\ I am captivated by the range of approaches people are taking in this black moment, also coming to us in the technicolor of green for greed and envy, orange for its standard bearer and red for the blood of deportees and other victims.
This is brilliant and, for me personally, a deep sigh of relief. YES this is exactly what I am attempting to do. Thank you for putting my current journey into words. Oh, and did I mention that I am simultaneously dealing with my own cancer journey?
That's over the top, don't you think, Minx? To be in the midst of medical struggles along with everything else we're going through. I wish for you a complete recovery and the opportunity to see a world of blessing alongside this circus.
This was a wonderful survival summary. I feel that now we may have a greater awareness of the river bed because our complacency has been destroyed and the need for a belief to become a reality gains ascendence. But the joy in your grandson's music is part of the river bed isn't it? And the pain of life as well.
Yes. I'm feeling the joy and struggle very intensely just now. Sometimes it's subtle but always informative. Peggy luv....can't we talk soon? Let me know when you're available.
I have thought a few times "this is the best piece Susie has ever written." Today too. I receive this as another magnificent invitation, dear Susie, to live with reality, the "all that there is." The image that comes immediately to mind is the symbol of infinity. I see a never ending backwards and forwards flow between the two halves of the "figure eight;" movement always creating a unity...your grandson's jazz solo, and the wails of refugee children, beauty and horror, light and dark.
I thought of you throughout the writing of this piece...your both/and way in the world. Thank you for your reading and your inspiration. I love the poem you sent but haven't had time to read Jason's commentary. Will write again when I do. The ending is, as he indicated, perfect as it is.
Susie, to understand today is to understand history, we repeat the craziness of the past. I've learned to live today by the past. Our freedoms will be tested by many, so I know that we shall overcome all of this, maybe not in our lifetime, but in the future. Where I suffer, is with my children and grandkids, knowing that they need to pick up this mantle and carry it forward. Thanks for your thoughts, Daryl
I entirely agree that we learn from the past. Most Americans, in my opinion, have little if any knowledge of history and are blindsided by events. Still, the situation is so complex that anything can happen and often does.
Susie! That last line knocked me off my socks. The power and beauty, the alliteration and dance of words, the way it deftly summarizes what you already expressed so beautifully, you are a true master of your craft. Please keep em coming. xo
I just reposted this for more folks to see. Tickling the baby’s belly while facing the belly of the beast sounds like the yoga of the day and the near future. And nobody promised us a rose garden so let’s pick the wildflowers, right?
I swim…and swim. Also, I find cold comfort in the knowledge that millions of sentient beings like us, right this moment and throughout history, have survived worse.
It's an indication of my entrapment in language that I thought your reference to swimming was metaphorical. Forgot that you like to get wet regularly. I find the response of the people in South Korea inspiring. They showed us how it's done.
Thanks, Susie, for articulating the delicate dance that I suspect many of us are trying to manage -- between knowing enough and continuing to care. Thanks for writing this.
Parsing and articulating this very difficult moment with such poetic wisdom, I can sort of swim with you and almost trust the back and forth I feel too.
Thank you, Susan. It comes and goes, the trusting. This is so hard and I think it's important that we acknowledge that and say it out loud to one another.
Once again Susie, you have captured my struggling efforts. You express it all so clearly, and compassionately. I feel we must find our ways forward within the living experience of paradox. For myself, I can connect this to the wisdom of Sophia - which I feel encompasses our human challenges now - where wholeness is held with all its apparent contradictions. Thank you!
Thank you, Signe. I'm amazed that the word paradox (one of my favorites) was not on the tip of my tongue when I wrote this. I've often thought that the capacity to tolerate paradox is at the heart of living a centered life.
Susie, this is brilliant, insightful, and inspiring. I am going to have to print out and read again and again… Your metaphors are seething and beautiful, what a conundrum of feeling you have managed to depict. I’m grateful for your skill!
Yes, brilliant. What Minx said. I don't have a lot of facebook friends but I'm putting this there in hopes of it inspiring and comforting others. Grateful, Susie.
This is brilliant and, for me personally, a deep sigh of relief. YES this is exactly what I am attempting to do. Thank you for putting my current journey into words. Oh, and did I mention that I am simultaneously dealing with my own cancer journey?
That's over the top, don't you think, Minx? To be in the midst of medical struggles along with everything else we're going through. I wish for you a complete recovery and the opportunity to see a world of blessing alongside this circus.
