I have been taking a mindful pause when fearful or anxious thoughts enter my mind.. breathing and visualizing a positive outcome to the election, one that preserves our democracy and our freedoms. I do write my thoughts to sort them out. I love the idea of writing a letter to my little one! Im going to do that! Thanks Lisa!
I love that you've been taking mindful pauses as we enter this time of transition. That's so helpful. I'm glad you're writing a letter to your little one. I plan to do the same. They need us right now, more than ever.
I'm so glad you have all those things, Sandra. The more we can remind ourselves of the good, the more capacity we have for weathering the unpleasant or challenging parts of life.
I am proud to say I moved my body as much as I did today. Two walks - once this morning and one this afternoon. I live with an invisible disability and chronic pain, and two walks in one day isn't always possible.
@Lisa Cooper Ellison, Your post "Leaning into the Light" is deeply nourishing. My favorite part is about the avoidance of spiritual bypassing, this passage in particular. Yes and yes. And here's to keeping our hearts open... and our hands writing (i.e. resilience). "But leaning into the light isn’t a binary proposition where you ignore one side in favor of a more pleasant other. No, it’s a courageous both/and proposition, where you honor your fear and nurture the good happening around you, so you can continue to write with an open heart."
Thank you so much for reading this post, Laura. I'm glad it was so helpful to you. Spiritual and psychological bypassing are two of my pet peeves. We have to make room for both the light and dark. Both are valuable.
You inspired me to re-subscribe to Marginalia - YAY! And I took Vivian Gornick's book, The Situation and the Story with me when I took a friend to have his MRI (knee) - and am so glad I did. The first pages had me going "oh. Oh. OH!" :)
Thank you for this, Lisa. It's so helpful! I made a list of 10 bright spots I can write about in the future. I started writing a post to celebrate a very special birthday coming up and to honor my connection with a remarkable little boy from China. I had the incredible opportunity to care for him when, at 14 months old, he was flown to the U.S. for a life-saving surgery, traveling alone with only an American Airlines escort. I’m filled with joy and gratitude as I write about our time together and reflect on his impact on my life! He turns 14 in a few days.
I love the term "plucky." You need t-shirts!
I know!!! It's such a great word. If you design t he t-shirts, I'll help fund the print run. :)
Humming is a wonderful, centering practice. I've also recently learned about "bee breath," a long, low, sustained (on the exhale) for a slow count to eight and released for the inhale, Then right away into the low hum. I find it calming and can do it almost anywhere. Here is a link to the podast from UC Berkley's Greater Good Magazine: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/item/happiness_break_a_humming_technique_to_calm_your_nerves_bhramari_pranayama_humming_bee_breath
Thanks for sharing this fantastic resource, Carol! I love learning about new breathing techniques. I can't wait to listen to this episode.
I have been taking a mindful pause when fearful or anxious thoughts enter my mind.. breathing and visualizing a positive outcome to the election, one that preserves our democracy and our freedoms. I do write my thoughts to sort them out. I love the idea of writing a letter to my little one! Im going to do that! Thanks Lisa!
I love that you've been taking mindful pauses as we enter this time of transition. That's so helpful. I'm glad you're writing a letter to your little one. I plan to do the same. They need us right now, more than ever.
I'm enjoying working on my beat sheets!
That's wonderful to hear! What have you discovered as you worked on it?
I've successfully crossed off to-dos from my post-it note lists today. That feels like a win right now.
That is a HUGE win! Brava, beautiful lady of light. :)
Lisa, once again, thank you so much for this. I am warm, dry,and in a loving relationship. Thanks for reminding me to remind myself of the good.
I'm so glad you have all those things, Sandra. The more we can remind ourselves of the good, the more capacity we have for weathering the unpleasant or challenging parts of life.
I should finish my work in progress by the end of the month!
That's wonderful to hear about the progress you're making. Keep it up! :)
I am back at my desk after three days of laryngitis, sore throat and lethargy. (:
I'm so glad you're feeling well enough to return to your writing desk. There's a nasty cold going around. I hope you feel all the way better soon. :)
I am working on a story that just might make a difference in the world - as I write, I feel empowered
I'm smiling so big right now. Thank you for sharing that with all of us. Keep writing. I can't wait to see where this story takes us. :)
I am proud to say I moved my body as much as I did today. Two walks - once this morning and one this afternoon. I live with an invisible disability and chronic pain, and two walks in one day isn't always possible.
@Lisa Cooper Ellison, Your post "Leaning into the Light" is deeply nourishing. My favorite part is about the avoidance of spiritual bypassing, this passage in particular. Yes and yes. And here's to keeping our hearts open... and our hands writing (i.e. resilience). "But leaning into the light isn’t a binary proposition where you ignore one side in favor of a more pleasant other. No, it’s a courageous both/and proposition, where you honor your fear and nurture the good happening around you, so you can continue to write with an open heart."
Thank you so much for reading this post, Laura. I'm glad it was so helpful to you. Spiritual and psychological bypassing are two of my pet peeves. We have to make room for both the light and dark. Both are valuable.
All I can say is: thank you for posting this.
You inspired me to re-subscribe to Marginalia - YAY! And I took Vivian Gornick's book, The Situation and the Story with me when I took a friend to have his MRI (knee) - and am so glad I did. The first pages had me going "oh. Oh. OH!" :)
Thank you for this, Lisa. It's so helpful! I made a list of 10 bright spots I can write about in the future. I started writing a post to celebrate a very special birthday coming up and to honor my connection with a remarkable little boy from China. I had the incredible opportunity to care for him when, at 14 months old, he was flown to the U.S. for a life-saving surgery, traveling alone with only an American Airlines escort. I’m filled with joy and gratitude as I write about our time together and reflect on his impact on my life! He turns 14 in a few days.