I’ve got a favor to ask of you. If you find meaning in these public posts, would you consider sharing them with others who might be nourished by the work here? If so, you can forward this email along or press the button below. Also, the audio recordings of these stories are now available on Spotify by following this link:
I'm feeling like I don't have the right words to respond to this, maybe because it's not your words that I want to respond to (beautiful though they are, as always) but the experiences that you're describing. I am so moved by what you are moving in the world, by what is changing for you, around you and because of you. I am so grateful for the technology that allows me to follow your journey and for us to be in some degree of dialogue, but sometimes really feel the limitations of that. I think I don't feel like I have the right response because the right response would probably be a hug or a slightly tearful exchange. Hearing how your labours and your commitment are bearing the fruit that you hoped for is a truly magical thing 💖
Adam, thank you for the beautiful picture of Ginny and her lamb. Does that soft, new life have a name yet?
May your friend Sarah's memory be a blessing forever. It certainly sounds like that will be the case for the many people and animals that she cared for. In death, it seems, she continued to bestow gifts including bringing you to a more peaceful place with your former farm partner.
I relate to your discussion of busy-ness in many ways and appreciate your investigations into language and practice. Years ago I met someone who had just moved to Plattsburgh at our synagogue. We talked briefly. Months later, I saw her at a dinner party and we talked again. It turned out that we both taught at SUNY Plattsburgh. She said, "Oh, yes, I teach in your building and I see you there." Surprised, I said, "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know that, I didn't see you, why didn't you say hello?" She responded, "Well, you're always walking so fast down the hall that I assumed you were very (too) busy and I didn't want to disturb you." I didn't say it, but, apparently, I was demonstrating it, busyness. I am still not sure if I was intentionally putting up that barrier or not.... Your words this week brought that experience back to mind--a re-mind, to slow down. Thank you.
I will always remember the constant refrain I heard from Kenyans when I stayed there for a week on the coast. "Slowly, slowly" they would always say (and their lives mirrored it). Rarely have I heard such wisdom condensed so succinctly.
They always had time for me, an outsider, and entering into their rhythms of slowness was a gentle delight.
Your stories reach to the heart and your lived example shines bright - I particularly resonated with the phrases about emptiness today, and with the story of Sarah. Thank you for this post today. I loved reading it, and can feel the cherishing in the weave.
Your beautiful storytelling is spellbinding, and I got goosebumps reading of your calling to be a support person. It's like you are a seedling that suddenly sprouted a new branch with leaves! This is really taking off, and I love watching you grow!
“And by “yes,” I meant, “This is all I long for, to be deemed trustworthy in this way.”” This al,oat made me cry! Such a beautiful post Adam and so inspiring. Lots to consider how to embed this into ‘busy’ city life.
Beautiful, Adam. The bit of reconciliation in there seems holy. I could feel the shimmer in your voice as you told of old walls built by the resource clawing we are forced into falling. I bet something sings in that from here out.
Thank you again, Adam. I've been thinking so much about the idea of gift. And today you have reminded me of the beauty and invitation in not only giving favours, but asking for them too. I've also been mulling over how different it feels to do something from the place of gift, as opposed to transaction. I am aware of my need for an unschooling of my mind.
So much good stuff here, Adam. You are absolutely right about the word "busy" being used like a badge of honour. Thanks for pointing out the difference it makes when you respond with the alternative "engaged".
Forwarded. You’ve done it again. Cut through the noise and despair to the open heart of things. Thank you.
I'm feeling like I don't have the right words to respond to this, maybe because it's not your words that I want to respond to (beautiful though they are, as always) but the experiences that you're describing. I am so moved by what you are moving in the world, by what is changing for you, around you and because of you. I am so grateful for the technology that allows me to follow your journey and for us to be in some degree of dialogue, but sometimes really feel the limitations of that. I think I don't feel like I have the right response because the right response would probably be a hug or a slightly tearful exchange. Hearing how your labours and your commitment are bearing the fruit that you hoped for is a truly magical thing 💖
Adam, thank you for the beautiful picture of Ginny and her lamb. Does that soft, new life have a name yet?
May your friend Sarah's memory be a blessing forever. It certainly sounds like that will be the case for the many people and animals that she cared for. In death, it seems, she continued to bestow gifts including bringing you to a more peaceful place with your former farm partner.
I relate to your discussion of busy-ness in many ways and appreciate your investigations into language and practice. Years ago I met someone who had just moved to Plattsburgh at our synagogue. We talked briefly. Months later, I saw her at a dinner party and we talked again. It turned out that we both taught at SUNY Plattsburgh. She said, "Oh, yes, I teach in your building and I see you there." Surprised, I said, "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know that, I didn't see you, why didn't you say hello?" She responded, "Well, you're always walking so fast down the hall that I assumed you were very (too) busy and I didn't want to disturb you." I didn't say it, but, apparently, I was demonstrating it, busyness. I am still not sure if I was intentionally putting up that barrier or not.... Your words this week brought that experience back to mind--a re-mind, to slow down. Thank you.
I will always remember the constant refrain I heard from Kenyans when I stayed there for a week on the coast. "Slowly, slowly" they would always say (and their lives mirrored it). Rarely have I heard such wisdom condensed so succinctly.
They always had time for me, an outsider, and entering into their rhythms of slowness was a gentle delight.
Your stories reach to the heart and your lived example shines bright - I particularly resonated with the phrases about emptiness today, and with the story of Sarah. Thank you for this post today. I loved reading it, and can feel the cherishing in the weave.
Your beautiful storytelling is spellbinding, and I got goosebumps reading of your calling to be a support person. It's like you are a seedling that suddenly sprouted a new branch with leaves! This is really taking off, and I love watching you grow!
“And by “yes,” I meant, “This is all I long for, to be deemed trustworthy in this way.”” This al,oat made me cry! Such a beautiful post Adam and so inspiring. Lots to consider how to embed this into ‘busy’ city life.
This one brought me tears. That most cherished of gifts. Blessings to you, friend, may we have the courage to prophesy such returns.
Beautiful, Adam. The bit of reconciliation in there seems holy. I could feel the shimmer in your voice as you told of old walls built by the resource clawing we are forced into falling. I bet something sings in that from here out.
Thank you again, Adam. I've been thinking so much about the idea of gift. And today you have reminded me of the beauty and invitation in not only giving favours, but asking for them too. I've also been mulling over how different it feels to do something from the place of gift, as opposed to transaction. I am aware of my need for an unschooling of my mind.
Great piece, thank you. I was reminded me a little of this old Tim Kreider column: https://archive.nytimes.com/opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/30/the-busy-trap/
So much good stuff here, Adam. You are absolutely right about the word "busy" being used like a badge of honour. Thanks for pointing out the difference it makes when you respond with the alternative "engaged".
Thank you for sharing. I find your weekly letters nourishing, even as I write weekly ones of my own.