Oct 15, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
Let us hear the stories of each other. Let us sit around a fire, wrapped in warm blankets, sharing a warm cup of (beverage of choice) and taking the time to see one another, to witness the suffering , the joys, and the dreams of each other. And when the fire dims, let us carry the light we have garnered inside by gathering peace.
Oct 15, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
Perpetual Motion: A Prayer
It is no mistake that our hearts beat in rhythm with the earth all in these heavenly starlit bodies. And our hearts are the Universe of being woven like Sweetgrass at the center.
As above so below and we belong to each other. The Sequoia has seen many wars. Trees talk to one another so listen and they will talk to you. Oak tree does not say you are separate from the Maple tree and these acorns are the beginnings of new ways. We all are made of water and space. Bloom in a way that nourishes you and your so called enemy and you will discover we are a network of interconnected being-ness.
The heart listens well so listen to the music of peace. This is where Love dwells. Love does not require answers to ancient questions or solutions to quell the horrors of war. Listen to your center. Put down the news feed and the internet and notice your sisters, your brothers all seeking….
This is my prayer:
Expand
Put down your bombs, your drones, your rage unwieldy
Embrace new ways of being
These old grudges are like poison
War serves no one
May live in harmony like the Sequoia
It’s time
Time to realize and put down the idea that this earth is ours to divide and conquer
Time to release old grudges
Time to put down the maps of ancient divisions
We belong to the earth
There is alchemy in dreaming
There is alchemy in the act of letting go of the old
There is synergy in the practice of wisdom
We are here to learn to love
May we create art and release the need for rage-filled battles
May we cook meals for our neighbors and listen with open hearts
May we begin each day with an intention of peace
May we release the need to own the earth
We are her tender keepers
So May we keep our hearts gentle and wise, curious and brave
Oct 15, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
I am the creator. I vibrate in harmony with this world. My prayer is for each of us to truly see, hear, and feel one another. To experience our differences and divine similarities. By allowing and accepting one another, may we all know peace.
A reminder to “summon even the tiniest amount of faith—that we can change things…”
I feel in my heart that I have the power to make a difference, but if I do, so does everyone else. Every good person, but also every person set on doing harm. How do I make a difference? How CAN I make a difference when people who are bent on death and destruction have struck out with such force? What is the first step?
A devastated father, Thomas Hand said it “was a “blessing” that his eight-year-old daughter Emily had been killed by Hamas, because death was better than being taken hostage.” The ability to gather myself after reading that has been crippled. I cannot comprehend it and I don’t know where to go from here.
Oct 15, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
If I were the center of the universe, if I could tell the world how it should be, I would say listen to Suleika Jaouad, listen to Jasper Young Bear, because what they are saying is wisdom and the way things should be. I would say listen to the mothers who cry for their children, who know they must never be harmed, as they know the way things should be. I would say listen to those who have been sick and who are hurting from the natural forces of life, as they know what real problems are, and what you are manufacturing as reasons for violence don’t have to be solved that way. There are always better ways to solve problems than using force and violence, if you have wisdom.
Peace and love to you all from the serenity of southern France.
Oct 15, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
I received Jane Woods Substack newsletter today and she beautifully articulated the helplessness we are feeling about the events of these past days...the desire to make it stop...to save babies...children...young people...the elderly...everyone...but the overwhelm is real. Even the knowledge of my own privilege is bothering me more than ever. But she didn't leave it there, and she quoted Beatrice Bruteau when she wrote, "All of us together are the Messiah." When I first read that sentence, I thought she was saying that we are all gods, but I read on, and realized she was reminding us that we are His hands and feet (and heart) in this world, and the way to have hope, and the way we can help from wherever we find ourselves, is by putting our love into the world wherever we are to those we find ourselves in contact with. Like Jasper Young Bear writes, "But we can create a new world—we must create a new world. All it takes is a mustard seed of faith. We must believe that we are not separate, we are not John or Amy or Ken. I am not Jasper Young Bear. I am the creator, and believing that I am the creator is the only way I can do this work." Thank you so much for this one Suleika.
Imagine you are the center of the universe. Imagine that you are the creator. Imagine that your power and your prayers have no limit, and all things moving and in motion, all things static and sitting are affected by your prayer. What is your prayer?
I had to think about how I could word this prayer. I can visualize when I pray or meditate more than vocalize. So I’ll try to describe how I see this.
