Sarah, your writing and wrestling makes me so reflective. In reading this last chapter, I am reminded of our births and how we came into this world through bodies that bore the pain of labour, through the messy bits of blood and amniotic fluid and tissue, through a body that lay or crouched naked and in the most vulnerable of positions, dependent upon the help of others to be fed, cleaned, held, etc. And yet the messy process of birth, where we are smeared with blood, is also what allows us to take in our first breaths and cries. I made my debut 51 years ago, crying, cone-headed, bewildered, pulled out by a process I had no control over. And I’m still here. I find my self repeating as I look around at the world: I’m here. I’m here. I’m here. And I’m breathing.
I want to bless your crying. We must cry all we need to; we’re literally labouring into a different way of being, a different world. It’s scary as hell; it’s being awake during surgery, it’s the naked nightmare, the dream of the exam I didn’t study for become real. Crying and wailing are the sounds of life coming into the world; none of us would or could be here if we weren’t released from the ways we used to hold it all together.
We’ll learn how to walk in this liminal time, albeit among landmines. After reading this book, Sarah, I don’t think Rumi’s field is found through searching. I think it is found in building it together in these fractal ways you talk about, in this landline laden world we find ourselves in. It’s built in asking forgiveness & forgiving each other when our edges bump; showing mercy, and walking humbly. It’s going to be built through trusting that love will be the way justice is meted because, while being so much bigger than us, love and justice find their own fraught birth through our hearts and lives. There’s going to be a table of abundance in that field where the gift of being fully known and fully open is going to nourish our hearts and spirits in ways we can’t yet name. It doesn’t cancel out all the hurt and pain, but it does redeem it — which is somehow sweeter for it, I feel. A place of true maturity and yet abundant hospitality towards the innocence that is a part of awe.
Sarah, thank you so much for this table of abundance you have made here. It’s felt like a temple where I’ve sat at love’s feet and grown in wisdom and strength of heart.
Madeleine, we could produce a book from your comments here. Your way with metaphor is stunning. Rumi's field...I wonder if it's made by bearing through, we bear and bear and the field is all that remains when we bear through the forgiveness etc. and in the process we become the person who can be in this field, too
I believe it is. I wonder if in bearing it, we become people who can radically accept one another and ourselves ❤️. And thank you for your kind words — I remember being introduced to metaphor in grade 5 and having my mind completely blown. It’s an entire spiritual language unto itself, isn’t it?
I love your reflections, and would even go a step further; in bearing it we become people who can radically accept one another AS ourselves. We emerge back into the ‘whole’ we always were. ❤️
Yes!!! You’ve articulated that truth about returning to the whole really beautifully. I hadn’t thought about what’s happening in those terms and I’m grateful to read this.
That is also my mantra. I'm here. I'm here. I'm here. No matter what happens, I am here and I tried and I loved and I lost and I grieved with my whole heart and soul and I fell down and I got up and I'm here. I'm here. I'm here x
And your being here in this world makes me recognize the holiness in my own life in ways that could never exist without your beautiful heart! I’ve received deep blessings in your words and thoughts here. Thank you for sharing your spirit, motherly love, humble questioning, and ache towards Justice. We truly are all walking one another home.
Your beautiful words Madeleine , some cut deep like ….being awake during surgery and then this to uplift ..
“There’s going to be a table of abundance in that field where the gift of being fully known and fully open is going to nourish our hearts and spirits in ways we can’t yet name. It doesn’t cancel out all the hurt and pain, but it does redeem it — which is somehow sweeter for it.”
As always Madeleine your words are gems of wisdom and light. Agree with others here the last sentence oof! Love, forgiveness, showing mercy and community. Love and gratitude to you.
Thank you Sarah, I needed all of these words this morning. As a fellow mid-life woman I’m often just getting shit done. But this week is harder. I have family caught up in the USAID insanity, I have staff who will lose their jobs this week as we have USAID funding. It’s all so stupid, given the ACTUAL existential crisis we face. I needed some outlet for the shit this morning, and reading your words helped while lyrics “Caught in an illusion, Not an illusion” from “But here we are” by Foo Fighters blasted in my headphones. Thanks for taking the effort to write your thoughts down. And now I’m going out into a blue sky Melbourne morning to find trees and people just doing their thing, and borrow Meg’s advice to get over my own story, and then sink back into rising!
