Almut, thank you for this shout out from Kierkegaard to create possibility. For possibility watchers, I recommend Jennifer Rubin's column in the Washington Post. She has just started a new section of her newsletter titled "Green Shoots" where she regularly highlights good things that are being done. See: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/11/08/newsletter-democracy-election-trump/
"Increase the peace." That's a phrase I saw online yesterday in a story about a woman trying to encourage a young mother nursing in a restaurant. So now I'm looking for ways to do that as I go about my day. It starts with calming myself inside. Increase the peace.
Thank you for these words. I am looking for hope in despair. Two small disciplines that are giving me life. One is mending clothing instead of throwing it away. The other is helping teach a class on accompanying children in spiritual conversations. The first is about trusting redemption is possible, even on the smallest and most homely scale. The second it about trusting that all beings are beloved and that we can help even the youngest among us hear echoes of Divine Love within. Breathing and looking for possibility.
I made soup yesterday. I felt a need, I had all the good things for minestrone, onion, garlic, bacon, chicken stock, carrot, tomato, herbs, kale, beans, pasta and... love. Going out the door I thought of my friend around the corner who wasn't feeling well, so I brought him soup. We ate soup together and shared an hour, and hugs. Making soup is believing you deserve good things, and your people too 🙏
oh, this sounds like just the right thing to do, Valerie. Thank you for reminding me of soup making. I think all of, making it, smelling it, sharing it, eating it, is deeply healing.
I'm reading ON FREEDOM by Timothy Snyder. He begins by talking about the difference between "freedom from" vs "freedom to." In other words, no matter what has been lost, we are always free to...create possibility. Thanks for highlighting that as an irrevocable human freedom, Almut!
Kelly, how nice to see you here again. I just had been thinking of you! Snyder's read sounds just right. Kierkegaard's concept of despair indeed is based on freedom. Because without freedom we could not despair. We are free to despair and free to create possibility instead.
Thank you for this. I continue to look for hope these days and your words and shared struggle, assuring me I have company in this search, provide this. "Arbitrary policies, raw displays of power, and flaunting of common courtesy are all designed to make us lose courage and hope." ...I can always give courage and hope by just treating others with common courtesy. I think this is always a possibility, although it might not always be easy or costless.
I've been reading a lot about hope and fighting hopelessness the last few days. This is a great addition to my list, Almut. Creating possibility is the action behind hope, it's what keeps hope from being a passive position. Thank you, Almut.
My friends and I are embracing small ways to push back, politically, against the despair. I'm calling my two senators daily to let them know that I'm opposed to that day's "biggest crazy." The senators' state, not DC, phone numbers allow me to get through to record my message quickly. These phone calls matter. Today, I'm going to write more friends and suggest that they join me. Inviting others to join us in simple, doable practices (thanks for sharing, everyone), multiplies the force, energizes the peace (see previous posts) and makes love bigger and very real in the public arena. . . I'm also loving on my dogs and connecting deeply with dear friends.
Today on a zoom event I heard again about this hopeful idea of possibilities. Is it similar to the thought that uncertain times may actually be the beginning birth pangs as a new way is being birthed. What do the midwives tell us? "Breathe.... push, breathe... push, ...."
I loved your beautiful photos of the very foggy morning the day after the election. Thank you. As I looked out our windows that morning and saw the sad looking heavy fog, I thought, "What perfect weather for this morning." It captured my feelings.
I find hope in using SubStack to connect with like minded people, to take action like writing and calling elected officials, and to enjoy optimistic essays. Thank you!😊
Thank you, Almut. This piece is full of hope, and hope is what we all need to navigate this life. I find hope in literature, in books. Even reading a few pages makes me feel alive.
Almut, thank you for this shout out from Kierkegaard to create possibility. For possibility watchers, I recommend Jennifer Rubin's column in the Washington Post. She has just started a new section of her newsletter titled "Green Shoots" where she regularly highlights good things that are being done. See: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/11/08/newsletter-democracy-election-trump/
-Chuck
Thank you, Chuck. This sounds hopeful :-)
"Increase the peace." That's a phrase I saw online yesterday in a story about a woman trying to encourage a young mother nursing in a restaurant. So now I'm looking for ways to do that as I go about my day. It starts with calming myself inside. Increase the peace.