This is me in the center emanating a pale pink light. The color of rose quartz. The stone of the heart chakra. This pink I light surrounds and covers me. I send this light to my neighbors, my town, my State, my Country, my continent. This pink light is love. I send this across the oceans to all continents. Even beyond the stars if there is life outside of the Earth that needs this love. I imagine this light is healing all living things from the smallest to the largest. I hope this light reaches the place of hurt that motivates people to do harm. I hope this light soothes and heals that angry place. I visualize a world where strangers touch hands. Where if someone has more food or water then they need in the moment they will share this plenty with those who have less. I hope all children feel loved in the world. I pray that people all come to the table and talk and find a way to respect all living things without judgement. Blessed Be🕸️🪶🕊️🩷
“But we can create a new world...all it takes is a mustard seed of faith...” I wrote this week inspired by the words of Bryan Stevenson who said we have to change the narrative and we must have hope. We can write ourselves into a more beautiful world. I have to believe that. More here...https://pocketfulofprose.substack.com/p/change-the-narrative And... I hold space for all of those this week who are facing unimaginable grief. Thank you Suleika for that reminder.
Oct 15, 2023·edited Oct 15, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
I've been triggered plenty--pretty much by everything this past week. It speaks volumes that I find the opposite here--calm and peace--in today's newsletter from Suleika, in JYB's prayer, in the comments. Thank you Community, JYB, Suleika and Carmen for sprinkling this part of the internet with some magic and hope.
Oct 15, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
I am kind of stunned by this prompt and am finding myself almost scared to lean into it. The idea of praying exhausts me during this season of my life. And yet, I didn't just close my laptop and start doing something else after I read it. I sat and thought...for quite a bit of time. And I can't let the prompt go. It's hit on something inside me. Thank you for sharing it. 💜
Oct 15, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
Will the center hold? Will the tethers that ground us, to the earth, to one another, be loosed? My prayer is that a million acts of kindness, and untold miracles, will bind us together. I must be my own miracle, also. I am free to turn my own, private hurt to hope, or drown in sorrow. I must and do believe, love will find a way. In your heart, in mine. Bless every one of you!
As I read these comments and reflect on what I wrote in my journal, the theme of listening arises, to our bodies, ourselves, and to one another.
My prayer would is for people to see that there really aren’t many differences between us, that we can live peacefully together. My prayer is for people to connect with their bodies, to tune in and listen to themselves, their gut, the guiding light instead of falling victim to what society has taught us to value. Tune in, slow down, take a breath, see with universe/source/love’s eyes, and listen.
Oct 15, 2023Liked by Suleika Jaouad, Carmen Radley
I’m learning that listening, breathing, praying, responding (rather than reacting) with friends in community (rather than isolation) is the way through this season of mourning and morning. Thank you for teaching me this through example.
Let us hear the stories of each other. Let us sit around a fire, wrapped in warm blankets, sharing a warm cup of (beverage of choice) and taking the time to see one another, to witness the suffering , the joys, and the dreams of each other. And when the fire dims, let us carry the light we have garnered inside by gathering peace.
Perpetual Motion: A Prayer
It is no mistake that our hearts beat in rhythm with the earth all in these heavenly starlit bodies. And our hearts are the Universe of being woven like Sweetgrass at the center.
As above so below and we belong to each other. The Sequoia has seen many wars. Trees talk to one another so listen and they will talk to you. Oak tree does not say you are separate from the Maple tree and these acorns are the beginnings of new ways. We all are made of water and space. Bloom in a way that nourishes you and your so called enemy and you will discover we are a network of interconnected being-ness.
The heart listens well so listen to the music of peace. This is where Love dwells. Love does not require answers to ancient questions or solutions to quell the horrors of war. Listen to your center. Put down the news feed and the internet and notice your sisters, your brothers all seeking….
This is my prayer:
Expand
Put down your bombs, your drones, your rage unwieldy
Embrace new ways of being
These old grudges are like poison
War serves no one
May live in harmony like the Sequoia
It’s time
Time to realize and put down the idea that this earth is ours to divide and conquer
Time to release old grudges
Time to put down the maps of ancient divisions
We belong to the earth
There is alchemy in dreaming
There is alchemy in the act of letting go of the old
There is synergy in the practice of wisdom
We are here to learn to love
May we create art and release the need for rage-filled battles
May we cook meals for our neighbors and listen with open hearts
May we begin each day with an intention of peace
May we release the need to own the earth
We are her tender keepers
So May we keep our hearts gentle and wise, curious and brave
I am the creator. I vibrate in harmony with this world. My prayer is for each of us to truly see, hear, and feel one another. To experience our differences and divine similarities. By allowing and accepting one another, may we all know peace.
A reminder to “summon even the tiniest amount of faith—that we can change things…”
I feel in my heart that I have the power to make a difference, but if I do, so does everyone else. Every good person, but also every person set on doing harm. How do I make a difference? How CAN I make a difference when people who are bent on death and destruction have struck out with such force? What is the first step?
A devastated father, Thomas Hand said it “was a “blessing” that his eight-year-old daughter Emily had been killed by Hamas, because death was better than being taken hostage.” The ability to gather myself after reading that has been crippled. I cannot comprehend it and I don’t know where to go from here.