So sorry for the pain your people are going through Michelle. I have often seen that I can bear almost anything for myself but when those I care about are hurting it's almost too much to bear.
Hey Michelle, sorry to hear this. I went through the Australian version ten years ago (much less bad though) and know what it’s like to see so much destruction of work you care about. It’s awful.
Yes, I remember the Australian version too. It was horrible at the time, but nothing compared to the wilful cruelty of the American situation. And the whole aid “industry” is a house of cards. But still hard to see if fall so unnecessarily insanely.
Wow just wow! I need to re read this a few times (and sit with what you say) before I can comment fully but I just wanted to come here to say congratulations Sarah, on a magnificent final chapter!
I savoured every word as I sat with my coffee. You did it! You tied everything together so beautifully and I'm in awe of how you pulled this chapter together after seeing your struggles on how to end this book serialisation.
It's been such a privilege to be a part of this and I am looking forward to the continuing discussions in the comments.
I can't wait to hear your news and what's next for you xx
Echoing your sentiments exactly Karola. Thank you, Sarah. I cannot wait to go back and reread not only this chapter, but the whole book. So, so grateful for your writing. I often find my thoughts get ‘stuck’ when I try to process what is happening in the world and my head but you give sweet relief with your beautiful articulation of ideas. Thank you doesn’t seem enough. I hope it’s now your time of rest and care.
It’s hard to find words Sarah. But you do. So here are some for you: I found you last summer. I was stunned and exhilarated that I had finally met, as my partner said, “someone who has named what you have been thinking for so long”. It used to be a real pressure and pain point between us. He found my pessimism hard to cope with .it brought him down more than me - I am good at distraction. Shopping helped. But then when I shared your collapse conversations, he saw it clearly. It was hard for him but it brought us so close. I won’t lie, I felt so good about that. Not alone, not trying to convince the person I share most with. Relief too. For us it has been an awakening - “a terrible beauty” (Yates). I no longer shop for what I don’t need but I do grieve some “bullshit jobs” . Last weekend he dug holes for the native plants I bought for a hedgerow (a first for both of us!). And we will get it finished this weekend. It is outrageous how scary what is happening is. I can only distract myself so much. But as you said we cannot unsee this shit. And I will distract myself with good things from now on (apart from when I fail) . I love that you are calling on us to rise. Thank you so much for what you have done and how beautifully you write. You give a lot. I am greatly looking forward to your book launching into the world. It is already a terrible beauty. Mind yourself
Just beautiful, Sarah. I’m in tears reading it. All of it, so beautiful. I kept wanting to quote back some of the words in this chapter and I find myself wanting to quote all of it. It resonates so deeply. Thank you for putting into words what we feel to be true. Thank you for shining the light through the darkness and bringing us along, inviting us to join you on this journey, allowing us to recognize our own humanity and to see that we can rise. The beautiful community you have built here holds you as you rest, collapse, breathe and soak in the enormity of what you have completed. Holding you close to my heart, dear Sarah. You are loving and you are loved. Thank you. Xxx
Thank you Sarah for so brilliantly gathering up and distilling the horror awe fatigue radiance peace rage and love swirling through this book, and these days. Those renowned instructions from Mary Oliver came to mind, ‘Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.'
You did it with courage and care, somehow leaving us simultaneously softened and galvanised. Thank you.
Thank you Sarah. I have been very appreciative of this opportunity to help birth this book - an important and sustaining message that I intend to share with as many people as possible. As I think back over the months of reading your hard won words, I have a strengthened resolve. I want to walk gently on mother earth, live simply, be generous with my personal resources, be respectful of ancient wisdoms and indigenous knowledge. I want to live each day with intention and courage. I will first look at myself with softened eyes and then turn my gaze to others I meet with that same look. I will stand with those who find themselves oppressed and voiceless. We cannot carry the entire burden of a world in deep distress, but we can hold the hand of another and another and another so that the burden becomes a blessing.
Whatever comes next from you Sarah, I hope you know how much you are cherished and appreciated. You are a woman a strength, intelligence and honesty, with a burning heart for humanity. xx
Samantha ... I love this. Soaking is a good place for us for the now, isn't it. To digest, ruminate within our souls all that Sarah and everyone here has shared these past months.
