Thank you, Beth. I was struck, mostly, by the idea that we have to generate our own light, and that it's always there, whether we acknowledge it or not. That may feel trite to those who are suffering in darkness. I don't mean it to. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I'm blown away by this. Step one for me is going outside and staring at the horizon. Better if there's a sun or moon on the rise or set. I've experienced all of what you describe though I could never express it so beautifully.
I feel like the entire country (maybe world) needs this clever advice this week. I’m taking your advice and dancing Nia this morning. For me, it helps to balance all the ugliness by bringing in enough beauty and joy. And I will probably sing a little too. Whatever helps!
Teresa, I was not familiar with the Nia technique before now. After a bit of YouTube-ing, I can absolutely see why you would turn there for balance and beauty. I do hope you sang! Gratitude to you for your steady presence here. I so appreciate it!
Yes! This! Singing in the car at full volume--especially Motown songs from the '70s--is my go-to when I need to find some light. I suppose we all think our pain is unique. But everyone is going through something. Be kind.
That sounds so therapeutic, Lynn, and FUN! It's interesting, isn't it, how pain can feel so incredibly singular and personal and yet how much we relate to the pain of others when we try? Being kind is really where it all lands. Yes! Thank you.
If I admit that step 5 made me lol, am I telling on myself? (I know. I am. So be it.) As it happens, I've been step sixing every morning for about two weeks now. Some routine blood test results have me realizing that I cannot continue to treat my body with the disregard I did back in the days when I might have eaten too many brownies. So, I now begin my days with a two-mile walk, on a path that is partially wooded. I'm not sure if it will do much to lower my cholesterol, but it's doing wonders for my mental health. I purposely do not listen to books or music. Just the birds' songs and the thumps of my own feet. Sometimes those of others who are starting their day the same way. Feels like a kind of meditation. I hope I can keep doing it when my ADHD brain starts craving novelty. I appreciate you sharing how this piece came to be. (Always love hearing about writing process for others.) It sounds as if you've been weathering a lot lately; sending hopes for peace and calm and light.
I love how you verbed Step 6. In fact, I now want to incorporate that concept for all of these. "I'm sorry, you're going to have to leave me alone. I'm step eighting right now."
In all seriousness, Rita, your new(ish) morning ritual sounds amazing and restorative. Hopefully a variation will turn up before the joy in this one wanes completely. Not sure what time you hit the trail. The heat and humidity here (both of which breed mosquitoes) make it harder for me to get excited about an outdoor reset like that, though I still spend copious amounts of time out there in the garden.
I don't believe I'm weathering more than most -- but I do think the cumulative effects of a world gone mad is taking a collective toll on all of us. All the more reason to hone the art of light-finding.
Thank you for this thoughtful comment. 💚 (p.s. I also have cholesterol thoughts. If you want to chat about that bit sometime, I'm open to it.)
Having cancer once was life changing. Having cancer again...WTF!? Now being diagnosed with a chronic illness means I need to change my life practices and take more seriously how I care for myself. "Taking in " the temperature of our country and the world has impacted my body and my soul, impacted my peace. So now, I take those first steps towards health. I choose Joy,I seek Light. Let's continue to "hold hands as we cross the street"!
Yes, Susan -- our bodies often know before our brains that we've been holding onto feelings and habits that don't serve us well. Dis-ease is the right word. I'm sorry you are dealing with a new diagnosis (after two other big ones!) and hope prioritizing your health with an emphasis on joy is paying off. I'm smitten with your last line. Yes, let's!
I'll tell you the truth: I never think I'm going to love it, and I always end up loving it. There's a body-doubling component, I suppose, and then the chance to hear folks reading what they've created at the end. Potent! Thanks for the opportunity and the restack.
Thanks, Melody. I'm glad you can relate. Then again, you, of all people, know how to take yourself to places where you can tap into your soul-music. And I know the earth hugs you back.
