I have taken to listening to your essays as I enjoy my morning coffee and it is such a calming and grounding way to start my day. Your words today nourished that little glimmer of home that remains in me. Thank you.
Roe, I am genuinely grateful to know that the audio voiceovers are enjoyable for you. I remember when I started those I thought I'd only offer them some of the time, but they immediately became a regular feature. Reassuring to hear that folks are accessing them.
Thank you for your kind words!
Also -- how did I miss, until now, that you're about to be a NANNA!!!!? :)
Ooh, "revolution solution." I like the sound of that.
When you say you wrote about birds this week, do you mean for your next post? Or did I miss one somehow? Either way, I look forward to seeing how they are speaking to you. Grateful for your presence here.
This morning's essay reminds me of an experience I had as a young teacher. A colleague once gave me his entire curriculum for a class I was teaching--a daily plan, quizzes, projects, everything a person would need to teach the class. No prep needed from me: It was all done. Struggling with prepping for three classes I hadn't taught before, I was ecstatic. My delight was short-lived. While the other teacher used these materials successfully, I couldn't seem to. I was bored, and so were my students. I finally realized that while his approach to the class was a good fit for him as a teacher, it wasn't for me. That's when I really understood that there are many different ways to be good (at anything), and the most important thing, probably, was to find MY way of being good. We need all the different kinds of voices and actions now. What a soul-crushing world it would be if righteous anger were the only right kind. (And I love me some righteous anger!) We need both righteous anger and reasons to remember what we're angry about. Not to mention lights to show the various paths home. False hope or hokey hope are never helpful, but critical hope always is. I appreciate the ways in which you are seeking that and sharing it.
This is a good example, Rita, and I'm so glad you shared it. Some moons ago I wrote a piece on moral outrage, which I think is a sibling (twin?) of righteous anger. There's certainly a place for it, but in my experience, it's not just counterproductive but dangerous when it gets used as a stick. Carrots are so much more appealing to me! 🥕
Your comment is honest and instructive. Thank you for taking the time.
So you know the origin, it is what God said to Moses in Exodus 3:14: "God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” That helps a lot of people to understand the God of Creation in each of us without getting preachy about it.
I do know the origin, yes. I tend to prefer "I am that I am." But I've never considered it to be about universal divinity. An interesting observation. Thanks for pointing that out, Gary.
Thank you for your writing, and for your commitment to the long list of values you hold dear. I’m on the same track, and with the same ups and downs of how to live in this moment. Your thoughts help me focus on what’s important in my response to the upsetting times.
Elizabeth, as discussed, it is deeply affirming to be here amongst others who feel the same. Everyone around me is talking about the relentless feeling of doom playing on constant rotation. It's easy to get pulled under. Usually about every 3 days ...
Your list is absolutely perfect and I also love the notion of "active hope."
And have you noticed that being 'negative' is almost ALWAYS equated with being 'realistic?'
This makes me crazy. (And of course the opposite being true as well.)
Once we've done all that we can (as in your list) we have to try to settle and be kinder to ourselves - these are definitely difficult days indeed. xo
I, too, appreciate the affirmation, Sue. And the community. It really is a bright spot amid so much uncertainty. I've learned since listening to that podcast that active hope is "a thing." I'm not sure where it originated, but I find it to be the a useful rebuttal for those who feel hope is unrealistic. Thank you for weighing in and for the restack!
So much goodness in this post, Elizabeth, and such a powerful and intentional list. I think for those of us who don't write about politics or social justice or the travesty that is today, there is often that external pressure that makes us think that we should be, so I feel where you are coming from (and your writing is more political, by a lot, than mine). So I appreciate this post. This line, alongside many others, really caught me: "No matter how bad the situation, I can’t predict what I don’t know." (This really caught me outside of the political -- the reminder and wisdom.)
"Looking toward the promise of the future can obscure the view of what’s wrong right now." -- This is similar to why we sometimes struggle with gratitude.
"Hope is a lever. Joy is a lever. Compassion, curiosity, and connection are all mechanisms that can inspire their own kinds of revolution. Trying to conform to someone else’s idea of what matters most is an experiment doomed to fail."
I admire that you care deeply, that you are determined to find things to hold onto, and that you are asking hard questions (gently) of yourself and others.
I'll be here for the birds, any time there are birds. And stars and snails and the way the cashier moderated his voice. I don't need every single thing I read to be a political treatise.
I've joked, across my lifetime, that I would have made a good Catholic because I'm well versed in taking on guilt. 😅 Seriously, though, I sometimes have to give myself a stern talking to (the precursor to a post like this) for shouldering burdens unnecessarily. External pressure or not, we can't all beat the same drums.
I find it helpful to remember that I actually *know* very little, and I've found some peace in the idea that energy is never lost, just recreated.
