I heal when touching, when becoming aware I am not alone. This practice was a reminder for me of that—-the withness of the divine — with me and of others —with me. And how is that autocorrect wants to change withness to witness. Mmm….
The mending and balancing practice you shared is a powerful one to what I already do. Thank you Carrie. I've had several conversations recently with people who work in varied ways in folk, Celtic, and other sorts on non mainstream music. Two things that kept coming up were the power of community, both in person and at distance, and that part of that power is in healing.
I am reminded of a book, called "Saving Jesus from Those Who Are Right," which I'd read while going through a faith crisis during and after college. The author, Carter Heyward, talked about a concept called "Godding," which posits that God is created in our actions and words, the space between us.
"But Christian theologians seldom have reflected on God as our relational power; on our fear of God and ourselves, our own godding, as the root of our sin and the evil we do in it; or on evil as an act of betrayal against ourselves, not only God."
But the idea of "human-ing" feels a lot closer to the clunky, messy, nonlinear, winding and twisting rollercoaster I find in my own journey and the journeys I am fortunate enough to witness. The perfectionist in me certainly likes the idea of "Godding," but it also feels like a lot of pressure to "do it right." This is not the author's thesis, but regardless, "Humaning" feels much more doable.
I followed the Monks on their Peace Walk. Thankful I could watch online since I physically could not be there. I was “stuck” in my house for 3 weeks due to the weather and my mobility issues. I took many pictures from my windows and shared them with others, who were also housebound.
One was icicles sparkling golden as the sun set. The internet is a blessing and a curse to me. I’ve been more intentional in what I consume and share.
The exercise you suggested helped me breathe deeply. Thank you.
Loving the grounding. Thank you Carrie. I’m recognizing to my utter surprise that I was off to a good start when I heard a very different tone in my head, at my first conscious awakening moment. Instead of hearing my frequent, GET UP WOMAN! hounding tone, I heard an unexpected inner voice softly and sweetly say, get up honey. And so the day began with just that. And it mattered to the life I lived and those I would be present with that day. I’m sure your “oh honey” may have had an unconscious say in that . I’m so grateful that all practices of “grounded love” spread seeded valleys, imprint, and take root for all to consciously meet and tend and set each hopeful day of life upon. I’m learning that the unexpected doesn’t always come from what happens in life but that the unexpected can happen from within too.
thank you Lindy. I'm glad you woke up to a "get up honey" . when we can give ourselves that kindness - well yes, the day always goes better. Oh honeys are good for the heart and soul my friend.
I need to express my appreciation for the impact on me of your one "small" word: sad, as an ambiguous modifier of that "malignant" man. I readily find myself constantly angry, usually on a daily basis, for what he and his minions are doing to this country. And I know--experientially and professionally--how much knee jerk anger is a defense against sadness for so much waste, suffering and pain. To be reminded to feel that sadness, instead of lashing out in rage, was a gift. He really is a sad man and I do pity him. But I also still want there to be accountability; grace without justice is meaningless.
It is such a delicate balance some days for me too. I don't want to ever carry hate in my heart, because it doesn't hurt anyone but me. Lily Tomlin wrote "hate is like drinking rat poison and waiting for the rat to die." So I can and will carry righteous anger. Because I love justice and goodness and i'm morally offended by the kinds of suffering inflicted by this sad malignant mentally unstable man and his minions. Its not so much a grace given to this official. That kind of grace is most days beyond me. Its more my way of staying clear, keeping my own heart more able to do the work of turning righteous anger into redemptive action. Honestly...being an imperfect human being, some days I do better than others. But I keep practicing - speaking up for truth and justice, staying aware and bearing witness to those suffering, and keeping my heart centered in love. May we both continue to find a way....day by day in these heartbreaking, bewildering and beautiful times.
The voice of courageous women rings true to me too. I viewed an interview with Gisele Pelicot (the french woman drugged and raped repeatedly. Her speaking truth to power turned the switch on shame from the vicitim to the perpetrators (including societies acceptance of male dominance). The women of Epstein abuse are trying to do the same here in the USA. This gives me hope and determination to keep speaking my truth even if it is on a micro scale. Sorry to go off question but your post today brought this insight to me.
not off question...its a reflection of how we bear witness to suffering, how we learn from those who emerged against all odds with their dignity and imagination intact. It is about holding f these brave women in the Light and learn from their courage.
Andy- Thanks for the image of the ice on the winter weather, cracked and fragmented, yet bumping into to each other in the river of humanity. It invites me to ponder and explore the image further.