My heart hurts so much for my daughter, for all the children, for all of us. I swing in and out of being able to stay engaged in the detail of this, but more than ever I feel the bullshit fall away from myself, I’m more and more purposeful, present and intentional with my time. I’m joyful, and so appreciative and present to the beautiful moments in life, the feel of the swimming in cool river on a hot day, moving my body after years of chronic illness, campfire chats with friends, dancing in the kitchen with my daughter, finding feathers and watching the birds. I ask myself what can I do in my life? I can love, I can be kind, I can be present in my relationships, I can be what I want to see in world. Thank you for this beautiful piece of work Sarah, I’ve needed this and I’m glad to be here.
Kid up a tree here! That part was just so lovely - the empaths and philosophers of the world seem to see it first, hey, and take a greater part of the burden earlier because we don't like to watch others in pain. But now we have to learn to just let them feel it and sit with them whilst they break, over and over.
And I also, like others, feel galvanised to start with the little sphere of influence I have here - I planted olive trees about 5 years ago (future oil source!) and cranked up a community garden and some massive water tanks...but now to be braver and hold a climate grief group. Who knows, I may end up sitting there by myself, but if I don't put it out there I'll never know.
I like that over this book journey I've gone from 'what the hell do I do now this just feels like it's too big', to 'use your skills and start where you are and with you know'. So that's what I'm gonna do!
(anyone reading who lives in the Victorian Otways please come along!)
And in case it's at all useful - here is a very basic website I made a while ago when i first entered Adaptation mode https://otwaysclimateadaptation.com/
Is it possible to describe in words how it feels to read and experience that final part of the last chapter? This is a book like no other, read with friends and support and such depth and challenges in conversations.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that you’re gathering in all the threads to write a conclusion just as things have gotten really crazy. As if to prove how much we need this!!
I'm struggling with the words. I don't know how to describe it but its almost like something sacred that just needs to be held and sat with. Like too many words right now might break the spell. That possibly sounds ridiculous but I really don't know how to explain it.
What a conclusion to an Epic (and I caps that word to denote that I mean it as a hero’s journey, as you are a Hero to us here x) journey. But also a call to action. For all of us. All of the people we hold space for. All the people we care for. Regardless of whether it turns out to be the complete shitshow we’re all fearing, at least we’ll be prepared for it, and can lead with fierce Mother energy. Or Kali, if you feel that fire inside.
Thankyou Sarah. For all of this. For all that you do. I’ve said it so many times but you truly are a marvel and the world needs more people like you in it xx
I had to share this with you and everyone here. Last September I went to Japan with my husband and daughter. When we were visiting Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, I took this ‘fortune’ - at the time I thought ‘ok yeah, sure! That’s nice’. But more recently, it keeps coming back to me and I keep sharing it with people - I shared it two weeks ago with my soul sis in LA who was facing yet another sleepless night as another fire (which remained largely unreported here) edged close to her home. I shared it with my sisters last week when my mum had another health emergency. I keep coming back to this quote time and time again.
Hope it gives you guys some comfort x
No matter how heavy
A burden we may have to bear
We must be aware
That these human hearts of ours
Should be full of ample strength.
(This waka poem was composed, in the traditional 5-7-5-7-7 syllable form, by Empress Shoken, whose spirit is enshrined at Meiji Jingu.
It is hoped that the poem's message, based on the traditional Shinto ethics, will have particular meaning for you.)
Sarah, what an incredible way to wrap up. I just want to read it all over again. I have been in a weird state of calm about all of this, which I couldn't quite understand, but somehow reading this chapter has made me feel primed to be okay with the cycling, the journey, the round and round of emotions. Yes to doing less and simplifying and being calm AND remaining engaged and enraged and activated and ready. Our guru IS within us.
Thank you for giving us the tools to rise. And to bear it all. Much Love to all in this community.
Thank you Sarah. That was wow. Yes we must bear it. We have no choice.
I could gush and ramble on for pages about how wonderful this experience has been but it still would not do it justice. Even saying thank you is not enough. There are no words to describe the enormity of what you have accomplished. I agree with Samantha P's sentiment. There is more to say but for now I just want to sit with it xx
Apologies for being late to the farewell post party, I've been in the South Oz desert area loving scarce phone signals and amazing night skies and sunrises.
Congratulations and Thank you Sarah. For going through it all and letting us here come together to form this community of amazing humans.