Thanks for coming along for the difficult parts and for the times when I'm finding my way back to something resembling stability. It's good to know you're here.
You know I love every word of this. Hope is a muscle we’ve got to flex. I wouldn’t trade it for all the venom being offered to us. Rona’s Gettysburg essay is a beauty!
I thought about whether I could weave this into your Hope Library, Tara, but as it wasn't inspired from a piece of writing it seemed it was better as a stand alone. Although the podcast certainly played a part...? Anyway, you've got an amazing collection. Thank you for that effort, for your encouragement, and for being here.
This is so powerful, Elizabeth. You show great courage and determination. We all just need to do something and just not complain and be anxious. I’m trying to look for opportunities to engage others by being kinder. Simple- maybe, but I like the results.
That is a wonderful way to engage, Monica, and pretty much guaranteed to change the world one grateful heart at at time! Thank you for being part of this community.
You’re reflecting my sentiments, Elizabeth. Though I worry and discuss the sudden outrageous dangerous goings-on in our supposed democracy daily, I don’t want to address them in my writing. I like to believe that providing some humanity, some hope, some love, some humor, maybe even some distraction, is our contribution to the effort. You’re doing great! 🙏🌈
I have taken to listening to your essays as I enjoy my morning coffee and it is such a calming and grounding way to start my day. Your words today nourished that little glimmer of home that remains in me. Thank you.
Roe, I am genuinely grateful to know that the audio voiceovers are enjoyable for you. I remember when I started those I thought I'd only offer them some of the time, but they immediately became a regular feature. Reassuring to hear that folks are accessing them.
Thank you for your kind words!
Also -- how did I miss, until now, that you're about to be a NANNA!!!!? :)
Good morning Elizabeth...struck a great note! Many, in fact. This week I wrote about birds...
In a time when we are truly mortified at events beyond us, your revolution solution works. Thank you. J
Ooh, "revolution solution." I like the sound of that.
When you say you wrote about birds this week, do you mean for your next post? Or did I miss one somehow? Either way, I look forward to seeing how they are speaking to you. Grateful for your presence here.
Next one... scheduled... as I fly to the Bahamas for a quick escape from reality and all that it entails.
I do think revolution solution has quite a ring to it! J
💪❤️ ✅
Usually I write a lot in response... I cannot think beyond the words ..."this was simply magnificent...."
That, Barry, is more than enough. I know you are on a similar path, and that also gives me hope.
Love your list of of ways to be our better selves in these trying times, thank you!
Ah, thanks, Elizabeth. I have a long way to go most days, but now I have a list to remind myself, too! ☺️ I appreciate you joining the conversation.
This morning's essay reminds me of an experience I had as a young teacher. A colleague once gave me his entire curriculum for a class I was teaching--a daily plan, quizzes, projects, everything a person would need to teach the class. No prep needed from me: It was all done. Struggling with prepping for three classes I hadn't taught before, I was ecstatic. My delight was short-lived. While the other teacher used these materials successfully, I couldn't seem to. I was bored, and so were my students. I finally realized that while his approach to the class was a good fit for him as a teacher, it wasn't for me. That's when I really understood that there are many different ways to be good (at anything), and the most important thing, probably, was to find MY way of being good. We need all the different kinds of voices and actions now. What a soul-crushing world it would be if righteous anger were the only right kind. (And I love me some righteous anger!) We need both righteous anger and reasons to remember what we're angry about. Not to mention lights to show the various paths home. False hope or hokey hope are never helpful, but critical hope always is. I appreciate the ways in which you are seeking that and sharing it.
Yes, yes, and yes!
This is a good example, Rita, and I'm so glad you shared it. Some moons ago I wrote a piece on moral outrage, which I think is a sibling (twin?) of righteous anger. There's certainly a place for it, but in my experience, it's not just counterproductive but dangerous when it gets used as a stick. Carrots are so much more appealing to me! 🥕
Your comment is honest and instructive. Thank you for taking the time.
We move from good intentions to right actions, from “going to” arriving at “I am….”
Mm....so true, Gary. I love that "I am...," and it's grounding when we discover it. Thank you.
So you know the origin, it is what God said to Moses in Exodus 3:14: "God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” That helps a lot of people to understand the God of Creation in each of us without getting preachy about it.
I do know the origin, yes. I tend to prefer "I am that I am." But I've never considered it to be about universal divinity. An interesting observation. Thanks for pointing that out, Gary.
Bravo. Just keep on keeping on… ❤️
Thank you, my friend. Our gardens await!
Loved this whole piece, and especially this line: “Activism takes many shapes but is rooted in the heart.”
It's good to see you here, Michaela, and thank you. Heart is, I guess, what keeps us from giving up when things get hard(er).