I've been thinking a lot about the dehumanizing that's been going on for a long time...the cartoonish depictions of "the other side", and how we all have a soft underbelly that hurts when these are aimed at our people. I can't stop it, but I can refuse to participate. I think that's where we start building that bridge; with a covenant to consider the feelings of everyone whether they're in our circle of trust or not.
This is a beautiful reflection Miriam. Thankyou. Sometimes it is unsafe to trust certain relationships for a time. It is wise to be compassionate with ourselves and protect ourselves with healthy boundaries. But there will be times when board by board trust can be rebuilt...it takes time, but it also requires letting go of "artoonish depictions of the other side" and see where we might still meet as humans -flawed and fragile, courageous and true, bewildering and disappointing, but sometimes carrying the possiblity of change and growth.
This is just what I needed. I too , just last night unsubscribed to some on Substack. The constant barrage of news that only keeps us twisted in a knot of not good energy, is not good for our souls. I love what you wrote and the Video from John Prine. Thank you for your loving energy 💛
Your piece made me think about a sight I took in a couple of weeks ago. I work in a building on the Chicago River, mostly on the first floor, but on this day I was on the 7th. I looked down at the river and larger pieces of ice huddled together, forming a sort of mosaic effect on the surface of the river. The river seemed cracked and fragmented, but below keeps moving onward, its shores constantly changing and its movement unrelenting. Your piece made me think about how much like a winter river we are…cracked and fragmented, but always in motion in ways that sometimes we don’t understand. But I like the idea of practicing awareness…thinking about how and where the cracks form and how our rivers intersect with other tributaries to form a complex system of humanity. I hope I’m making sense. Truth is, I just like watching rivers. Thank you so much as always, Carrie! It’s a true blessing to be a witness to the beauty you create with your words and music
I love this metaphor..the ice fragments in motion and how you connected it to how water moves in ways we don't always see or understand in the moment. I love rivers too, they are so alive and always a place for me to ponder.
This poignant post really resonates with me, as it brought to mind a friend who has been negatively affected by this fragmentation and distrust. I think you've correctly identified connection (on several levels) as the antidote. Thanks for the inspiration and offering a way forward.
Thank you Michael. yes...it is a fragmented time. choosing wholeness seems to be something we have to consciously choose these days. When things are happening so quickly it can take some time and reflection (and yes connection) to sort through. always appreciate your reflections so much.
This week I was forced to slow way down. Not my idea. But in doing so I was present to the morning birdsong. I opened my Merlin bird app and was delighted to see a list of 7 birds identified from the songs audible in my backyard. Sitting in delight fills my soul.
I am very aware of my own fragility and at the same time also aware of my grit, tenacity and persistence. These can exist together.
I watched the performance in Congress as well - and what jumped out was the disconnect- the cognitive dissonance is staggering. The emotional dissonance is catastrophic. Yes. I see too who is presenting with courage. I must believe that courage, truth and authenticity will prevail.
This week- what is helping me feel intact is listening to birdsong, trying to train my ear to the separate songs, surrendering to the speed my body requires and allowing rest.
This week- resting is my act of resistance. Next week… will see.
I’ve spent a week dealing with anger, first over the racist post, then over the Epstein hearing, and even angry that I’m having to navigate how to respond appropriately. I responded to the racist post with a post that maybe went too far and didn’t reflect my highest self. I agonized for days about whether to remove it. For complicated reasons, I did remove it. Now, I’m trying to give myself grace for not being as wise as these times require. I’m deeply grateful to Carrie and this community for being my teachers.
Oh Jeff, I'm with Susan. I do hope you can give yourself lots of grace and compassion. Righteous anger is very powerful, because it rises up out of what you love including a love of justice and deep compassion for those who are suffering. You are not alone in navigating what to do with our righteous anger. I love the word "practice" because practice does not imply perfection, it affirms your good intentions. I hear your good heart, your empathy and care. It is an honor to be in this circle of spirits with you.
Please, please give yourself grace and compassion, Jeff. It can be hard to keep our emotions on an even keel these days. Remind yourself that you are human, and your anger is righteous anger - an emotion that shows you know right from wrong, kind from cruel.
I heal when touching, when becoming aware I am not alone. This practice was a reminder for me of that—-the withness of the divine — with me and of others —with me. And how is that autocorrect wants to change withness to witness. Mmm….
The mending and balancing practice you shared is a powerful one to what I already do. Thank you Carrie. I've had several conversations recently with people who work in varied ways in folk, Celtic, and other sorts on non mainstream music. Two things that kept coming up were the power of community, both in person and at distance, and that part of that power is in healing.