This was a wonderful survival summary. I feel that now we may have a greater awareness of the river bed because our complacency has been destroyed and the need for a belief to become a reality gains ascendence. But the joy in your grandson's music is part of the river bed isn't it? And the pain of life as well.
Yes. I'm feeling the joy and struggle very intensely just now. Sometimes it's subtle but always informative. Peggy luv....can't we talk soon? Let me know when you're available.
I have thought a few times "this is the best piece Susie has ever written." Today too. I receive this as another magnificent invitation, dear Susie, to live with reality, the "all that there is." The image that comes immediately to mind is the symbol of infinity. I see a never ending backwards and forwards flow between the two halves of the "figure eight;" movement always creating a unity...your grandson's jazz solo, and the wails of refugee children, beauty and horror, light and dark.
I thought of you throughout the writing of this piece...your both/and way in the world. Thank you for your reading and your inspiration. I love the poem you sent but haven't had time to read Jason's commentary. Will write again when I do. The ending is, as he indicated, perfect as it is.
This deserves a wide reading. I know you are not inclined to "send your writing out," but would you consider it for this?
Of all the post-election commentaries I have read, yours takes the most unique approach. You inspire me.
It's a huge challenge and will only be possible intermittently but I feel certain it's the way to go.
Susie, to understand today is to understand history, we repeat the craziness of the past. I've learned to live today by the past. Our freedoms will be tested by many, so I know that we shall overcome all of this, maybe not in our lifetime, but in the future. Where I suffer, is with my children and grandkids, knowing that they need to pick up this mantle and carry it forward. Thanks for your thoughts, Daryl
I entirely agree that we learn from the past. Most Americans, in my opinion, have little if any knowledge of history and are blindsided by events. Still, the situation is so complex that anything can happen and often does.
Susie! That last line knocked me off my socks. The power and beauty, the alliteration and dance of words, the way it deftly summarizes what you already expressed so beautifully, you are a true master of your craft. Please keep em coming. xo
Writing keeps my head above water. It's a very high order of pleasure. Thanks for letting me know that my pleasure has found its way to you, Kristin.
I just reposted this for more folks to see. Tickling the baby’s belly while facing the belly of the beast sounds like the yoga of the day and the near future. And nobody promised us a rose garden so let’s pick the wildflowers, right?
Many thanks, MK. I felt the confluence of wildfires and wildflowers very strongly. Two words can be so similar and generate such a different response.
Oh my, that last sentence! Fit for an epigraph, or an epitaph, or something.
So good to see your name on the screen and know we're having this conversation.
An insightful and helpful essay.
I swim…and swim. Also, I find cold comfort in the knowledge that millions of sentient beings like us, right this moment and throughout history, have survived worse.
It's an indication of my entrapment in language that I thought your reference to swimming was metaphorical. Forgot that you like to get wet regularly. I find the response of the people in South Korea inspiring. They showed us how it's done.
They did. Unfortunately, we might get a chance to see if US citizens will stand up or buckle. 🤷♀️
Thanks, Susie, for articulating the delicate dance that I suspect many of us are trying to manage -- between knowing enough and continuing to care. Thanks for writing this.
Thanks, Judith. Paradox and ambivalence are at the heart of everything that interests me.
Wow! Well said, Susie!
Much appreciated, Kathleen.
So beautifully put, Susie. I so appreciate you
Parsing and articulating this very difficult moment with such poetic wisdom, I can sort of swim with you and almost trust the back and forth I feel too.
Thank you, Susan. It comes and goes, the trusting. This is so hard and I think it's important that we acknowledge that and say it out loud to one another.
Once again Susie, you have captured my struggling efforts. You express it all so clearly, and compassionately. I feel we must find our ways forward within the living experience of paradox. For myself, I can connect this to the wisdom of Sophia - which I feel encompasses our human challenges now - where wholeness is held with all its apparent contradictions. Thank you!
Thank you, Signe. I'm amazed that the word paradox (one of my favorites) was not on the tip of my tongue when I wrote this. I've often thought that the capacity to tolerate paradox is at the heart of living a centered life.
Susie, this is brilliant, insightful, and inspiring. I am going to have to print out and read again and again… Your metaphors are seething and beautiful, what a conundrum of feeling you have managed to depict. I’m grateful for your skill!
It's very kind of you to take the time to respond. "Seething" is a terrific word and kind of makes up for "compartmentalize."
Yes, brilliant. What Minx said. I don't have a lot of facebook friends but I'm putting this there in hopes of it inspiring and comforting others. Grateful, Susie.
Thank you so much for your support. Connecting with others is part of the music and the wildflowers.