Loved this whole piece, and especially this line: “Activism takes many shapes but is rooted in the heart.” 💖
Have to also like the sparkle-heart here. ☺️
Thank you for your writing, and for your commitment to the long list of values you hold dear. I’m on the same track, and with the same ups and downs of how to live in this moment. Your thoughts help me focus on what’s important in my response to the upsetting times.
Reflecting all these sentiments back to you, Darrell. So appreciative of your contributions here.
You inspired me to post this recent poem on my Substack, Elizabeth. Thank you!
...
The morning news
Incites despair.
How do I proceed,
Act, but not care so
Deeply that I bear a
Constant weight on
My shoulders, tight
Knot in my gut?
What is the loving
Path toward? Where
Is my Pollyanna
Hope? How do I re-
Ignite my faded light?
Wonderful, Kim. Ignite is a wonderful word in the right context, isn't it? Thank you for sharing this here, and for seeking a loving path forward.
Elizabeth, as discussed, it is deeply affirming to be here amongst others who feel the same. Everyone around me is talking about the relentless feeling of doom playing on constant rotation. It's easy to get pulled under. Usually about every 3 days ...
Your list is absolutely perfect and I also love the notion of "active hope."
And have you noticed that being 'negative' is almost ALWAYS equated with being 'realistic?'
This makes me crazy. (And of course the opposite being true as well.)
Once we've done all that we can (as in your list) we have to try to settle and be kinder to ourselves - these are definitely difficult days indeed. xo
I, too, appreciate the affirmation, Sue. And the community. It really is a bright spot amid so much uncertainty. I've learned since listening to that podcast that active hope is "a thing." I'm not sure where it originated, but I find it to be the a useful rebuttal for those who feel hope is unrealistic. Thank you for weighing in and for the restack!
So much goodness in this post, Elizabeth, and such a powerful and intentional list. I think for those of us who don't write about politics or social justice or the travesty that is today, there is often that external pressure that makes us think that we should be, so I feel where you are coming from (and your writing is more political, by a lot, than mine). So I appreciate this post. This line, alongside many others, really caught me: "No matter how bad the situation, I can’t predict what I don’t know." (This really caught me outside of the political -- the reminder and wisdom.)
"Looking toward the promise of the future can obscure the view of what’s wrong right now." -- This is similar to why we sometimes struggle with gratitude.
"Hope is a lever. Joy is a lever. Compassion, curiosity, and connection are all mechanisms that can inspire their own kinds of revolution. Trying to conform to someone else’s idea of what matters most is an experiment doomed to fail."
I admire that you care deeply, that you are determined to find things to hold onto, and that you are asking hard questions (gently) of yourself and others.
I'll be here for the birds, any time there are birds. And stars and snails and the way the cashier moderated his voice. I don't need every single thing I read to be a political treatise.
I've joked, across my lifetime, that I would have made a good Catholic because I'm well versed in taking on guilt. 😅 Seriously, though, I sometimes have to give myself a stern talking to (the precursor to a post like this) for shouldering burdens unnecessarily. External pressure or not, we can't all beat the same drums.
I find it helpful to remember that I actually *know* very little, and I've found some peace in the idea that energy is never lost, just recreated.
Thanks for coming along for the difficult parts and for the times when I'm finding my way back to something resembling stability. It's good to know you're here.
You know I love every word of this. Hope is a muscle we’ve got to flex. I wouldn’t trade it for all the venom being offered to us. Rona’s Gettysburg essay is a beauty!
💪 And flex we shall!
I thought about whether I could weave this into your Hope Library, Tara, but as it wasn't inspired from a piece of writing it seemed it was better as a stand alone. Although the podcast certainly played a part...? Anyway, you've got an amazing collection. Thank you for that effort, for your encouragement, and for being here.
I'm planning the wrap-up post, and this and a few other related items are getting mentions. So you'll be "in" the library by a side door. :-)
Oh, Tara...! That's a smile-worthy bit of news. Thank you, friend.
(I prefer side doors. Closer to the kitchen!)
😂
This is so powerful, Elizabeth. You show great courage and determination. We all just need to do something and just not complain and be anxious. I’m trying to look for opportunities to engage others by being kinder. Simple- maybe, but I like the results.
That is a wonderful way to engage, Monica, and pretty much guaranteed to change the world one grateful heart at at time! Thank you for being part of this community.
You’re reflecting my sentiments, Elizabeth. Though I worry and discuss the sudden outrageous dangerous goings-on in our supposed democracy daily, I don’t want to address them in my writing. I like to believe that providing some humanity, some hope, some love, some humor, maybe even some distraction, is our contribution to the effort. You’re doing great! 🙏🌈
Thank you, Don! We are all on our own paths, aren't we?
Your last comment made me remember Tom Papa's Netflix special called exactly that. What a crack up! "You're doing great...!"
I’ll check that out!