Worth noting: I did not consider, when the cooking metaphor came to me, that we would be in a blistering heat wave this week. Please don't *actually* cook to boiling. :)
I love this. It's like a list poem. So beautiful, and with so much here. STEP EIGHT. "Let yourself cool." I had a physical reaction to that one. A gigantic YES. And you ended with hope (not some prediction, but truth--the light that is and always will be). I'm binging The Count of Monte Cristo (which is fabulous). Newish PBS version. Hope is essential. xxx
I worry, at times, that hope is naive. But I think that's what darkness wants me to think. Full transparency: Step 8 is one of my favorites, too, because the feeling that comes after a massive release brings me back to elemental truths like light, and love, and...HOPE.
May we both find our wise abbott and our treasure. Thank you for taking time here today, Wendy. I'm grateful.
I can’t believe that hope is naive. Rebellions are built on hope. If we couldn’t see a better tomorrow, what motivation is there to even try? We may be wrecked by despair, but that little bit of hope is the light that I see between all of us.
I've read this a couple of times and will need to come back to it several more, I think, before I fully understand what it wants to tell me. It has a lot to say!
A "Twelve-Step Program" means something different and quite specific in the circles I run in, so the subtitle alone gives me plenty to think about. And the steps themselves, oh my ....
I'm grateful for your careful reading(s), Elizabeth and truly appreciate that you want to find out what it means for you. For me, it was all about realizing that light comes from within. Your comment made me aware that I put a detail in the audio intro that I left out of the written outro, explaining that the writing workshop included a poem and prompt about bioluminescence. So, that's where this began.
The 12 steps were intentional. While I did not mean this to be dismissive of or a replacement for the well-respected 12-step programs, I did see them as sharing related outcomes.
How to deal with PAIN. Sigh…. Yes, finding the Light is essential. And not easy.
Sending hugs. Take care dear Elizabeth. All the best.
Thank you, Beth. I was struck, mostly, by the idea that we have to generate our own light, and that it's always there, whether we acknowledge it or not. That may feel trite to those who are suffering in darkness. I don't mean it to. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Never trite! Such an important thing for all to be aware of. A very emotional and heartfelt post. Thanks so much. Sending hugs.
I'm blown away by this. Step one for me is going outside and staring at the horizon. Better if there's a sun or moon on the rise or set. I've experienced all of what you describe though I could never express it so beautifully.
Ah, Nancy. I'm honored and simultaneously delighted that we can both relate to these experiences. Thank you!
I feel like the entire country (maybe world) needs this clever advice this week. I’m taking your advice and dancing Nia this morning. For me, it helps to balance all the ugliness by bringing in enough beauty and joy. And I will probably sing a little too. Whatever helps!
Teresa, I was not familiar with the Nia technique before now. After a bit of YouTube-ing, I can absolutely see why you would turn there for balance and beauty. I do hope you sang! Gratitude to you for your steady presence here. I so appreciate it!
Each Nia routine is different, which I like. Yesterday we danced to Beach Boys songs. That will cheer you up, for sure!
Yes! This! Singing in the car at full volume--especially Motown songs from the '70s--is my go-to when I need to find some light. I suppose we all think our pain is unique. But everyone is going through something. Be kind.
That sounds so therapeutic, Lynn, and FUN! It's interesting, isn't it, how pain can feel so incredibly singular and personal and yet how much we relate to the pain of others when we try? Being kind is really where it all lands. Yes! Thank you.
If I admit that step 5 made me lol, am I telling on myself? (I know. I am. So be it.) As it happens, I've been step sixing every morning for about two weeks now. Some routine blood test results have me realizing that I cannot continue to treat my body with the disregard I did back in the days when I might have eaten too many brownies. So, I now begin my days with a two-mile walk, on a path that is partially wooded. I'm not sure if it will do much to lower my cholesterol, but it's doing wonders for my mental health. I purposely do not listen to books or music. Just the birds' songs and the thumps of my own feet. Sometimes those of others who are starting their day the same way. Feels like a kind of meditation. I hope I can keep doing it when my ADHD brain starts craving novelty. I appreciate you sharing how this piece came to be. (Always love hearing about writing process for others.) It sounds as if you've been weathering a lot lately; sending hopes for peace and calm and light.
