Here I am at 5 am again--loving it! I didn’t low myself to monitor. Free flowing, not judgy. Even if I want to perform on Broadway. Trying new things, scared, and I will never stop learning. Yearning to be funny and bring joy. Leaving a meaningful legacy. Feeling strange and excited. Allow myself to reach for the moon! Feeling spacious. Leaving a legacy of love, beauty and grace. Allowing myself just to say and write “ I want to be famous@. That’s really scared for me to share. I’ve never allowed myself to say it or feel it. Allowing my intuition and wisdom to lead me where I need to go. If there’s pressure on me I just stop until more space is opened. To love when I’m naturally funny and people laugh. To use my social activism in storytelling and have it meaningful. Not to give up! If I need rest to take it. Learning to love unconditionally. My hands, body and mind are a gift to create. To always dance whether people are watching or not. It feels like I’m at the beginning of another journey into the unknown. Love of myself and my fellow travelers is more important than its ever been. Honoring my ancestors--letting them no that their always remembered. Receiving the gifts of being in this community. Knowing every day is my first day not my last. What a life!
I love this, and definitely going to do this before the house wakes up this morning.
Your "Open Palm" title reminded me of a poem I've just posted by Ada Limon- "Instructions on Not Giving Up", an only recently discovered (for me!) poem about Spring 🙂
I love this poem too. A friend shared it with me last week. She’s coming here, and I’m going to participate in a class she’s teaching. I am giddy over it.
Wow this poem resonates so much today. Thank you for sharing. The transition into spring brings up a lot for me. These words remind me to honor myself in all my iterations.
Mar 26, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
Thank you, Suleika for this mornings prompt. You did it? You gave me the push to pull out art supplies and play today. And in the morning! Instead of back to sleep. I traced my hand and painted it chakra colors. Purple finger tips, blue finger base, green heart, orange knuckles, yellow above wrist, red thumb and wrist for grounding and dark shadow (coming from the wrist). The dark is part of me too.
One of the first things I notice about people is their hands. I hardly ever wear rings. I don’t like my hands weighed downs. Hands are a vessel of creativity. Last year my right (dominant) hand was disabled. Getting out of the splints was liberating. I’ve started getting some brush and yard cleaning done thanks to use if my hands. I have t done a lot if writing. Except for the prompts. I have a lot of empty journals and keep buying more. And pens. I came home from Target yesterday with two packs of pens. Todd was what are the pends for. I just collect pens. Maybe I should use them?
I’ve been hesitant to write because I have had a lot of anger about property issues. When I was drawing my hand prompt I have myself to acknowledge the angry and anxious thoughts as well as the happier thoughts. I’m going to write out my feelings. My journal may be the friend that us unlucky enough to vent to. And maybe lighter thoughts will be freed by setting the darker thoughts free. The anger has been holding me back to the point I couldn’t even do last weeks prompt. The hand exercise helped free me.
Wish everyone luck on their writing. Have a great week. Can’t wait for April’s journal journey. Have a nice day everyone.🌻🪶💜💙❤️
I love your candor - I too notice hands. Mine are dreadfully aged, but also evidence of active living - moisturizers and manicures were never on my radar. I too look forward to jumping into this pursuit of discovery and release. Great good luck - you're off to a super start.
I was so anxious yesterday that I had to get out of my house. I went to a local farm store. The owner has two yorkies that are always with her. When I was checking out, Shelbee came over. The inner put her up on the counter and Shelbee cuddled me. She leaned Into me. The sweet pure love of a little dog brought brightness to my heart.
Hi Laurie, I empathize. We are at the end of a 5-year fight over property issues with family on our farm. It is the worst and right before you all the time. I hope yours resolves. Ours seemed completely unsolvable for so long. The relationships will never be repaired. But we have our land. And also I've seen some glimpses of my own anger, which I mostly keep hidden. I think I'm ready to feel some hard feelings. I'm ready for that freedom. I know the prompts and journal will help.
I collect pens, too. If I put them all in one place, geesh there would be 200 maybe. Not including art pens, markers, etc. And I buy notebooks. Egads! The notebooks! <3
Mar 26, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
A resolve made in the heart. 💖 Thank you for the right words at the right time. I focus on my creative practice and stay on my path with determination: so I can enjoy a life of joy, abundance & fulfilment.