If only men could go through menopause also. The world would be a far better place having a lot of men getting a good hit of oestrogen and heightened emotions, reflection and caring.
A raging care muscle replacing a raging erection! Imagine the differences it would create.
Perhaps the end may be a case of mother nature performing the old off/on button press when something stops working.
I like your male menopause thoughts... I wonder if there is still a settling into hormones process men could go through and honour? My dad said when his testosterone dropped off he became a nicer person (his words). What if men saw this as a great transition into a new type of leadership role - calm, wise elder hood?
I feel Mother Nature knows what she's doing and will be firm with her boundary making.
Sarah, your writing and wrestling makes me so reflective. In reading this last chapter, I am reminded of our births and how we came into this world through bodies that bore the pain of labour, through the messy bits of blood and amniotic fluid and tissue, through a body that lay or crouched naked and in the most vulnerable of positions, dependent upon the help of others to be fed, cleaned, held, etc. And yet the messy process of birth, where we are smeared with blood, is also what allows us to take in our first breaths and cries. I made my debut 51 years ago, crying, cone-headed, bewildered, pulled out by a process I had no control over. And I’m still here. I find my self repeating as I look around at the world: I’m here. I’m here. I’m here. And I’m breathing.
I want to bless your crying. We must cry all we need to; we’re literally labouring into a different way of being, a different world. It’s scary as hell; it’s being awake during surgery, it’s the naked nightmare, the dream of the exam I didn’t study for become real. Crying and wailing are the sounds of life coming into the world; none of us would or could be here if we weren’t released from the ways we used to hold it all together.
We’ll learn how to walk in this liminal time, albeit among landmines. After reading this book, Sarah, I don’t think Rumi’s field is found through searching. I think it is found in building it together in these fractal ways you talk about, in this landline laden world we find ourselves in. It’s built in asking forgiveness & forgiving each other when our edges bump; showing mercy, and walking humbly. It’s going to be built through trusting that love will be the way justice is meted because, while being so much bigger than us, love and justice find their own fraught birth through our hearts and lives. There’s going to be a table of abundance in that field where the gift of being fully known and fully open is going to nourish our hearts and spirits in ways we can’t yet name. It doesn’t cancel out all the hurt and pain, but it does redeem it — which is somehow sweeter for it, I feel. A place of true maturity and yet abundant hospitality towards the innocence that is a part of awe.
Sarah, thank you so much for this table of abundance you have made here. It’s felt like a temple where I’ve sat at love’s feet and grown in wisdom and strength of heart.
Madeleine, we could produce a book from your comments here. Your way with metaphor is stunning. Rumi's field...I wonder if it's made by bearing through, we bear and bear and the field is all that remains when we bear through the forgiveness etc. and in the process we become the person who can be in this field, too
I believe it is. I wonder if in bearing it, we become people who can radically accept one another and ourselves ❤️. And thank you for your kind words — I remember being introduced to metaphor in grade 5 and having my mind completely blown. It’s an entire spiritual language unto itself, isn’t it?
I love your reflections, and would even go a step further; in bearing it we become people who can radically accept one another AS ourselves. We emerge back into the ‘whole’ we always were. ❤️
Yes!!! You’ve articulated that truth about returning to the whole really beautifully. I hadn’t thought about what’s happening in those terms and I’m grateful to read this.
That is also my mantra. I'm here. I'm here. I'm here. No matter what happens, I am here and I tried and I loved and I lost and I grieved with my whole heart and soul and I fell down and I got up and I'm here. I'm here. I'm here x
You are so so so here, Kristy. What a treat.
Yes so here Kristy - as with your profile pix - you've inspired me. X
Yay, I see you. Hello lovely Dianne xx. This made my day.
And your being here in this world makes me recognize the holiness in my own life in ways that could never exist without your beautiful heart! I’ve received deep blessings in your words and thoughts here. Thank you for sharing your spirit, motherly love, humble questioning, and ache towards Justice. We truly are all walking one another home.
We sure are. Thank you Madeleine, that comment melted me xx
I am singing this a lot lately — it’s become a prayer for me: https://youtu.be/3Gzip-zj0vY
Madeleine, Snatam Kaur is a favourite and a reminder to try and get back into Kundalini yoga.
