Thank you for this essay. It’s been a year this month. I left my job, the horror happened on Monday and continues unabated, and we had to put our cat to sleep on Tuesday.
I started rationing news after the capitulations but still read Substack voraciously. I can’t even do much of that right now. I need to move more, even when the weather is arctic and icy. I need a schedule and Ursula K. LeGuin’s is a good place to start. After the house renovations are complete in a couple of months, I’m going to reimagine my studio/office to make it more conducive to creativity. And I’m holding on to the glimmers of hope.
I love the strategy of doing something positive after reading news (which I’ll extend to scrolling social media). It’s been such a heavy-hearted period, which needs to be alleviated with some creative / nature/ community. How to keep the spirit alive is truly the big question these days… thanks Anna 💙
Hi, I love all of this and especially the title of this one. "Oooh!" I said when I first saw it in my inbox. I knew there was going to be magic in here. (Also, January definitely started 62 weeks ago. That math 100% tracks.)
The title of your essay excited me, Anna, and resonated deeply. I am currently looking out at glittering branches covered with a thin icy layer. This winter landscape reminds me that peace and calm are right here in my midst—it’s a reflection of what’s accessible to me when I keep my eyes focused on the here and now.
Yet, it’s not always easy to do. It seems even when I stay away from social media and trusted news sources, info gets through. Physically, I’m not yet fully mobile to go for walks, but even doing isometrics and resistance band work help release any of the built-up tension, along with journaling and going inward. It seems keeping my spirit alive is most essential right now. I remind myself that what’s most important is to not succumb to debilitating fear and anger. And to do something nurturing and nourishing whenever I get hit by an unexpected wave. May we all tend to ourselves and allow the creative to come through whenever possible!
Thank you for this essay. It’s been a year this month. I left my job, the horror happened on Monday and continues unabated, and we had to put our cat to sleep on Tuesday.
I started rationing news after the capitulations but still read Substack voraciously. I can’t even do much of that right now. I need to move more, even when the weather is arctic and icy. I need a schedule and Ursula K. LeGuin’s is a good place to start. After the house renovations are complete in a couple of months, I’m going to reimagine my studio/office to make it more conducive to creativity. And I’m holding on to the glimmers of hope.
I love the strategy of doing something positive after reading news (which I’ll extend to scrolling social media). It’s been such a heavy-hearted period, which needs to be alleviated with some creative / nature/ community. How to keep the spirit alive is truly the big question these days… thanks Anna 💙
“62 Weeks Ago” sounds about right.
Hi, I love all of this and especially the title of this one. "Oooh!" I said when I first saw it in my inbox. I knew there was going to be magic in here. (Also, January definitely started 62 weeks ago. That math 100% tracks.)
Ha! A last minute title change…. And not entirely sure I delivered on the magic part??
Ooh, I love a last-minute title change. [And I promise: You did.] 💛
so much to take in---thank you for this.
Thank you for this. Some much needed wisdom in the face of despair! ✨
The title of your essay excited me, Anna, and resonated deeply. I am currently looking out at glittering branches covered with a thin icy layer. This winter landscape reminds me that peace and calm are right here in my midst—it’s a reflection of what’s accessible to me when I keep my eyes focused on the here and now.
Yet, it’s not always easy to do. It seems even when I stay away from social media and trusted news sources, info gets through. Physically, I’m not yet fully mobile to go for walks, but even doing isometrics and resistance band work help release any of the built-up tension, along with journaling and going inward. It seems keeping my spirit alive is most essential right now. I remind myself that what’s most important is to not succumb to debilitating fear and anger. And to do something nurturing and nourishing whenever I get hit by an unexpected wave. May we all tend to ourselves and allow the creative to come through whenever possible!