Mar 26, 2023Liked by Carmen Radley, Suleika Jaouad
I'm IN! I'm in the middle of an art course and I think this challenge will sidle up nicely to encourage my process! Keeping going with an easy openness. Expectations guided but not squeezed into a box. All the best everyone. Love that we're doing this together!
Mar 26, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
There’s a concept called Visioning that helps people envision how they want things to look at a future time. It’s used and taught by Zingerman’s (I wrote about it in my book). A key step in Visioning is to share your vision with others. It’s similar to your advice to state your intention. It is definitely scary to take a thought from inside your head and articulate it, whether on paper or verbally. But it is hard for it to take wings if you don’t. It remains an internal “what if” instead of a possibility, no matter how unformed.
Mar 26, 2023Liked by Carmen Radley, Suleika Jaouad
Well, let’s see if how it went this morning is how it’s going to go for the next month. I woke up this morning, and picked up the phone to read, just as today’s prompt dropped. Read it, and then closed my eyes to ponder the words and conjure of my response… And next thing I knew, it was an hour and a half later. I hope this is not how it’s going to go for the rest of the month every time I sit down to conjure. Well, what if it is! I am excited to give this creative activity and authentic go. Who knows what could happen if I’m not half asleep all the time! Thank you, Suleika, for this prompt, this project, and the isolation journals! Happy anniversary… After creativity, health, and to warm our hearts. XOXOXO.
Mar 26, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
Really looking forward to doing this pam exercise. I am an artist and a writer for work, so sometimes finding the time for creative freedom and experimentation can be pretty much impossible, even if it is so important. Excited to see the possibilities that spill out over the next few weeks though ✨
Mar 26, 2023Liked by Carmen Radley, Suleika Jaouad
A Kaleidoscope of weavings seemingly, names of long forgotten loves. Who was I going to Marry? The block was small a third or fourth grade class with more girls than boys- slim pickings at the time tracing my hand before picking up a copy of Modern Screen.
I collected movie magazines as a kid and had a big collection. One time some kids from a the Girls Room came to my house, I don't know why. Maybe I was being threatened. I liked them and gave away the collections..
Mar 26, 2023Liked by Carmen Radley, Suleika Jaouad
What I found through the open palm exercise, is that I already have all I need to begin. At the start, I vacillate between romanticizing and dreading a dream. This activity reminded me that there are many ways to gently redirect myself to the page. I’m eager to begin!
I did some exploration of this idea recently—that everything I need to make it through, whether a creative project or a hard time, is already inside of me. So powerful!
Mar 26, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
Yes, Suleika. Let us begin with an open palm on a clean slate. Let curiosity lead us into a world filled with possibilities, child like wonder and unexpected pleasures of discovery. Carry on, creatives. I look forward to sharing our explorations of self love with one another as each new day unfolds.
Mar 26, 2023Liked by Carmen Radley, Suleika Jaouad
I loved the playfulness of this prompt! It was easy to do and a good way to get back into creativity when a writing practice felt a little too bulky this morning. Excited to find out more about the 30 day project!
Mar 26, 2023Liked by Carmen Radley, Suleika Jaouad
This is a gorgeous new beginning! When I was bored in school, I’d sketch my left hand in my notebooks. I hope that opening my palm will be a new start to all of the possibilities ahead.
Thank you for continuing to nurture such a creative space and loving community. Some of my dear friends, who have seen me through some brutal times this past year are beloved ones whom I met through TIJ.
Thank you, with palms open in an offering to you, dear friend, mentor and beloved Suleika.
Hi friends! One of the links to the 30-day journaling project seems to be broken. You can find all the info here: https://theisolationjournals.substack.com/p/everything-you-need-to-know
Here I am at 5 am again--loving it! I didn’t low myself to monitor. Free flowing, not judgy. Even if I want to perform on Broadway. Trying new things, scared, and I will never stop learning. Yearning to be funny and bring joy. Leaving a meaningful legacy. Feeling strange and excited. Allow myself to reach for the moon! Feeling spacious. Leaving a legacy of love, beauty and grace. Allowing myself just to say and write “ I want to be famous@. That’s really scared for me to share. I’ve never allowed myself to say it or feel it. Allowing my intuition and wisdom to lead me where I need to go. If there’s pressure on me I just stop until more space is opened. To love when I’m naturally funny and people laugh. To use my social activism in storytelling and have it meaningful. Not to give up! If I need rest to take it. Learning to love unconditionally. My hands, body and mind are a gift to create. To always dance whether people are watching or not. It feels like I’m at the beginning of another journey into the unknown. Love of myself and my fellow travelers is more important than its ever been. Honoring my ancestors--letting them no that their always remembered. Receiving the gifts of being in this community. Knowing every day is my first day not my last. What a life!
