A lot of the things happening now are difficult to put into words anyway. Too many people fill the silence with too many words. Being quiet and protecting our strength makes a lot of sense to me. I cherish my relationships more than ever in these strange times. I did not know you were a poet too!
My husband practices what he calls yoga-ish. I think I might call myself a poet-ish. ☺️ It is a form that emerges from me only on occasion, and when it does it's rather determined.
Something I'd like to acknowledge is that we all have limits to what we can or should take on, but I'm pretty sure I can do more than I have been. That's the direction I intend to go anyway.
It doesn't sound silly at all to me, Beth. I think we're moving in waves of energy. While some of us subside, others rise, and then we switch it out again. That's the beauty of collective action.
I'm really honored that the poem found a home with you today. Thanks for letting me know.
"I’ve known for a long time that I am not competitive. But the truer truth is that I do not seek out spaces likely to erode my confidence. I’ve worked a lifetime to build it, and I’m still not done; I’m of no mind to offer any of it up for sport now."
We hold this in common!!!
In response, this last year my creative output reduced to near-nil; but in this new year I'll not let it play out in the same way. This post helped keep the fire beneath me burning, so thank you for that.
Aw, Kim. It's comforting to know who shares similar feelings. Really appreciate you letting me know. As for output, as I mentioned to Beth above, I think we ebb and flow. But I also think some of us have room to push ourselves a little more to keep from falling flat.
I find myself cooking more comfort foods nowadays to counter the despair I feel when watching the news. I try to limit what I watch - just enough to keep informed. We are writing to the Congressman for our district to let him know what we oppose. That’s at least something. Come on midterms!
Writing your representative(s) is absolutely something, Janet. Thank you!! That, in fact, is one of the ways I want to step up my efforts, committing to it more often than I do now -- so thank you for the nudge.
Home cooked comfort foods sounds like just the right kind of grounding. Yay!
I love this steady, less assertive type of courage you are reminding us of Elizabeth. I too am trying to show up with a willingness to see myself honestly and to sit with what I find. I think that, at the bottom of it all, this is what will stop us from crashing.
I'm so pleased you liked the poem, Donna. (As I said in another comment, I think "poet-ish" suits someone like me who turns to poetry every so often, when something inside demands it.) Honesty is in such short supply these days, so it feels almost subversive to be aiming for more of it! Thanks for reading.
I love your courage, your words, those thoughts that you share. Your honesty, your realness are reminders (for me, anyway) of the importance of being true to oneself, first and foremost, so then we can be real and honest and kind towards others.
What better way to know oneself and others than to sit for awhile...listening.
Such a thoughtful comment, Jeanine, thank you. There is a lot need for sitting with ourselves and our realities. And there's also a need to stretch beyond our comfort zones sometimes. That's where I hope I'm heading. Appreciate you.
I hadn't thought of bagging the competition aspect of the story slam, but I think it's wonderful. I'm not a fan of competition, either. One person wins, many lose. Recognition is good, though. But that can be simple appreciation.
I think being honest about not having the answers is a really good start. I have no idea what to do. But trying counts for a lot. It's everything, really. Plant a bunch of seeds, some will grow.
I agree, Wendy! Let's leave room for more than one thing to be true at the same time, for answers or solutions to demand creativity and openness -- it's that whole "bi-partisan" thing we keep asking for! It means the world that we can explore (and feel frustrated) together.
Ooh, this is key, Barry. Our convictions are important, and I also think it's possible for us to hold those without diminishing others'. You seem to do that remarkably well. Thanks for sharing that thought.
I was not aware you wrote poetry. You should share more of it, it's lovely.
Thank you for the mention. I'm glad that our shift in focus resonated with you. We celebrate the new softer side of slamming.
I think sometimes you need to give yourself a hundred gold stars for getting out of bed and attempting life. It's not so easy. I'm always happy to hear your voice on Wednesdays.
I agree, Eileen. But here's a distinction. You're seeing your own success and awarding yourself. And that is a beautiful thing. It's the key to satisfaction, not needing outside validation. I strive for that sensibility. I'm better at it, much, but still have work to do. xo
I'm grateful for the affirmation, Eileen. Poetry is not a form I explore often, so it always feels like a leap of faith. Come to think of it, doesn't everything?
Totally hear you on giving credit just for being functional some days, and lately that's even more valid. Then again, I'm managing some pretty impressive non-crash landings in my dreams, so I must still have a little fight left in me.