Donna, what a beautiful motto. Thank you for sharing. "Increase the peace" indeed 🙏
Thank you for these words. I am looking for hope in despair. Two small disciplines that are giving me life. One is mending clothing instead of throwing it away. The other is helping teach a class on accompanying children in spiritual conversations. The first is about trusting redemption is possible, even on the smallest and most homely scale. The second it about trusting that all beings are beloved and that we can help even the youngest among us hear echoes of Divine Love within. Breathing and looking for possibility.
Terra, I am moved by your beautiful words which are based in action. You are doing God's work indeed. Bless you for this. 🙏
I made soup yesterday. I felt a need, I had all the good things for minestrone, onion, garlic, bacon, chicken stock, carrot, tomato, herbs, kale, beans, pasta and... love. Going out the door I thought of my friend around the corner who wasn't feeling well, so I brought him soup. We ate soup together and shared an hour, and hugs. Making soup is believing you deserve good things, and your people too 🙏
oh, this sounds like just the right thing to do, Valerie. Thank you for reminding me of soup making. I think all of, making it, smelling it, sharing it, eating it, is deeply healing.
I'm reading ON FREEDOM by Timothy Snyder. He begins by talking about the difference between "freedom from" vs "freedom to." In other words, no matter what has been lost, we are always free to...create possibility. Thanks for highlighting that as an irrevocable human freedom, Almut!
Kelly, how nice to see you here again. I just had been thinking of you! Snyder's read sounds just right. Kierkegaard's concept of despair indeed is based on freedom. Because without freedom we could not despair. We are free to despair and free to create possibility instead.
Snyder's "On Tyranny" was an accessible read. "On Freedom" is deeply philosophical. I think you would love both.
❤️🩹❤️
Thank you for this. I continue to look for hope these days and your words and shared struggle, assuring me I have company in this search, provide this. "Arbitrary policies, raw displays of power, and flaunting of common courtesy are all designed to make us lose courage and hope." ...I can always give courage and hope by just treating others with common courtesy. I think this is always a possibility, although it might not always be easy or costless.
Thank you, Sheila, let’s keep each other company indeed.
I've been reading a lot about hope and fighting hopelessness the last few days. This is a great addition to my list, Almut. Creating possibility is the action behind hope, it's what keeps hope from being a passive position. Thank you, Almut.
Oh, Lou, you said this much better than I did. Thank you 🙏
Prayer in my quiet kitchen as I drink morning coffee warms my heart, hands, and soul. Hope is instilled again.
oh, I so relate to this, Anita! If I do not have that quiet time in the morning I will miss it the rest of the day :-)
Thank you for this reminder to cultivate possibility!
Thank you, Hans!
My friends and I are embracing small ways to push back, politically, against the despair. I'm calling my two senators daily to let them know that I'm opposed to that day's "biggest crazy." The senators' state, not DC, phone numbers allow me to get through to record my message quickly. These phone calls matter. Today, I'm going to write more friends and suggest that they join me. Inviting others to join us in simple, doable practices (thanks for sharing, everyone), multiplies the force, energizes the peace (see previous posts) and makes love bigger and very real in the public arena. . . I'm also loving on my dogs and connecting deeply with dear friends.
Dear Carol, so good to hear from you and the things that give you hope and peace. Thank you for doing God's work 🙏
Today on a zoom event I heard again about this hopeful idea of possibilities. Is it similar to the thought that uncertain times may actually be the beginning birth pangs as a new way is being birthed. What do the midwives tell us? "Breathe.... push, breathe... push, ...."
I loved your beautiful photos of the very foggy morning the day after the election. Thank you. As I looked out our windows that morning and saw the sad looking heavy fog, I thought, "What perfect weather for this morning." It captured my feelings.
dear Darlene, thank you for being here with us. You are so right that it is the faith of possibility which brings us towards birthing new life.
Oh yes, the foggy days, they capture my heart’s mood also.
Thank you, Almut!
I'm going to focus on this idea..what possibilities can I be a part of or
creating ?
That sounds great, Kathleen 🙏
I find hope in using SubStack to connect with like minded people, to take action like writing and calling elected officials, and to enjoy optimistic essays. Thank you!😊
So good having you here, Marcia. Welcome!
Thank you, Almut. This piece is full of hope, and hope is what we all need to navigate this life. I find hope in literature, in books. Even reading a few pages makes me feel alive.
Selda, just saw your comment! Thank you so much for sharing your insights here. And yes, much hope to you this year!
A tiny geranium clipping, a gift from my neighbor, is unfurling slowly on my kitchen windowsill. 🥰
What a beautiful image, Rayna!