “Perhaps by accepting that it’s the only one we have and that it’s not always so terrible – that sometimes, even quite often, it can be rather beautiful.”

One of my responses to this ever-present question is to have gratitude for what I call “magic moments” in nature – like this morning catching sight of the heron, almost invisible, being so amazingly camouflaged among the reeds by a stream; I said “good morning, heron” softly, but didn’t linger because I’ve come to realise that they don’t like being looked at for long.

A few years ago, I made a book of Marvellous Mundane Magic for my then 10-year-old granddaughter, to demonstrate to her that magic wasn’t solely the property of wizards. She loved it and now she’s noting her own and giving them to me to make a new book.

Even a short early-morning walk offers magic if your eyes and ears are open, even if it’s just hearing a winter robin or seeing herb robert still flowering by a path.
Margaret Turner
Exeter

Jonathan Freedland gave us “a few reasons to be hopeful” about living in this terrible world. Thank you – they are good reasons: drawing strength from those who “dare to swim against even the bleakest tides”, celebrating what is good, and remembering that this is the only world we have, and that it is often beautiful.

These reasons all involve looking outwards, observing. A complementary way of being hopeful – and happy – is looking inwards and acting on our values. Alone, or with the help of activist citizen groups. Thinking back, that is what the suffragettes did, the anti-apartheid activists and many others who have made the world a better place. Our thanks to them for doing more than observing. And happy new year to all.
Patrick and Alison Duncan
Norton, North Yorkshire

The most important component of staying optimistic in these troubled times is positive action. When we look at the world in despair, we should ask ourselves: “What can I do to improve it?” The only way the world gets better is through lots of people showing more love, empathy and care. Especially at Christmas, there are ample opportunities to make a difference to someone’s life. A donation to a charity, a kind word to a stranger, a Christmas card sent to a neighbour. Picking up rubbish, volunteering, donating to a food bank. It might not be much as a single deed, but imagine 9 billion little actions. Wow! Here’s to a better future for all.
Hanna Pennig
Forglen, Aberdeenshire

I cannot hope – but I can, and do, take it one day at a time. Being in the now opens me up to the small joys that everyday life offers. A toddler on the bus who smiles at me; a dog waiting patiently outside a supermarket; a sunny day. I have no agency to change the big things, but I am in control of how I respond to them.
Lyn Dade
Twickenham, London

Jonathan Freedland is helpful and encouraging in his reply to the question: “How do we live in this terrible world?” My own way of struggling with terrible news is to remind myself that wherever there is suffering, even of great magnitude, there are wonderful people struggling to alleviate it. The work they do and the sacrifices they make lift up our hearts and spirits. The annual Guardian and Observer charity appeal helps and encourages us to support such people not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.
Peter B Godfrey
Life president, The Send a Child to Hucklow Fund