Thank you for this honesty. I find some practice of "sabbath" is helpful (though hard), whether it's time away or simply a small block of time to be. It takes practice for me because life right now seems to dis-integrate my soul. Practicing sabbath where I return to my core matters - music, feeling the ground beneath my feet, being present in a conversation. Here. Now.
I asked a friend, "How is life treating you?" and he replied, "Great! I can't imagine life any better!" And I was nonplussed, because even with all the goodness of my life, I ache all the time. Embrace your humanity. It's one season now. Glad you got away for a bit.
Practicing sabbath in everyday life is something that resonates for me. It describes what sustains me through this—noticing and savoring and feeling the world around me in its utter beauty. Thank you for this beautiful description, Hans. As ever, you found the words.
I think to some extent you can in fact do both....stay engaged and really get away at least for a short time....get a wild and crazy horse to try to ride....all of your thoughts will be focused on staying on the horse..there is not a second for a thought about anything else to creep in. Obviously this is not for everyone, but it was what I did when I was working with abused kids and the job was so overwhelming...it was great to "get away" for an hour or two. That was several years ago...now my horses and I just mosey and I seem to do way too much thinking and composing letters I never send to my members of congress. It is so important for us to get away and we all need to find something that works for us and NOT feel guilty. In additon to doing what I can in following your small deeds suggestions I also try to make at least one thank you call/email a few times a week. Often this is to a member of congress who does not represent me, and every month or so I call the Ukrainian embassy to tell them I and most Americans support them. In both cases whoever answers the phone sounds genuinely appreciative of the support.
Regarding Clayton, IF they could catch them, they should hire the folks who put up the Iran War Participation Trophy.... these folks know more about clandestine operations than anyone in the trump circle of possible appointees!
This struggle plugged me into my joy. Suddenly, life became not about more, more, more, not about the anxiety of never being enough, never doing enough… Suddenly, being American required something of me that terrified me, that threatened to paralyze me with despair. But when I rose against it, when I rise as I can every day, I feel free from all the old conditions and constraints of American life. I have a greater purpose than my own comfort or success. I am here for my country. And that purpose both brings me joy and amplifies the everyday joy of just being human with a family I love, a garden and books and a place to swim. You are doing so much! Embrace your joy! You’ve earned it. You earn it every day, Michele. The joy lifts us into the work.
"I have a lot of guilt about that. It’s become especially acute lately." Let it go. I was a single mom, trying to be everything to my kids, but putting food on the table necessitated that I run myself ragged AND feel shitty that I couldn't juggle more balls. I did the best I could under the circumstances and finally learned to love myself, too. It made a huge difference for them to see that I mattered to myself.
I felt this so hard. Thank you for sharing.
I tell people all the time, if we can't take care of ourselves, we can't save the world. Great piece.
Thank you for this honesty. I find some practice of "sabbath" is helpful (though hard), whether it's time away or simply a small block of time to be. It takes practice for me because life right now seems to dis-integrate my soul. Practicing sabbath where I return to my core matters - music, feeling the ground beneath my feet, being present in a conversation. Here. Now.
I asked a friend, "How is life treating you?" and he replied, "Great! I can't imagine life any better!" And I was nonplussed, because even with all the goodness of my life, I ache all the time. Embrace your humanity. It's one season now. Glad you got away for a bit.
Practicing sabbath in everyday life is something that resonates for me. It describes what sustains me through this—noticing and savoring and feeling the world around me in its utter beauty. Thank you for this beautiful description, Hans. As ever, you found the words.
I think to some extent you can in fact do both....stay engaged and really get away at least for a short time....get a wild and crazy horse to try to ride....all of your thoughts will be focused on staying on the horse..there is not a second for a thought about anything else to creep in. Obviously this is not for everyone, but it was what I did when I was working with abused kids and the job was so overwhelming...it was great to "get away" for an hour or two. That was several years ago...now my horses and I just mosey and I seem to do way too much thinking and composing letters I never send to my members of congress. It is so important for us to get away and we all need to find something that works for us and NOT feel guilty. In additon to doing what I can in following your small deeds suggestions I also try to make at least one thank you call/email a few times a week. Often this is to a member of congress who does not represent me, and every month or so I call the Ukrainian embassy to tell them I and most Americans support them. In both cases whoever answers the phone sounds genuinely appreciative of the support.
Regarding Clayton, IF they could catch them, they should hire the folks who put up the Iran War Participation Trophy.... these folks know more about clandestine operations than anyone in the trump circle of possible appointees!
Michele, I'm glad you took a break with your son! 💜
Adrenaline. A lifesaving response to what is happening. It's an emergency. But...even super heroes take time to rest.
This struggle plugged me into my joy. Suddenly, life became not about more, more, more, not about the anxiety of never being enough, never doing enough… Suddenly, being American required something of me that terrified me, that threatened to paralyze me with despair. But when I rose against it, when I rise as I can every day, I feel free from all the old conditions and constraints of American life. I have a greater purpose than my own comfort or success. I am here for my country. And that purpose both brings me joy and amplifies the everyday joy of just being human with a family I love, a garden and books and a place to swim. You are doing so much! Embrace your joy! You’ve earned it. You earn it every day, Michele. The joy lifts us into the work.
"I have a lot of guilt about that. It’s become especially acute lately." Let it go. I was a single mom, trying to be everything to my kids, but putting food on the table necessitated that I run myself ragged AND feel shitty that I couldn't juggle more balls. I did the best I could under the circumstances and finally learned to love myself, too. It made a huge difference for them to see that I mattered to myself.