I am reminded of a book, called "Saving Jesus from Those Who Are Right," which I'd read while going through a faith crisis during and after college. The author, Carter Heyward, talked about a concept called "Godding," which posits that God is created in our actions and words, the space between us.
"But Christian theologians seldom have reflected on God as our relational power; on our fear of God and ourselves, our own godding, as the root of our sin and the evil we do in it; or on evil as an act of betrayal against ourselves, not only God."
(Quote from the book, reproduced at https://layreadersbookreviews.wordpress.com/2015/10/24/saving-jesus-from-those-who-are-right-carter-heyward/ )
But the idea of "human-ing" feels a lot closer to the clunky, messy, nonlinear, winding and twisting rollercoaster I find in my own journey and the journeys I am fortunate enough to witness. The perfectionist in me certainly likes the idea of "Godding," but it also feels like a lot of pressure to "do it right." This is not the author's thesis, but regardless, "Humaning" feels much more doable.
I followed the Monks on their Peace Walk. Thankful I could watch online since I physically could not be there. I was “stuck” in my house for 3 weeks due to the weather and my mobility issues. I took many pictures from my windows and shared them with others, who were also housebound.
One was icicles sparkling golden as the sun set. The internet is a blessing and a curse to me. I’ve been more intentional in what I consume and share.
The exercise you suggested helped me breathe deeply. Thank you.
Loving the grounding. Thank you Carrie. I’m recognizing to my utter surprise that I was off to a good start when I heard a very different tone in my head, at my first conscious awakening moment. Instead of hearing my frequent, GET UP WOMAN! hounding tone, I heard an unexpected inner voice softly and sweetly say, get up honey. And so the day began with just that. And it mattered to the life I lived and those I would be present with that day. I’m sure your “oh honey” may have had an unconscious say in that . I’m so grateful that all practices of “grounded love” spread seeded valleys, imprint, and take root for all to consciously meet and tend and set each hopeful day of life upon. I’m learning that the unexpected doesn’t always come from what happens in life but that the unexpected can happen from within too.
thank you Lindy. I'm glad you woke up to a "get up honey" . when we can give ourselves that kindness - well yes, the day always goes better. Oh honeys are good for the heart and soul my friend.
Carrie, thank you for giving us hope, for carrying the Light, for lifting us in song, for always moving us forward.
Lisa Bassett
I need to express my appreciation for the impact on me of your one "small" word: sad, as an ambiguous modifier of that "malignant" man. I readily find myself constantly angry, usually on a daily basis, for what he and his minions are doing to this country. And I know--experientially and professionally--how much knee jerk anger is a defense against sadness for so much waste, suffering and pain. To be reminded to feel that sadness, instead of lashing out in rage, was a gift. He really is a sad man and I do pity him. But I also still want there to be accountability; grace without justice is meaningless.
It is such a delicate balance some days for me too. I don't want to ever carry hate in my heart, because it doesn't hurt anyone but me. Lily Tomlin wrote "hate is like drinking rat poison and waiting for the rat to die." So I can and will carry righteous anger. Because I love justice and goodness and i'm morally offended by the kinds of suffering inflicted by this sad malignant mentally unstable man and his minions. Its not so much a grace given to this official. That kind of grace is most days beyond me. Its more my way of staying clear, keeping my own heart more able to do the work of turning righteous anger into redemptive action. Honestly...being an imperfect human being, some days I do better than others. But I keep practicing - speaking up for truth and justice, staying aware and bearing witness to those suffering, and keeping my heart centered in love. May we both continue to find a way....day by day in these heartbreaking, bewildering and beautiful times.
I just felt connect to something larger than myself.
a deep bow and may it be so to you.
The voice of courageous women rings true to me too. I viewed an interview with Gisele Pelicot (the french woman drugged and raped repeatedly. Her speaking truth to power turned the switch on shame from the vicitim to the perpetrators (including societies acceptance of male dominance). The women of Epstein abuse are trying to do the same here in the USA. This gives me hope and determination to keep speaking my truth even if it is on a micro scale. Sorry to go off question but your post today brought this insight to me.
not off question...its a reflection of how we bear witness to suffering, how we learn from those who emerged against all odds with their dignity and imagination intact. It is about holding f these brave women in the Light and learn from their courage.
Andy- Thanks for the image of the ice on the winter weather, cracked and fragmented, yet bumping into to each other in the river of humanity. It invites me to ponder and explore the image further.
