Hello beautiful human,
I’m about to go grab a bus and attend my first professional conference in…many years. I’m out here at the ILA Convention on my own volition and dime, knowing almost no one and supported by no institution or organization. Just me, here, passionate about the power and possibility of better listening practices to radically (and kindly) change our culture and lived experience, eager to connect with others who share that passion and interest, and while I’m here, as long as I’m here, I’ll be presenting a poetry workshop that hopefully communicates the idea that not just poems, but the frameworks and practices of poetic thought and meaning-making, have applicability in this contemporary moment.
Just typing that now, I’m a little breathless. Big courage, big ideas, big energies aswirl. I took a moment just a few minutes ago to write in my journal what I hope to accomplish, to ask myself: how will I know if the week is successful?
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I came up with three goals for the week. The third reads: stay in touch with my nervous system through the week and take care of myself amidst all the stimulation. Take breaks whenever I need to.
There will be no Wednesday at the Well today, Circle peeps. I will be carrying our Well within, making space when I need to, to ground into my own best practices. Slowing down, noticing, and staying attuned. I hope you can also find time today, mid-week, to ground and notice where you are. And how you are.
One of the ways I stay attuned to myself is by starting my day in here, in this Inviting Space, with you. Remembering myself, word by word and line by line, and reaching across the ethers for this connection.
We can do brave things. We can show up in new places. And we can take the time we need to take care of ourselves and ask for the care we need.
Oh I hit an edge there, I can feel it. It’s that last part that’s hardest, isn’t it? Some days at least? Asking for care, being willing to receive care, whatever form it takes. Many of us have been conditioned to think we need to be “self-sufficient.” Even those of us who love to give to others (especially us, sometimes) have a hard time accepting gifts and care and kudos for ourselves.
When we open ourselves to the praise, love, care, concern and thoughtfulness of others, we acknowledge we can’t do this alone. That feels to me like it’s a shame thought, even as I know it shouldn’t be. It’s simple fact: we exist in community. Life is a flow, a give-and-take, and lovely reciprocity weaves us together.
Reading that paragraph over, another thought comes forward: We can’t—and we don’t do this alone. And that feels…vulnerable. No wonder we flirt with ideas of being an island, alone unto ourselves. How vulnerable to be so enmeshed with each other.
And now a third thought arises: These truths can, and historically have been, abused. There have been givers, and takers. The systems in place encourage that. Unfortunately, they reward it.
Our connections with each other require our awareness, our intention and attention, to make sure we’re woven together in healthy systems.
Peeps, I just intended to stop by and say hello, I swear. I had no idea all of this was simmering beneath the surface.
One of the things I most treasure about the opportunity to write these Reflections and share them is I almost always end up somewhere I didn’t know I’d be. Bumping up against my own edges and tender places around reciprocity and receiving care…well, all I can say is this is as ever An Inviting Space to explore with gentleness. Myself as much as you.
How do we identify our needs without shame or guilt or a sense of inadequacy? How do we accept recognition and praise for our achievements and contributions? How do we receive care from those around us? How comfortable are we giving to others, and how comfortable are we receiving from them? How do our loved ones feel? Do we know? How do we hold these conversations?
Listening is a key in all of this and listening is what I’ll be doing for the rest of this week. Maybe I’ll meet one or two of you today at the conference. I hope so.
If you’re curious about my poetry workshop but you’re not here at the ILA, I’ll be offering it online in November, hosted by the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets and available to…anyone anywhere around the world. A fact of the twenty-first century that continues to amaze this Gen-Xer. From sunflowers to stars, life is a miracle. Every day.
xo
S
I believe our world needs new stories. what if those stories lie curled within us like seeds? This is An Inviting Space to experience where and how we might discover, recover and nurture the secret, magical gardens of soul day by day. Starting where we are, as we are.
A Celebration Corner for sharing the Good Goodies
Here’s where you can find me in the months coming up:
Around here, I’m in the Circle a couple of times a week. On Mondays, an invitation to the Weavery for a start-of-the-week meditation. On Wednesdays, we gather via zoom at the Well to strengthen our creative practices in community. Join the Circle here.
July 30-August 3 I’ll be presenting a poetry workshop and attending as many other workshops and panels as possible (while staying in tune with my nervous system needs) at the International Listening Association’s convention at the University of Maryland…
…and I will be in Missouri, presenting a “playshop” experience with the wonderful Elizabeth Shepley at TLAN’s conference, The Power of Words.
November 13 The Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets is hosting my online workshop, “Three Questions and a Poem,” a workshop designed to generate new material and new approaches to listening, for poets and non-poets alike.
Your support is welcome, and your attention and time are true gifts. Thank you.
Look forward to hearing about your conference. Listening and caring for self includes others and community. So true and appreciate the reminder!
So excited to hear your post-conference musings 🙏