Yes, I decided after the inauguration to make a real effort to be kind to people when I’m out in the world. I’ve been surprised to find that it also helps reduce my fear.
Also, I love that the weekly post I’m drafting is also along about kindness. Great minds and all that 😉
Great minds, indeed, Rooze! If I hadn't been rushing to get this sent before bed last night, I would have added how much I'm seeing this theme in others' writings, too. I'm not saying anything new. And still, how sweet and vital it is to hear each other say these not-new-things in our own words, over and over again, reinforcing the hope. I certainly look forward to hearing yours. xx
Thank you for this gentle invitation to self-inquiry, call to quiet revolution and subtle tip of the hat to Imbolc. I love the idea of spreading sparks of kindness to each other, because sparks, unlike raging flames, don't raise alarms at the level of the fire station that would put them out. As I considered your questions, I think my idea of revolution is pure presence. The pull to be disembody and dissociate is so strong right now, which plays right into the ploy of those in power, to keep us off-kilter in that way. And presence is one of my favorite gifts to receive from another. Thanks for gifting us with yours through your words and photos. The photo of the kind soul with the sign sent a shower of sparks straight into my heart.
Wow, dear friend. Yet again, your ability to reflect my words back in a way that only enriches their imagery is so beautiful and insightful. I didn't even consider how sparks don't raise alarms the way raging flames do... Oh how nuanced this is. Your own gentle self reflection touches home in me. It really does feel all about presence, at its core, to me as well. Thank you for being this in the world.
Thank you, lovely one, for your words of wisdom and warmth. Here in the wilds of west Wales, I am tending my candle-flame of kindness carefully, and recklessly 🧡
This is what I needed to read this morning. Thank you. And yesterday after I visited my mom, my gift to myself- I stopped by the beach on the way home to clear my head and breathe the cool air- and I always pick up any plastic trash I see. I must’ve been channeling. ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Phoenix, yes—if we’re going to build something new, it has to be woven into the everyday, made real in the smallest of moments. Because revolution isn’t just about tearing down; it’s about tending the fire so there’s something to gather around.
For me, the revolution looks like dignity that isn’t conditional. A world where belonging isn’t granted—it just is. Where kindness isn’t extraordinary, but the baseline.
So maybe it starts here, in the mundane. A turning towards. A rekindling. One small flame at a time.
Grateful for this space, for your words, for the warmth you’re tending.
Wow, Phoenix. A needed call to loving actions, very powerful ones. Gratitude to you.
Here’s a slight rewrite of a quote from Margaret Mead, which I keep on my desk and read every day:
Always believe that a few caring people can change the world.
This is powerful and flies in the face of what we're being accosted with. Thank you, too, Laura. Hugs and gratitude.
Yes, I decided after the inauguration to make a real effort to be kind to people when I’m out in the world. I’ve been surprised to find that it also helps reduce my fear.
Also, I love that the weekly post I’m drafting is also along about kindness. Great minds and all that 😉
Great minds, indeed, Rooze! If I hadn't been rushing to get this sent before bed last night, I would have added how much I'm seeing this theme in others' writings, too. I'm not saying anything new. And still, how sweet and vital it is to hear each other say these not-new-things in our own words, over and over again, reinforcing the hope. I certainly look forward to hearing yours. xx
Beautiful sentiments. Thank you for reminding how each one of us can shed a little light.
Sometimes we need these reminders of what we *can* do, don't we? I know I do. Thank you, Freyja.
Thank you for this gentle invitation to self-inquiry, call to quiet revolution and subtle tip of the hat to Imbolc. I love the idea of spreading sparks of kindness to each other, because sparks, unlike raging flames, don't raise alarms at the level of the fire station that would put them out. As I considered your questions, I think my idea of revolution is pure presence. The pull to be disembody and dissociate is so strong right now, which plays right into the ploy of those in power, to keep us off-kilter in that way. And presence is one of my favorite gifts to receive from another. Thanks for gifting us with yours through your words and photos. The photo of the kind soul with the sign sent a shower of sparks straight into my heart.
Wow, dear friend. Yet again, your ability to reflect my words back in a way that only enriches their imagery is so beautiful and insightful. I didn't even consider how sparks don't raise alarms the way raging flames do... Oh how nuanced this is. Your own gentle self reflection touches home in me. It really does feel all about presence, at its core, to me as well. Thank you for being this in the world.
Thank you for such a caring and insightful post❤️
I'm so grateful it resonated <3
Nice!
Thank you so much for this. It is so needed.
❤️🕯️
Thank you, lovely one, for your words of wisdom and warmth. Here in the wilds of west Wales, I am tending my candle-flame of kindness carefully, and recklessly 🧡
Carefully and recklessly - double yes to this, Janey 🕯️
This is what I needed to read this morning. Thank you. And yesterday after I visited my mom, my gift to myself- I stopped by the beach on the way home to clear my head and breathe the cool air- and I always pick up any plastic trash I see. I must’ve been channeling. ❤️🙏🏻❤️
I adore this kind of channeling, Mal. And the kind of person who picks up litter just because of love. Thank you, friend ❤️🔥
Phoenix, yes—if we’re going to build something new, it has to be woven into the everyday, made real in the smallest of moments. Because revolution isn’t just about tearing down; it’s about tending the fire so there’s something to gather around.
For me, the revolution looks like dignity that isn’t conditional. A world where belonging isn’t granted—it just is. Where kindness isn’t extraordinary, but the baseline.
So maybe it starts here, in the mundane. A turning towards. A rekindling. One small flame at a time.
Grateful for this space, for your words, for the warmth you’re tending.
i could not love this piece more. breathtaking. all i can say right now is: you are a gift to this earth. thank you for this.
Thank you. Peace be with your kind heart, too 🕯️