13 Comments
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Don Akchin's avatar

I am in awe of the wisdom you have acquired and freely share.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

You are very kind. It's tricky to find a tone that's not hectoring or full of self-satisfaction. I like the Jewish paradigm of the give and take between teachers and people learning from them. It's always back and forth and I'm always looking for guidance.

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betsy mctiernan's avatar

This short essay is so well written, so smart, so soulful…so true. I agree we must connect our own bodies to our rapidly changing climate and its impact on all sentient beings. I have been swimming in the same place on Lake Ontario since 1971, so I see and feel the change—zebra mussels in the ‘80s began to filter the algae out of the lake, decreasing the food for small fish and making the water so clear the sun gets through. The native grass is gone, and I no longer swim over schools of fish. The Lake is warming—last year no ice buildup—so more erosion from wild winter waves pounding the shoreline.

My body carries the memories of a healthier lake, and it anticipates increasing degradation of this amazing body of fresh water. Together, the 5 Great Lakes hold 20% of the fresh water on Earth. You now have glorious Superior, the biggest and least degraded, nearby. Love her.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

Thank you so much for this loving tribute to Lake Ontario. It occurs to me that none of us can really know very many places in nature...so we are really dependent on one another's testimony. In Minnesota, they are rapturous about Superior. They really treasure it.

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betsy mctiernan's avatar

Visiting Superior has been on my list for years. I better get to it before my time runs out!

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Jinks Hoffmann's avatar

Your beautiful essay, and the thoughtful comments touch me, Susie, and make me feel like bowing to our beloved earth.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

I think if we keep our hearts open the love and gratitude keep growing.

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Jo's avatar

This essay read directly to my heart like H20 builds blood. Refreshing and inspiring with sugar-free directness. Alive with hydrated connection. Thank you, Susie.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

This means so much to me. Heart to heart, Jo.

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Frank Gioia's avatar

The earth is experiencing a difficult journey and to be conscious of it is a gift. Susie K is a conscious person and writer.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

It comes and goes. But I do feel a greater awareness of the earth's suffering.

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Susan S Solovay's avatar

Thank you, thank you. I am standing up a little straighter, thinking of my body with the love I feel for the outer world. A meaningful, startlingly clear essay as always.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

It's amazing when it hits you that nature is not "out there." Big shift in awareness. So glad it spoke to you.

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