Love this permission! And abundance ♥️
Could not get to the page for info about 30 day writing journal.
Thanks for letting us know, Sherri—it's here: https://theisolationjournals.substack.com/p/everything-you-need-to-know
Lovely provocative words Sherri. As always. I always enjoy what you write.
Love "I just stop until more space is opened". Thank you for your post. So uplifting!
🙏🙏❤️
I love this, and definitely going to do this before the house wakes up this morning.
Your "Open Palm" title reminded me of a poem I've just posted by Ada Limon- "Instructions on Not Giving Up", an only recently discovered (for me!) poem about Spring 🙂
Stunning poem--thank you ♥️♥️
I love this poem too. A friend shared it with me last week. She’s coming here, and I’m going to participate in a class she’s teaching. I am giddy over it.
How lovely! I'm dying to take part in a poetry class to kickstart my writing again, your comment has prompted me to hunt one down!
Perfect! Thank you.
On Being recently hosted a conversation with Ada Limon -- well worth the listen! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-being-with-krista-tippett/id150892556?i=1000600045762
Yes! Such a good interview.
Wow this poem resonates so much today. Thank you for sharing. The transition into spring brings up a lot for me. These words remind me to honor myself in all my iterations.
Thank you, Suleika for this mornings prompt. You did it? You gave me the push to pull out art supplies and play today. And in the morning! Instead of back to sleep. I traced my hand and painted it chakra colors. Purple finger tips, blue finger base, green heart, orange knuckles, yellow above wrist, red thumb and wrist for grounding and dark shadow (coming from the wrist). The dark is part of me too.
One of the first things I notice about people is their hands. I hardly ever wear rings. I don’t like my hands weighed downs. Hands are a vessel of creativity. Last year my right (dominant) hand was disabled. Getting out of the splints was liberating. I’ve started getting some brush and yard cleaning done thanks to use if my hands. I have t done a lot if writing. Except for the prompts. I have a lot of empty journals and keep buying more. And pens. I came home from Target yesterday with two packs of pens. Todd was what are the pends for. I just collect pens. Maybe I should use them?
I’ve been hesitant to write because I have had a lot of anger about property issues. When I was drawing my hand prompt I have myself to acknowledge the angry and anxious thoughts as well as the happier thoughts. I’m going to write out my feelings. My journal may be the friend that us unlucky enough to vent to. And maybe lighter thoughts will be freed by setting the darker thoughts free. The anger has been holding me back to the point I couldn’t even do last weeks prompt. The hand exercise helped free me.
Wish everyone luck on their writing. Have a great week. Can’t wait for April’s journal journey. Have a nice day everyone.🌻🪶💜💙❤️
I love this so much--here’s to setting things free ♥️
I love your candor - I too notice hands. Mine are dreadfully aged, but also evidence of active living - moisturizers and manicures were never on my radar. I too look forward to jumping into this pursuit of discovery and release. Great good luck - you're off to a super start.
Thank you. My hands are aged too. And my wrist is crooked. But I’m grateful that I have full motion. I won’t take my hands for granted.
They truly are wondrous tools and such witness to our lives. If only hands could talk!😅
Let that anger “rip”. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I was so anxious yesterday that I had to get out of my house. I went to a local farm store. The owner has two yorkies that are always with her. When I was checking out, Shelbee came over. The inner put her up on the counter and Shelbee cuddled me. She leaned Into me. The sweet pure love of a little dog brought brightness to my heart.
Hi Laurie, I empathize. We are at the end of a 5-year fight over property issues with family on our farm. It is the worst and right before you all the time. I hope yours resolves. Ours seemed completely unsolvable for so long. The relationships will never be repaired. But we have our land. And also I've seen some glimpses of my own anger, which I mostly keep hidden. I think I'm ready to feel some hard feelings. I'm ready for that freedom. I know the prompts and journal will help.
