Lots of things to think about, thank you. I firmly put myself into reset mode—slow down, do one thing at a time, reflect, reboot—and then wayward thoughts streak like meteors across my knowing and I am off on another oblique tangent. I guess I’m in awe of what the universe is doing with and for me.
I have a pile of smooth gemstones I’ve collected over the years. Sometimes I slip one or two into pocket to touch and ground myself during the day.
The oblique tangents -yes! They are worth the detours.
"I guess I’m in awe of what the universe is doing with and for me." LOVE that, Fran.
Thanks for reading and sharing how this shows up for you. My favorite rocks from my collection of the smooth ones, like your gemstones. Running my fingers across them smooths out the rough patches in my mind. Helps my body settle. Thanks for the resonance.
Hi Allison! The phone analogy was brilliant! I'm in the stage of my life where a shutdown/restart is necessary and welcomed. I'll be retiring from 34 years of teaching in 4 months, and I had a glimpse of what that might feel like this summer. I allowed myself to reflect, slow down, and simply enjoy life. I'm not sure what the next phase will look like, but I'm excited to see what the future will bring. I really love your tarot rocks! "Look up" is my favorite mantra, along with "Choose joy" and "Find joy." You've already encouraged me to find yes/permission/prayer sticks during my walks, and now I'm going to be looking for cool rocks. I found a pretty leaf this week that was already turning into pretty yellow and red hues, and it made me so grateful that fall is almost here. It's such a season of beauty. Thanks for sharing your inspiring words:)
Allison, so much to say, but first: welcome back! To us and most importantly, to you! The you that you kept returning to all summer with your lovely stone practice. Thank you for the mention, how happy I am my words made something click for you as you settle in your emptier nest. I am thrilled with your theme of awe & that you’ll be collaborating with Jennifer. Since we’re always in synchronicity it does not surprise me at all to tell you that some weeks ago I decided to try themes, I am starting in September. I am looking to collaborate more with other writers as I close in on my 2-year Substack anniversary, with you & Jennifer at the top of the list. Let’s chat more about that. Big hugs!
I absolutely love your rock tarot practice. I resonate with so much of your writing and experiences. I’m sober for 3.5 years, parent of a son who’s a current senior in HS, former runner, nature lover, lost my father in 2022, mother who lives on Boston’s south shore. I don’t write my own Substack but love to read others. I wanted to comment last week; your post about those moments with your son moved me deeply, but I worry that I’m not eloquent enough. Thank you for sharing so beautifully; I truly hope you continue to feel freedom with your posting/writing.
Thank you, Allison! Yes, I’m on the North Shore in MA. Lived in MA all of my life (except for when I attended college in VT). Blessed to have found your Substack.
Thanks for reading and letting me know what resonates. Seems you and I have a lot in common! Are you local to MA?
This comment really touched me. It WAS eloquent. It came from your heart.
I’m honored you’re here. We’re both in such tender spots. Senior year is such a whirlwind of a year. Wishing all the big love to you and your boy as you move through it together.
My summer has been similar to yours, Allison--since quitting my job, I've allowed myself to truly rest. I've listened to my body, given it what it needs and wants. I have tended gently to that inner voice telling me, "Produce!! Write, get busy!" And in slowing down I, too, have noticed many more ideas coming to mind--perhaps for essays, perhaps for something else. I have also noticed a great reduction in the urgency to "finish" any given piece of writing; I see each of them now as children who can only grow and develop in their own time--I need only visit with them on occasion and ask them how they're doing, letting them know I'm here if they need me. ;)
Thank you for the prompt, and for continuing to share yourself in such a lovely way.
Elisabeth- wow. This comment articulates so well what’s been happening with me creatively these last few months. I love hearing you’re experiencing the same.
The self led permission to slow down and put down things has multiplied my ideas for essays (and other projects in my life). I think the kicker though is that decreasing urgency. Sometimes I’m even like, who IS this woman, not rushing. Not zipping through this task. Putting it down and trusting she’ll get to it when it’s the right time. Where has she been all my life? This way feels so much better 😅
The pursuit of producing is so compelling and alluring. Those of us who can be patient with it - well, I think we’re the lucky ones. Because we get to be more intimate with our own art. Going slow and dancing with it longer.
I look forward to reading what you write, whenever you feel called to share.
Lots of things to think about, thank you. I firmly put myself into reset mode—slow down, do one thing at a time, reflect, reboot—and then wayward thoughts streak like meteors across my knowing and I am off on another oblique tangent. I guess I’m in awe of what the universe is doing with and for me.
I have a pile of smooth gemstones I’ve collected over the years. Sometimes I slip one or two into pocket to touch and ground myself during the day.
The oblique tangents -yes! They are worth the detours.
"I guess I’m in awe of what the universe is doing with and for me." LOVE that, Fran.