I'm happy to see you wherever we cross paths, and thankful that one of them is right here. Bok-bok!
I love this, Elizabeth. Your honesty and clarity in everything you write inspires me every time I read. I picture you sometimes as a tree, solid, deeply rooted in the earth, standing tall and reaching for the sky. Vertical alignment. "truth is that I do not have much of that in me right now. What I have instead is a strong resistance to pretending I do." Yes. Thank you so much for mentioning the slam and the changes we've gone through in such a short time (2 days!). While some go sledding while the Proud Boys do their evil deeds, my life-affirming occupation, passion, and commitment is building WBTYS into a true community of fierce and fabulous feminists who are willing and wanting to stand up, say everything (even if they're fearful), and send their words out into the world...who knows who might see the videos, and get inspired. A flame has been lit inside me. May it never go out until it's really time. And, please know that any time you want to take your turn at storytelling, we're here and welcome you with open arms that turn into hugs. xo
Aw, Nan. Coming from someone who's done a lot of personal work and appears to have a lifetime supply of creative energy, it means a lot to know you get a boost here. Thanks for saying that!
I think WBTYS is a brilliant endeavor, and I'm looking forward to getting to know myself and the Substack community better because of it. Burn bright, baby! 🔥
Thanks, my dear! I've been storing up that creative energy for a long time without using even a tenth of it, (because I had no confidence and I was a afraid to try) so I've got reserves that built up over years. I have a lot of time to make up for! xo
With you all the way. Elizabeth. I can’t bear to read one more person’s take on recent horrors. My brain is saturated. You have reiterated what I need to hear. Showing up for one another is the most important thing, whether you are holding a hand or a pen.
And I'm sure you know that saturation is a strategy, so figuring out how to balance awareness with care is key. We can't check out (not that you are), nor push a mountain. Rock by rock we move it, in the community of other rock movers, while "expanding" as needed to help cushion some of the falling/fallen.
So grateful for your readership, Rona. And your virtual friendship.
"The work is in the carrying." Keeping each other from crashing. Being there, with presence and caring. Even if the "there" is writing.
"Expand into the night." I suppose that is what we are doing. The night seems large, void and mean. We will expand into that, in spite of that, because of that.
I love your poet-ish-ness. Sounds just straight-out poet to me.
Important words, and I really enjoyed your poem, Elizabeth, particularly the first two lines.
I'm not crashing; I'm building myself up. I'm two weeks into a gradual process of improving my health and fitness after rather too long being deeply afraid of attempting what my body hasn't been able to do over the last year and a half. Small steps, but I'm nailing it. With all the fear and worry in the world I've settled into attempting only to control the things I CAN control, and hey, if I can improve how I'm feeling (and I am, I really am) then that will make all kinds of difference!
Rebecca, I am so, so glad to read this. You've been on my mind often these past months. I think it's fair to say I missed you. And I'm sure YOU missed you! So, doing what you can, from your kind corner of the world, to make sure you can go on doing that sounds like exactly the right plan. Thanks for sharing that here and for reading.
I am not competitive . I seek the quiet ways in to make small differences just as I seek the everyday sacred. I stay tuned to the calls from the Westerville Progressive Alliance to gather. I check in on my neighbors both the older ones and the young families. I sing in the feminist chorale at our small university . And I, too, find that writing and painting, baking bread and cooking meals of comfort, eases the restlessness I feel. When I was working my way through cancer, my son told me that with every big emotion there is a beginning, a middle, and an end as we cannot sustain large feelings over an extended period of time. And so I sat with the overwhelming feelings of despair and as I felt them begin to dissipate, gathered myself up ,stood, and walked on. Each day, every day this I choose. Thank you, dear one for your heart, your words...let's all ride the swells together each one taking the wave that calls to us!
A lot of the things happening now are difficult to put into words anyway. Too many people fill the silence with too many words. Being quiet and protecting our strength makes a lot of sense to me. I cherish my relationships more than ever in these strange times. I did not know you were a poet too!
My husband practices what he calls yoga-ish. I think I might call myself a poet-ish. ☺️ It is a form that emerges from me only on occasion, and when it does it's rather determined.
Something I'd like to acknowledge is that we all have limits to what we can or should take on, but I'm pretty sure I can do more than I have been. That's the direction I intend to go anyway.
Thank you so much, Teresa!
May we drive wagon...
no trophies/racing. Facing.
With, without wise words.