I love that last line Madeline! "It's felt like a temple where I've sat at loves feet and grown in wisdom and strength of heart"....gosh me too💗
Yes, that last line, I just sat in it again. Thank you @madeleine
Isn’t it wonderful to be here ❤️?
Your beautiful words Madeleine , some cut deep like ….being awake during surgery and then this to uplift ..
“There’s going to be a table of abundance in that field where the gift of being fully known and fully open is going to nourish our hearts and spirits in ways we can’t yet name. It doesn’t cancel out all the hurt and pain, but it does redeem it — which is somehow sweeter for it.”
Thank you
As always Madeleine your words are gems of wisdom and light. Agree with others here the last sentence oof! Love, forgiveness, showing mercy and community. Love and gratitude to you.
Thank you Sarah, I needed all of these words this morning. As a fellow mid-life woman I’m often just getting shit done. But this week is harder. I have family caught up in the USAID insanity, I have staff who will lose their jobs this week as we have USAID funding. It’s all so stupid, given the ACTUAL existential crisis we face. I needed some outlet for the shit this morning, and reading your words helped while lyrics “Caught in an illusion, Not an illusion” from “But here we are” by Foo Fighters blasted in my headphones. Thanks for taking the effort to write your thoughts down. And now I’m going out into a blue sky Melbourne morning to find trees and people just doing their thing, and borrow Meg’s advice to get over my own story, and then sink back into rising!
And look into people's faces....with softened eyes.
Courage to you Michelle x
Oh yes! I loved that line especially, and have been intentionally practicing it already in the past few weeks.
So sorry for the pain your people are going through Michelle. I have often seen that I can bear almost anything for myself but when those I care about are hurting it's almost too much to bear.
That point is so true, Jane. We probably have to remember this when we fear pain...we are OK, we need to put our energy into helping others.
".... sink back into rising!" thanks, thanks so much for this.
nothing like a Melbourne blue sky. enjoy! sending good vibes your way Michelle.
Hey Michelle, sorry to hear this. I went through the Australian version ten years ago (much less bad though) and know what it’s like to see so much destruction of work you care about. It’s awful.
Yes, I remember the Australian version too. It was horrible at the time, but nothing compared to the wilful cruelty of the American situation. And the whole aid “industry” is a house of cards. But still hard to see if fall so unnecessarily insanely.
Wow just wow! I need to re read this a few times (and sit with what you say) before I can comment fully but I just wanted to come here to say congratulations Sarah, on a magnificent final chapter!
I savoured every word as I sat with my coffee. You did it! You tied everything together so beautifully and I'm in awe of how you pulled this chapter together after seeing your struggles on how to end this book serialisation.
It's been such a privilege to be a part of this and I am looking forward to the continuing discussions in the comments.
I can't wait to hear your news and what's next for you xx
Echoing your sentiments exactly Karola. Thank you, Sarah. I cannot wait to go back and reread not only this chapter, but the whole book. So, so grateful for your writing. I often find my thoughts get ‘stuck’ when I try to process what is happening in the world and my head but you give sweet relief with your beautiful articulation of ideas. Thank you doesn’t seem enough. I hope it’s now your time of rest and care.
Thank you Emily. I'm drinking an Earl Grey tea at the bar of a cafe and wondering what I will do to "celebrate". I think I'll buy a ring.
Oh a ring sounds divine!
Such a beautiful community you have created Sarah xx
yes, I can't believe it!
I can believe it :-) I think this community reflects your values x
Ah your beautiful face too!! X
Aw thanks Alaina! And yours too xx
I might need to uncover mine too!
Yes! I've just changed mine - Kristy was my inspiration to do so. And in time for the last Chapter. x
It’s hard to find words Sarah. But you do. So here are some for you: I found you last summer. I was stunned and exhilarated that I had finally met, as my partner said, “someone who has named what you have been thinking for so long”. It used to be a real pressure and pain point between us. He found my pessimism hard to cope with .it brought him down more than me - I am good at distraction. Shopping helped. But then when I shared your collapse conversations, he saw it clearly. It was hard for him but it brought us so close. I won’t lie, I felt so good about that. Not alone, not trying to convince the person I share most with. Relief too. For us it has been an awakening - “a terrible beauty” (Yates). I no longer shop for what I don’t need but I do grieve some “bullshit jobs” . Last weekend he dug holes for the native plants I bought for a hedgerow (a first for both of us!). And we will get it finished this weekend. It is outrageous how scary what is happening is. I can only distract myself so much. But as you said we cannot unsee this shit. And I will distract myself with good things from now on (apart from when I fail) . I love that you are calling on us to rise. Thank you so much for what you have done and how beautifully you write. You give a lot. I am greatly looking forward to your book launching into the world. It is already a terrible beauty. Mind yourself
A terrible beauty...thanks for that.