Thanks for reading and sharing how this shows up for you. My favorite rocks from my collection of the smooth ones, like your gemstones. Running my fingers across them smooths out the rough patches in my mind. Helps my body settle. Thanks for the resonance.
Brilliant! I love reading your posts! They help me heal on levels that I can't begin to put down on paper...YOU do it for me. Thank YOU!
This just brought a tear to my eye and a huge smile to my heart. Thank you. Thank you for letting me know. For being open enough to heal WITH me.
Hi Allison! The phone analogy was brilliant! I'm in the stage of my life where a shutdown/restart is necessary and welcomed. I'll be retiring from 34 years of teaching in 4 months, and I had a glimpse of what that might feel like this summer. I allowed myself to reflect, slow down, and simply enjoy life. I'm not sure what the next phase will look like, but I'm excited to see what the future will bring. I really love your tarot rocks! "Look up" is my favorite mantra, along with "Choose joy" and "Find joy." You've already encouraged me to find yes/permission/prayer sticks during my walks, and now I'm going to be looking for cool rocks. I found a pretty leaf this week that was already turning into pretty yellow and red hues, and it made me so grateful that fall is almost here. It's such a season of beauty. Thanks for sharing your inspiring words:)
Fall and all its changing colors wakes me up! This is my favorite time of year. I love hearing how you are finding it too and letting it light you up.
Gah - 4 months! Wow, so close. Thank you for dedicating yourself to teaching for 34 years. Such a critical and impactful profession.
I’m excited for you. That will be a whole new kind of restart!
Thanks for chiming in here. Always great hearing from you, Crystal.
Allison, so much to say, but first: welcome back! To us and most importantly, to you! The you that you kept returning to all summer with your lovely stone practice. Thank you for the mention, how happy I am my words made something click for you as you settle in your emptier nest. I am thrilled with your theme of awe & that you’ll be collaborating with Jennifer. Since we’re always in synchronicity it does not surprise me at all to tell you that some weeks ago I decided to try themes, I am starting in September. I am looking to collaborate more with other writers as I close in on my 2-year Substack anniversary, with you & Jennifer at the top of the list. Let’s chat more about that. Big hugs!
Synchronized sisters!!!! You and I - I swear 💕
I would love to collab with you, Amy. I look forward to walking through your themes, too!
Look forward to brainstorming with our overthinking brains and overflowing hearts 💕
Brilliant clip. Thanks for sharing it.
Isn’t it? The whole episode is worth listening to. David Whyte is such a gift.
Thanks for being here, Tia.
I absolutely love your rock tarot practice. I resonate with so much of your writing and experiences. I’m sober for 3.5 years, parent of a son who’s a current senior in HS, former runner, nature lover, lost my father in 2022, mother who lives on Boston’s south shore. I don’t write my own Substack but love to read others. I wanted to comment last week; your post about those moments with your son moved me deeply, but I worry that I’m not eloquent enough. Thank you for sharing so beautifully; I truly hope you continue to feel freedom with your posting/writing.
Thank you, Allison! Yes, I’m on the North Shore in MA. Lived in MA all of my life (except for when I attended college in VT). Blessed to have found your Substack.
Ah, so fun. So happy we found each other.
Hey Kristin! Congrats on 3.5 years! 🙌🏻
Thanks for reading and letting me know what resonates. Seems you and I have a lot in common! Are you local to MA?
This comment really touched me. It WAS eloquent. It came from your heart.
I’m honored you’re here. We’re both in such tender spots. Senior year is such a whirlwind of a year. Wishing all the big love to you and your boy as you move through it together.
My summer has been similar to yours, Allison--since quitting my job, I've allowed myself to truly rest. I've listened to my body, given it what it needs and wants. I have tended gently to that inner voice telling me, "Produce!! Write, get busy!" And in slowing down I, too, have noticed many more ideas coming to mind--perhaps for essays, perhaps for something else. I have also noticed a great reduction in the urgency to "finish" any given piece of writing; I see each of them now as children who can only grow and develop in their own time--I need only visit with them on occasion and ask them how they're doing, letting them know I'm here if they need me. ;)
Thank you for the prompt, and for continuing to share yourself in such a lovely way.
Elisabeth- wow. This comment articulates so well what’s been happening with me creatively these last few months. I love hearing you’re experiencing the same.
The self led permission to slow down and put down things has multiplied my ideas for essays (and other projects in my life). I think the kicker though is that decreasing urgency. Sometimes I’m even like, who IS this woman, not rushing. Not zipping through this task. Putting it down and trusting she’ll get to it when it’s the right time. Where has she been all my life? This way feels so much better 😅
The pursuit of producing is so compelling and alluring. Those of us who can be patient with it - well, I think we’re the lucky ones. Because we get to be more intimate with our own art. Going slow and dancing with it longer.
I look forward to reading what you write, whenever you feel called to share.