So good Marisol, so good!
Amazing how succinctly the most important points can be made. You are a gift!
This week's resonance, in 5/7/5 whispers from woods walk: https://marisolmunozkiehne.substack.com/p/warm-winter-woods-walk
I love your poem! I feel a bit like I'm crashing this week. It feels silly to say that, but here we are. Nowhere to go but up, I suppose.
It doesn't sound silly at all to me, Beth. I think we're moving in waves of energy. While some of us subside, others rise, and then we switch it out again. That's the beauty of collective action.
I'm really honored that the poem found a home with you today. Thanks for letting me know.
"I’ve known for a long time that I am not competitive. But the truer truth is that I do not seek out spaces likely to erode my confidence. I’ve worked a lifetime to build it, and I’m still not done; I’m of no mind to offer any of it up for sport now."
We hold this in common!!!
In response, this last year my creative output reduced to near-nil; but in this new year I'll not let it play out in the same way. This post helped keep the fire beneath me burning, so thank you for that.
I feel the same.
❤️🩹 🥰 ❤️🩹
Aw, Kim. It's comforting to know who shares similar feelings. Really appreciate you letting me know. As for output, as I mentioned to Beth above, I think we ebb and flow. But I also think some of us have room to push ourselves a little more to keep from falling flat.
Grateful for your comment.
I find myself cooking more comfort foods nowadays to counter the despair I feel when watching the news. I try to limit what I watch - just enough to keep informed. We are writing to the Congressman for our district to let him know what we oppose. That’s at least something. Come on midterms!
Writing your representative(s) is absolutely something, Janet. Thank you!! That, in fact, is one of the ways I want to step up my efforts, committing to it more often than I do now -- so thank you for the nudge.
Home cooked comfort foods sounds like just the right kind of grounding. Yay!
I love this steady, less assertive type of courage you are reminding us of Elizabeth. I too am trying to show up with a willingness to see myself honestly and to sit with what I find. I think that, at the bottom of it all, this is what will stop us from crashing.
Thank you for your wonderful poem.
I'm so pleased you liked the poem, Donna. (As I said in another comment, I think "poet-ish" suits someone like me who turns to poetry every so often, when something inside demands it.) Honesty is in such short supply these days, so it feels almost subversive to be aiming for more of it! Thanks for reading.
I love your courage, your words, those thoughts that you share. Your honesty, your realness are reminders (for me, anyway) of the importance of being true to oneself, first and foremost, so then we can be real and honest and kind towards others.
What better way to know oneself and others than to sit for awhile...listening.
Thank you Elizabeth.
Such a thoughtful comment, Jeanine, thank you. There is a lot need for sitting with ourselves and our realities. And there's also a need to stretch beyond our comfort zones sometimes. That's where I hope I'm heading. Appreciate you.
I love finding you here and I value your words. I just don't seem to have commenting in me these days. Keep shining your light. 🕯
That is 100% okay, Nancy. I'm so very grateful you are here at all. And may any light we shine reflect back to us in time. 💗
I hadn't thought of bagging the competition aspect of the story slam, but I think it's wonderful. I'm not a fan of competition, either. One person wins, many lose. Recognition is good, though. But that can be simple appreciation.
I think being honest about not having the answers is a really good start. I have no idea what to do. But trying counts for a lot. It's everything, really. Plant a bunch of seeds, some will grow.
I agree, Wendy! Let's leave room for more than one thing to be true at the same time, for answers or solutions to demand creativity and openness -- it's that whole "bi-partisan" thing we keep asking for! It means the world that we can explore (and feel frustrated) together.
It means the world to me, too. x
Maybe the greatest challenge for me has been, to not be afraid to be wrong...but especially never be afraid of being right!
Ooh, this is key, Barry. Our convictions are important, and I also think it's possible for us to hold those without diminishing others'. You seem to do that remarkably well. Thanks for sharing that thought.
I was not aware you wrote poetry. You should share more of it, it's lovely.
Thank you for the mention. I'm glad that our shift in focus resonated with you. We celebrate the new softer side of slamming.
I think sometimes you need to give yourself a hundred gold stars for getting out of bed and attempting life. It's not so easy. I'm always happy to hear your voice on Wednesdays.
I agree, Eileen. But here's a distinction. You're seeing your own success and awarding yourself. And that is a beautiful thing. It's the key to satisfaction, not needing outside validation. I strive for that sensibility. I'm better at it, much, but still have work to do. xo
I'm grateful for the affirmation, Eileen. Poetry is not a form I explore often, so it always feels like a leap of faith. Come to think of it, doesn't everything?