Hello to your husband, much rich soil to your shrubs! x
Mary we have been planting natives to .
A whole garden of them.
Their frequency and beauty are what hold sense and truth and hope for us right now.
In The Garden Life reveals.
If we hold a gaze into the softer and quieter realms.
If we let go of our human centric stories.
If we are able to sit more humbly in the place of the grander story of things.
If we dare to be welcomed into a place that is in full divine orchestration.
We will come to know.
All life is watchful and waiting.
All Life is hopeful and holding.
All Life is called forth now.
All Life has said... Yes to this time and task.
All life is In a grand occasion.
All creatures...all plant life...all rock...all the pilules of sand.
All in emergence.
The Great Garden of Life in all its Grace filled gusto.
Here now.
Illumed.
Mary in our garden we plant the trees here for This now...
We plant and tend so they can speak and carry their love for This time.
In The Garden we know our place.
Life has us Now.
Sarah
He says build a wall, we say “build” hedges - the ones that feed our fellow creatures.
Life has us now...
"Terrible beauty". Perfectly said
It’s from a poem by WB Yeats
Just beautiful, Sarah. I’m in tears reading it. All of it, so beautiful. I kept wanting to quote back some of the words in this chapter and I find myself wanting to quote all of it. It resonates so deeply. Thank you for putting into words what we feel to be true. Thank you for shining the light through the darkness and bringing us along, inviting us to join you on this journey, allowing us to recognize our own humanity and to see that we can rise. The beautiful community you have built here holds you as you rest, collapse, breathe and soak in the enormity of what you have completed. Holding you close to my heart, dear Sarah. You are loving and you are loved. Thank you. Xxx
Indeed! I often take screenshots of the bits that resonate deeply and I was clicking, clicking, clicking........!
Yes! I wanted to quote all of it! Beautiful words Kei and I share your sentiments x
🥰✨
Yes same Kei!
Thank you Sarah for so brilliantly gathering up and distilling the horror awe fatigue radiance peace rage and love swirling through this book, and these days. Those renowned instructions from Mary Oliver came to mind, ‘Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.'
You did it with courage and care, somehow leaving us simultaneously softened and galvanised. Thank you.
yes! tell about it. We all need to...to counter the flooding of the zone. We tell it gently. x
Thank you Sarah. I have been very appreciative of this opportunity to help birth this book - an important and sustaining message that I intend to share with as many people as possible. As I think back over the months of reading your hard won words, I have a strengthened resolve. I want to walk gently on mother earth, live simply, be generous with my personal resources, be respectful of ancient wisdoms and indigenous knowledge. I want to live each day with intention and courage. I will first look at myself with softened eyes and then turn my gaze to others I meet with that same look. I will stand with those who find themselves oppressed and voiceless. We cannot carry the entire burden of a world in deep distress, but we can hold the hand of another and another and another so that the burden becomes a blessing.
Whatever comes next from you Sarah, I hope you know how much you are cherished and appreciated. You are a woman a strength, intelligence and honesty, with a burning heart for humanity. xx
Kate, thank you from the bottom of my very burning heart just now x
… and another and another 🥰
Just thank you Sarah.
There are more words... but for now I simply want to soak in yours.
🙏
Samantha ... I love this. Soaking is a good place for us for the now, isn't it. To digest, ruminate within our souls all that Sarah and everyone here has shared these past months.
Go well and be gracious to yourself.
Will look out for your prayers...x
Perfectly said Samantha!
Divine
Ditto. X
Ditto!
My heart hurts so much for my daughter, for all the children, for all of us. I swing in and out of being able to stay engaged in the detail of this, but more than ever I feel the bullshit fall away from myself, I’m more and more purposeful, present and intentional with my time. I’m joyful, and so appreciative and present to the beautiful moments in life, the feel of the swimming in cool river on a hot day, moving my body after years of chronic illness, campfire chats with friends, dancing in the kitchen with my daughter, finding feathers and watching the birds. I ask myself what can I do in my life? I can love, I can be kind, I can be present in my relationships, I can be what I want to see in world. Thank you for this beautiful piece of work Sarah, I’ve needed this and I’m glad to be here.
