Last Wednesday a group circled on line to write out their tears and make space for joy. The takeaway I want to share is this: There was great power in the tears. There was a force present that allowed a safe and authentic thing to happen.
Thing.
It’s like the Philly beloved, jawn, in its lexicon it is a word that changes in its versatile use: noun, verb and adjective, just like tears.
Not all tears were the same. Not all grief was shared. But, there was a force present that let the tears transmute, and that was a marvelous thing to witness.
I’ve been reflecting on it, both in gratitude and discernment and I think that the transmutation, the digestion and elimination is what is missing from all the up-churning trauma in the collective which will undoubtedly have an impact on the personal.
I went off here, in this exact moment to find a modern poet to capture the moment, but now I am more depressed than when I started writing, with ragged exposed, potential for joy that the Sit & Write writers were willing to unearth in themselves. (If you have a poet to recommend, please do. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places). My first seven poets I read bludgeoned me with today’s horror and I stopped myself from sharing another Mary Oliver poet. She is my answer to almost every moment. Or yung pueblo.
I am not running from what needs our attention. In fact, I have discovered in myself that I am fabulous at rumination. But, but if I am not careful, I will dwell on the broken and miss the butterfly on the wind, the call of catbird, or the necessity of a faithful step. These days have me digging grubs out of the garden, but all that excavating has let our broccoli and strawberry plants return to growing. And facing those gross little critters is inspiring me to examine my boundaries and witness what I am allowing and if I am guarding the preciousness of my sanity. (spoiler, not always. I am not always doing a good job at that)
There is something to not turning away.
But there is something in being sure to turn upward, too. It’s a thing we want to be doing for the reminder of spirit to root and soar. I am certain of it.
So, the Sit & Writes will continue on through the end of this year. A theme for each rhythm of the month. August 3rd’s is Boundaries & Growth, inspired by the grubs and one not to miss if you are really good at giving and at the end of the day wondering where your energy has went.
Register for August Sit & Write here.
(It’s by donation)