Totally hear you on giving credit just for being functional some days, and lately that's even more valid. Then again, I'm managing some pretty impressive non-crash landings in my dreams, so I must still have a little fight left in me.
I'm happy to see you wherever we cross paths, and thankful that one of them is right here. Bok-bok!
I love this, Elizabeth. Your honesty and clarity in everything you write inspires me every time I read. I picture you sometimes as a tree, solid, deeply rooted in the earth, standing tall and reaching for the sky. Vertical alignment. "truth is that I do not have much of that in me right now. What I have instead is a strong resistance to pretending I do." Yes. Thank you so much for mentioning the slam and the changes we've gone through in such a short time (2 days!). While some go sledding while the Proud Boys do their evil deeds, my life-affirming occupation, passion, and commitment is building WBTYS into a true community of fierce and fabulous feminists who are willing and wanting to stand up, say everything (even if they're fearful), and send their words out into the world...who knows who might see the videos, and get inspired. A flame has been lit inside me. May it never go out until it's really time. And, please know that any time you want to take your turn at storytelling, we're here and welcome you with open arms that turn into hugs. xo
Aw, Nan. Coming from someone who's done a lot of personal work and appears to have a lifetime supply of creative energy, it means a lot to know you get a boost here. Thanks for saying that!
I think WBTYS is a brilliant endeavor, and I'm looking forward to getting to know myself and the Substack community better because of it. Burn bright, baby! 🔥
Thanks, my dear! I've been storing up that creative energy for a long time without using even a tenth of it, (because I had no confidence and I was a afraid to try) so I've got reserves that built up over years. I have a lot of time to make up for! xo
With you all the way. Elizabeth. I can’t bear to read one more person’s take on recent horrors. My brain is saturated. You have reiterated what I need to hear. Showing up for one another is the most important thing, whether you are holding a hand or a pen.
And I'm sure you know that saturation is a strategy, so figuring out how to balance awareness with care is key. We can't check out (not that you are), nor push a mountain. Rock by rock we move it, in the community of other rock movers, while "expanding" as needed to help cushion some of the falling/fallen.
So grateful for your readership, Rona. And your virtual friendship.
It’s mutual. Glad to push rocks with you.
"The work is in the carrying." Keeping each other from crashing. Being there, with presence and caring. Even if the "there" is writing.
"Expand into the night." I suppose that is what we are doing. The night seems large, void and mean. We will expand into that, in spite of that, because of that.
I love your poet-ish-ness. Sounds just straight-out poet to me.
In spite of and because of -- precisely! We do what we can, and we try to do more. Thanks so much, Stew, for the solidarity and your last line. ☺️
Important words, and I really enjoyed your poem, Elizabeth, particularly the first two lines.
I'm not crashing; I'm building myself up. I'm two weeks into a gradual process of improving my health and fitness after rather too long being deeply afraid of attempting what my body hasn't been able to do over the last year and a half. Small steps, but I'm nailing it. With all the fear and worry in the world I've settled into attempting only to control the things I CAN control, and hey, if I can improve how I'm feeling (and I am, I really am) then that will make all kinds of difference!
Rebecca, I am so, so glad to read this. You've been on my mind often these past months. I think it's fair to say I missed you. And I'm sure YOU missed you! So, doing what you can, from your kind corner of the world, to make sure you can go on doing that sounds like exactly the right plan. Thanks for sharing that here and for reading.
😘
I am not competitive . I seek the quiet ways in to make small differences just as I seek the everyday sacred. I stay tuned to the calls from the Westerville Progressive Alliance to gather. I check in on my neighbors both the older ones and the young families. I sing in the feminist chorale at our small university . And I, too, find that writing and painting, baking bread and cooking meals of comfort, eases the restlessness I feel. When I was working my way through cancer, my son told me that with every big emotion there is a beginning, a middle, and an end as we cannot sustain large feelings over an extended period of time. And so I sat with the overwhelming feelings of despair and as I felt them begin to dissipate, gathered myself up ,stood, and walked on. Each day, every day this I choose. Thank you, dear one for your heart, your words...let's all ride the swells together each one taking the wave that calls to us!
Such a powerful comment, Susan, and I'm honored to read it. You are absolutely *expanding* into the night. Thank you for all you're doing.