💙
I collect pens, too. If I put them all in one place, geesh there would be 200 maybe. Not including art pens, markers, etc. And I buy notebooks. Egads! The notebooks! <3
A resolve made in the heart. 💖 Thank you for the right words at the right time. I focus on my creative practice and stay on my path with determination: so I can enjoy a life of joy, abundance & fulfilment.
♥️♥️♥️
Love this intention so much ❤️
I'm IN! I'm in the middle of an art course and I think this challenge will sidle up nicely to encourage my process! Keeping going with an easy openness. Expectations guided but not squeezed into a box. All the best everyone. Love that we're doing this together!
Yes, exactly--it’s meant to be low pressure and we’ll be buoyed by the energy of doing it in community! ♥️
I'm not sure of the origins of this quote and varied versions of it, but it helps to lighten up the self imposed pressure.
"Create something (new) everyday, even if it sucks". Have a lovely Sunday everyone. 💕
Yes! It's about the intention, not the outcome or output ❤️
😂❤️
There’s a concept called Visioning that helps people envision how they want things to look at a future time. It’s used and taught by Zingerman’s (I wrote about it in my book). A key step in Visioning is to share your vision with others. It’s similar to your advice to state your intention. It is definitely scary to take a thought from inside your head and articulate it, whether on paper or verbally. But it is hard for it to take wings if you don’t. It remains an internal “what if” instead of a possibility, no matter how unformed.
Love the image of a thought taking wings ❤️❤️
Well, let’s see if how it went this morning is how it’s going to go for the next month. I woke up this morning, and picked up the phone to read, just as today’s prompt dropped. Read it, and then closed my eyes to ponder the words and conjure of my response… And next thing I knew, it was an hour and a half later. I hope this is not how it’s going to go for the rest of the month every time I sit down to conjure. Well, what if it is! I am excited to give this creative activity and authentic go. Who knows what could happen if I’m not half asleep all the time! Thank you, Suleika, for this prompt, this project, and the isolation journals! Happy anniversary… After creativity, health, and to warm our hearts. XOXOXO.
Glad you got some extra sleep, Sandra! Rest is glorious ❤️❤️❤️
Really looking forward to doing this pam exercise. I am an artist and a writer for work, so sometimes finding the time for creative freedom and experimentation can be pretty much impossible, even if it is so important. Excited to see the possibilities that spill out over the next few weeks though ✨
A Kaleidoscope of weavings seemingly, names of long forgotten loves. Who was I going to Marry? The block was small a third or fourth grade class with more girls than boys- slim pickings at the time tracing my hand before picking up a copy of Modern Screen.
I collected movie magazines as a kid and had a big collection. One time some kids from a the Girls Room came to my house, I don't know why. Maybe I was being threatened. I liked them and gave away the collections..
Appreciate your.. hearts!
What I found through the open palm exercise, is that I already have all I need to begin. At the start, I vacillate between romanticizing and dreading a dream. This activity reminded me that there are many ways to gently redirect myself to the page. I’m eager to begin!
I did some exploration of this idea recently—that everything I need to make it through, whether a creative project or a hard time, is already inside of me. So powerful!
It is! I’m glad I wrote it down, because it’s something I often forget.
Yes, Suleika. Let us begin with an open palm on a clean slate. Let curiosity lead us into a world filled with possibilities, child like wonder and unexpected pleasures of discovery. Carry on, creatives. I look forward to sharing our explorations of self love with one another as each new day unfolds.
Carry on ❤️❤️❤️
I loved the playfulness of this prompt! It was easy to do and a good way to get back into creativity when a writing practice felt a little too bulky this morning. Excited to find out more about the 30 day project!
Love this so much ♥️
This is a gorgeous new beginning! When I was bored in school, I’d sketch my left hand in my notebooks. I hope that opening my palm will be a new start to all of the possibilities ahead.
Thank you for continuing to nurture such a creative space and loving community. Some of my dear friends, who have seen me through some brutal times this past year are beloved ones whom I met through TIJ.
Thank you, with palms open in an offering to you, dear friend, mentor and beloved Suleika.
XO Marcy
❤️❤️❤️
My lists are always long, I have much more energy in my mind than I have physically, but there’s nothing wrong with good intentions! Happy Sunday ⭐️
Love the slim shady neighborhoods as a metaphor.