I've been thinking a lot about the dehumanizing that's been going on for a long time...the cartoonish depictions of "the other side", and how we all have a soft underbelly that hurts when these are aimed at our people. I can't stop it, but I can refuse to participate. I think that's where we start building that bridge; with a covenant to consider the feelings of everyone whether they're in our circle of trust or not.
This is a beautiful reflection Miriam. Thankyou. Sometimes it is unsafe to trust certain relationships for a time. It is wise to be compassionate with ourselves and protect ourselves with healthy boundaries. But there will be times when board by board trust can be rebuilt...it takes time, but it also requires letting go of "artoonish depictions of the other side" and see where we might still meet as humans -flawed and fragile, courageous and true, bewildering and disappointing, but sometimes carrying the possiblity of change and growth.
Thank you Carrie. I'm so glad to be a member of this community....I've learned so many helpful things.
This is just what I needed. I too , just last night unsubscribed to some on Substack. The constant barrage of news that only keeps us twisted in a knot of not good energy, is not good for our souls. I love what you wrote and the Video from John Prine. Thank you for your loving energy 💛
Your piece made me think about a sight I took in a couple of weeks ago. I work in a building on the Chicago River, mostly on the first floor, but on this day I was on the 7th. I looked down at the river and larger pieces of ice huddled together, forming a sort of mosaic effect on the surface of the river. The river seemed cracked and fragmented, but below keeps moving onward, its shores constantly changing and its movement unrelenting. Your piece made me think about how much like a winter river we are…cracked and fragmented, but always in motion in ways that sometimes we don’t understand. But I like the idea of practicing awareness…thinking about how and where the cracks form and how our rivers intersect with other tributaries to form a complex system of humanity. I hope I’m making sense. Truth is, I just like watching rivers. Thank you so much as always, Carrie! It’s a true blessing to be a witness to the beauty you create with your words and music
I love this metaphor..the ice fragments in motion and how you connected it to how water moves in ways we don't always see or understand in the moment. I love rivers too, they are so alive and always a place for me to ponder.
This poignant post really resonates with me, as it brought to mind a friend who has been negatively affected by this fragmentation and distrust. I think you've correctly identified connection (on several levels) as the antidote. Thanks for the inspiration and offering a way forward.
Thank you Michael. yes...it is a fragmented time. choosing wholeness seems to be something we have to consciously choose these days. When things are happening so quickly it can take some time and reflection (and yes connection) to sort through. always appreciate your reflections so much.
This week I was forced to slow way down. Not my idea. But in doing so I was present to the morning birdsong. I opened my Merlin bird app and was delighted to see a list of 7 birds identified from the songs audible in my backyard. Sitting in delight fills my soul.
I am very aware of my own fragility and at the same time also aware of my grit, tenacity and persistence. These can exist together.
I watched the performance in Congress as well - and what jumped out was the disconnect- the cognitive dissonance is staggering. The emotional dissonance is catastrophic. Yes. I see too who is presenting with courage. I must believe that courage, truth and authenticity will prevail.
This week- what is helping me feel intact is listening to birdsong, trying to train my ear to the separate songs, surrendering to the speed my body requires and allowing rest.
This week- resting is my act of resistance. Next week… will see.
I also get great joy from the Merlin Bird app
ah yes...the natural world always grounds me too. Birdsong is a gift in this world. Thank you Amy.
I’ve spent a week dealing with anger, first over the racist post, then over the Epstein hearing, and even angry that I’m having to navigate how to respond appropriately. I responded to the racist post with a post that maybe went too far and didn’t reflect my highest self. I agonized for days about whether to remove it. For complicated reasons, I did remove it. Now, I’m trying to give myself grace for not being as wise as these times require. I’m deeply grateful to Carrie and this community for being my teachers.
Oh Jeff, I'm with Susan. I do hope you can give yourself lots of grace and compassion. Righteous anger is very powerful, because it rises up out of what you love including a love of justice and deep compassion for those who are suffering. You are not alone in navigating what to do with our righteous anger. I love the word "practice" because practice does not imply perfection, it affirms your good intentions. I hear your good heart, your empathy and care. It is an honor to be in this circle of spirits with you.
Please, please give yourself grace and compassion, Jeff. It can be hard to keep our emotions on an even keel these days. Remind yourself that you are human, and your anger is righteous anger - an emotion that shows you know right from wrong, kind from cruel.
Susan, thank you! This is a very kind and affirming message that I needed to hear today. I am deeply and humbly grateful. 🥲
You are most welcome, Jeff. It’s also a reminder for myself…