If I were the center of the universe, if I could tell the world how it should be, I would say listen to Suleika Jaouad, listen to Jasper Young Bear, because what they are saying is wisdom and the way things should be. I would say listen to the mothers who cry for their children, who know they must never be harmed, as they know the way things should be. I would say listen to those who have been sick and who are hurting from the natural forces of life, as they know what real problems are, and what you are manufacturing as reasons for violence don’t have to be solved that way. There are always better ways to solve problems than using force and violence, if you have wisdom.
Peace and love to you all from the serenity of southern France.
May we all be peacemakers 💜
I received Jane Woods Substack newsletter today and she beautifully articulated the helplessness we are feeling about the events of these past days...the desire to make it stop...to save babies...children...young people...the elderly...everyone...but the overwhelm is real. Even the knowledge of my own privilege is bothering me more than ever. But she didn't leave it there, and she quoted Beatrice Bruteau when she wrote, "All of us together are the Messiah." When I first read that sentence, I thought she was saying that we are all gods, but I read on, and realized she was reminding us that we are His hands and feet (and heart) in this world, and the way to have hope, and the way we can help from wherever we find ourselves, is by putting our love into the world wherever we are to those we find ourselves in contact with. Like Jasper Young Bear writes, "But we can create a new world—we must create a new world. All it takes is a mustard seed of faith. We must believe that we are not separate, we are not John or Amy or Ken. I am not Jasper Young Bear. I am the creator, and believing that I am the creator is the only way I can do this work." Thank you so much for this one Suleika.
Imagine you are the center of the universe. Imagine that you are the creator. Imagine that your power and your prayers have no limit, and all things moving and in motion, all things static and sitting are affected by your prayer. What is your prayer?
I had to think about how I could word this prayer. I can visualize when I pray or meditate more than vocalize. So I’ll try to describe how I see this.
This is me in the center emanating a pale pink light. The color of rose quartz. The stone of the heart chakra. This pink I light surrounds and covers me. I send this light to my neighbors, my town, my State, my Country, my continent. This pink light is love. I send this across the oceans to all continents. Even beyond the stars if there is life outside of the Earth that needs this love. I imagine this light is healing all living things from the smallest to the largest. I hope this light reaches the place of hurt that motivates people to do harm. I hope this light soothes and heals that angry place. I visualize a world where strangers touch hands. Where if someone has more food or water then they need in the moment they will share this plenty with those who have less. I hope all children feel loved in the world. I pray that people all come to the table and talk and find a way to respect all living things without judgement. Blessed Be🕸️🪶🕊️🩷
“But we can create a new world...all it takes is a mustard seed of faith...” I wrote this week inspired by the words of Bryan Stevenson who said we have to change the narrative and we must have hope. We can write ourselves into a more beautiful world. I have to believe that. More here...https://pocketfulofprose.substack.com/p/change-the-narrative And... I hold space for all of those this week who are facing unimaginable grief. Thank you Suleika for that reminder.
Middle of the night anxiety.
The demons are dancing all around, so I came to this place for solace and found it in all your prayers. I just need to lean on all of you right now.
Bless you all.
I've been triggered plenty--pretty much by everything this past week. It speaks volumes that I find the opposite here--calm and peace--in today's newsletter from Suleika, in JYB's prayer, in the comments. Thank you Community, JYB, Suleika and Carmen for sprinkling this part of the internet with some magic and hope.
May I send love and light to all. May understanding and compassion and respect flower in the the bloody desert. May love win.
I am kind of stunned by this prompt and am finding myself almost scared to lean into it. The idea of praying exhausts me during this season of my life. And yet, I didn't just close my laptop and start doing something else after I read it. I sat and thought...for quite a bit of time. And I can't let the prompt go. It's hit on something inside me. Thank you for sharing it. 💜
Will the center hold? Will the tethers that ground us, to the earth, to one another, be loosed? My prayer is that a million acts of kindness, and untold miracles, will bind us together. I must be my own miracle, also. I am free to turn my own, private hurt to hope, or drown in sorrow. I must and do believe, love will find a way. In your heart, in mine. Bless every one of you!
As I read these comments and reflect on what I wrote in my journal, the theme of listening arises, to our bodies, ourselves, and to one another.
My prayer would is for people to see that there really aren’t many differences between us, that we can live peacefully together. My prayer is for people to connect with their bodies, to tune in and listen to themselves, their gut, the guiding light instead of falling victim to what society has taught us to value. Tune in, slow down, take a breath, see with universe/source/love’s eyes, and listen.
I’m learning that listening, breathing, praying, responding (rather than reacting) with friends in community (rather than isolation) is the way through this season of mourning and morning. Thank you for teaching me this through example.