Letter to Felix; reflecting on recent events

*Silky smiled to herself quietly as she wrote with a quill that was clearly made from her own wing feathers.* Dearest friend, Felix, I am writing you today upon some reflections of the month. As it comes to a closing, I'd like to share with you a striking way in which I have changed that I could not help but notice. I used to be set in my ways regarding this topic and felt I would never change -- yet for the past few years, I have -- thanks to you.  This specific topic is in regards to my negative association of people who flex or assert their faiths over others as if it were performative dominance. Let us cal this faith, "The Flower Power Faith." Each and every time I saw someone expressing openly or discussing their "Flower Power" faith, I would find myself betrayed in regards to something connected to their character, behaviour, or actions. The moral superiority, the snark, the sneakiness and the need to dominate. It made me sharp-edged and guarded. I became cynical in my commentaries and expectations whenever I would see them use this faith so that one group would "assert dominance/authority" over another. Or reduce those around them as "inferior."  Yet... ever since meeting you... and everyone else who actually practices it with grace, genuine kindness and patience... I feel that I have changed in my position on that.  And it has been so healing. Even when a recent scandal, involving this matter, would have had me feeling quite vindicated in my dislike/disgust of said "Flower Power" people... I simply remained.. peaceful. After meeting you, I remembered that it is more to do with the individual in question and not so much the faith or belief... I wanted to thank you for your patience. Your kindness and your endurance with wishing to read through old tomes together in pursuit of esoteric knowledge. And the desire to ascend beyond such petty things as the will to feel superior over others... There was no arrogance in you. No posturing. No need to prove masculinity or moral authority... Instead, you showed me what majestic masculinity can be like: calm, attentive, quietly strong. Patient and genuinely listening to understand. Because of you, I learned that faith can be something soothing rather than wounding... You held no desire to use old texts to hurt, control or offend anyone. When I was upset or saddened by some of those teachings, you handled it with grace and a gentle mind. Understanding that hurt people can sometimes be upset or retreat. You treated everyone with respect and dignity even when you did not agree with them. You even read old tomes of other faiths with equal curiosity and kindness. Nothing condescending or dismissive. This was so fascinating to me at the time of my getting to know you over the years.  Because of those memories and experiences, I am forever changed in my views on things. And I wish to extend this compassion you have shown me to other beings who may be in need of it. And then just when I thought that "Flower Power" matter was over, I discover another "Flower Power" follower was holding resentment towards me for some past commentaries. He was later trying to "assert dominance" because of some old grudge of the past. I felt saddened by this display and then guilty. So I approached the individual with kindness. I wished him well and he interpreted my kindness for weakness. A heavy reminder for why I had become so snarky towards his kind to begin with. In his mind, he had officially asserted dominance due to my passivity. And this was why I never wanted to submit or be feminine and would rather just be mischievous and cheeky in my commentaries towards these discussions. This time, I retreated peacefully and this was perceived as a "victory." As though he was some "manly being who won over the feminine one." But I felt no resentment anymore. Only clarity. And looking back, I cannot help but giggle. Because it is not the faith itself but the way people carry it. And I hold a higher standard of who I would befriend on this now.  What I find curious is how arrogant individuals will demand someone "spend years to prove themselves worthy" while offering nothing but bitterness and hate. Yet gentle, precious souls will offer rubies and emeralds while demanding nothing. These precious gems have shifted my inner being into knowing an inner stillness that I had never known possible. An inner stillness that seems to be what is referenced in those ancient tomes.  And while one person may want to rage at imaginary ghosts of the past, which are now illusions, I feel that which is dead should be laid to rest. Graveyards are peaceful for a reason. There should be more healing in the world. Most of my character development came from inner changes that was due to the kindness that people like you have shown to me. And the vivid revelation that this world has beautiful gems hidden throughout the rubble and the chaos... is the best plot twist that I could have asked for! January has certainly proven to be an interesting start to the month. Here's to a lovely 2026! Sincerely,  Silky P.s. Flowers in their gentle, delicate patience really do hold a subtle power...