On Joy, Sorrow, & Creative Alchemy

A video replay of my workshop with Susan Cain

Hi friend,

This past Sunday, I was honored to host a workshop with the thoughtful, brilliant, all-round wonderful human, Susan Cain. There are so many ways that our work is in conversation, so it was an incredible joy to be in an actual conversation with her and also with our communities. We talked about the challenge of accepting life’s sorrows, how they deepen the joys, and how, if we’re open and curious, we can find a creative practice that helps us marry the two.

I heard from so many people afterward who said how poignant it was, and I agree—we got to behold the true depth and richness of the human experience together. But maybe my favorite was this wry comment from a community member named Jo. “Careful,” she wrote. “If we keep being exposed to such top-notch givers in the soul department, we might start thinking the world ain’t quite such a scorched heap of fang-filled leaping lizards who deny creative connections, internal/external joys, and permission to explore, quietly and loudly, what we’re called to explore. FINE. If you insist. So thankful for you/this!”

And I do insist! That’s why I’m here with a video play of our workshop for those who couldn’t attend live—or for those who simply want to revisit some of the ideas we touched upon.

Paid subscribers can find the replay below. May it help you make space for the full range of human experience. May it allow you to practice the forever lesson of holding the cruel and beautiful things in life in the same palm.

Sending love,
Suleika