If you tell your Step 5 story, I'll tell mine. 😅
I love how you verbed Step 6. In fact, I now want to incorporate that concept for all of these. "I'm sorry, you're going to have to leave me alone. I'm step eighting right now."
In all seriousness, Rita, your new(ish) morning ritual sounds amazing and restorative. Hopefully a variation will turn up before the joy in this one wanes completely. Not sure what time you hit the trail. The heat and humidity here (both of which breed mosquitoes) make it harder for me to get excited about an outdoor reset like that, though I still spend copious amounts of time out there in the garden.
I don't believe I'm weathering more than most -- but I do think the cumulative effects of a world gone mad is taking a collective toll on all of us. All the more reason to hone the art of light-finding.
Thank you for this thoughtful comment. 💚 (p.s. I also have cholesterol thoughts. If you want to chat about that bit sometime, I'm open to it.)
Having cancer once was life changing. Having cancer again...WTF!? Now being diagnosed with a chronic illness means I need to change my life practices and take more seriously how I care for myself. "Taking in " the temperature of our country and the world has impacted my body and my soul, impacted my peace. So now, I take those first steps towards health. I choose Joy,I seek Light. Let's continue to "hold hands as we cross the street"!
Yes, Susan -- our bodies often know before our brains that we've been holding onto feelings and habits that don't serve us well. Dis-ease is the right word. I'm sorry you are dealing with a new diagnosis (after two other big ones!) and hope prioritizing your health with an emphasis on joy is paying off. I'm smitten with your last line. Yes, let's!
So glad you were there! Isn't the energy of creating together in a room, even virtual, amazing?!
I'll tell you the truth: I never think I'm going to love it, and I always end up loving it. There's a body-doubling component, I suppose, and then the chance to hear folks reading what they've created at the end. Potent! Thanks for the opportunity and the restack.
We’re so glad you’ve given them a shot.
This . This is primal meditation - Excuse me while I go outside and cook to boiling ! I look forward to the what - comes- next
Thanks, Melody. I'm glad you can relate. Then again, you, of all people, know how to take yourself to places where you can tap into your soul-music. And I know the earth hugs you back.
Worth noting: I did not consider, when the cooking metaphor came to me, that we would be in a blistering heat wave this week. Please don't *actually* cook to boiling. :)
Beautiful
Thank you, Holly. And I'm grateful for the restack, which I just saw.
I love this. It's like a list poem. So beautiful, and with so much here. STEP EIGHT. "Let yourself cool." I had a physical reaction to that one. A gigantic YES. And you ended with hope (not some prediction, but truth--the light that is and always will be). I'm binging The Count of Monte Cristo (which is fabulous). Newish PBS version. Hope is essential. xxx
I worry, at times, that hope is naive. But I think that's what darkness wants me to think. Full transparency: Step 8 is one of my favorites, too, because the feeling that comes after a massive release brings me back to elemental truths like light, and love, and...HOPE.
May we both find our wise abbott and our treasure. Thank you for taking time here today, Wendy. I'm grateful.
I can’t believe that hope is naive. Rebellions are built on hope. If we couldn’t see a better tomorrow, what motivation is there to even try? We may be wrecked by despair, but that little bit of hope is the light that I see between all of us.
You're right, of course. And I have to remind myself that hope and optimism aren't the same.
The light in me sees and honors the light in you. 🩵
A brilliant recipe Elizabeth, thank you!
Ah, Donna. It's great to see you, and thank you ever so much. Here's to another 250!
I've read this a couple of times and will need to come back to it several more, I think, before I fully understand what it wants to tell me. It has a lot to say!
A "Twelve-Step Program" means something different and quite specific in the circles I run in, so the subtitle alone gives me plenty to think about. And the steps themselves, oh my ....
I'm grateful for your careful reading(s), Elizabeth and truly appreciate that you want to find out what it means for you. For me, it was all about realizing that light comes from within. Your comment made me aware that I put a detail in the audio intro that I left out of the written outro, explaining that the writing workshop included a poem and prompt about bioluminescence. So, that's where this began.
The 12 steps were intentional. While I did not mean this to be dismissive of or a replacement for the well-respected 12-step programs, I did see them as sharing related outcomes.