I agree with you whole heartedly. Those are the things I want to do with my time too x
Kid up a tree here! That part was just so lovely - the empaths and philosophers of the world seem to see it first, hey, and take a greater part of the burden earlier because we don't like to watch others in pain. But now we have to learn to just let them feel it and sit with them whilst they break, over and over.
And I also, like others, feel galvanised to start with the little sphere of influence I have here - I planted olive trees about 5 years ago (future oil source!) and cranked up a community garden and some massive water tanks...but now to be braver and hold a climate grief group. Who knows, I may end up sitting there by myself, but if I don't put it out there I'll never know.
I like that over this book journey I've gone from 'what the hell do I do now this just feels like it's too big', to 'use your skills and start where you are and with you know'. So that's what I'm gonna do!
(anyone reading who lives in the Victorian Otways please come along!)
And in case it's at all useful - here is a very basic website I made a while ago when i first entered Adaptation mode https://otwaysclimateadaptation.com/
Hey Nicola, I live over the hills from you. I’ll come to whatever you’re planning. Know you’re not alone.
26 march 7pm at Marrar Woorn neighbourhood house 😊
I wish I was closer too. I had a look at your website. What a great idea. It is really good. I'm thinking about my heart places right now xxxx
Wish I was closer Nicola! Will check out the site tomorrow!
The site is so great - very handy. Thank you for your work and for sharing it.
I had a quick look at your website - its great! I would love to "come along" but in Sydney - may have to visit lol
Is it possible to describe in words how it feels to read and experience that final part of the last chapter? This is a book like no other, read with friends and support and such depth and challenges in conversations.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that you’re gathering in all the threads to write a conclusion just as things have gotten really crazy. As if to prove how much we need this!!
I hope you feel the gratitude and the love.
It is indeed surreal. That in itself has stretched me to new limits
I'm struggling with the words. I don't know how to describe it but its almost like something sacred that just needs to be held and sat with. Like too many words right now might break the spell. That possibly sounds ridiculous but I really don't know how to explain it.
Bless you KH
that's exactly my experience as well Kristy, great comment.
still, days and days later...
What a conclusion to an Epic (and I caps that word to denote that I mean it as a hero’s journey, as you are a Hero to us here x) journey. But also a call to action. For all of us. All of the people we hold space for. All the people we care for. Regardless of whether it turns out to be the complete shitshow we’re all fearing, at least we’ll be prepared for it, and can lead with fierce Mother energy. Or Kali, if you feel that fire inside.
Thankyou Sarah. For all of this. For all that you do. I’ve said it so many times but you truly are a marvel and the world needs more people like you in it xx
I had to share this with you and everyone here. Last September I went to Japan with my husband and daughter. When we were visiting Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, I took this ‘fortune’ - at the time I thought ‘ok yeah, sure! That’s nice’. But more recently, it keeps coming back to me and I keep sharing it with people - I shared it two weeks ago with my soul sis in LA who was facing yet another sleepless night as another fire (which remained largely unreported here) edged close to her home. I shared it with my sisters last week when my mum had another health emergency. I keep coming back to this quote time and time again.
Hope it gives you guys some comfort x
No matter how heavy
A burden we may have to bear
We must be aware
That these human hearts of ours
Should be full of ample strength.
(This waka poem was composed, in the traditional 5-7-5-7-7 syllable form, by Empress Shoken, whose spirit is enshrined at Meiji Jingu.
It is hoped that the poem's message, based on the traditional Shinto ethics, will have particular meaning for you.)
each word of "should be full of ample strength" is perfect
Right?
I love that poem. I love that it was also written by a woman. How appropriate for the times we face. Thank you for sharing, Phoebe.
Hear hear! 💕
thanks so much for sharing your 'fortune' with us here. so perfect.
and, wow, Japan also, experiencing crazy snow.
sending love, courage and strength to you, all your fam and Mum, soul fam in LA also.
hugs
Same to you - god knows the world needs more love right now 💕
I love the poem Phoebe. Your playlist has been on repeat. Gratitude.
🙏🏼🙏🏼
Sarah, what an incredible way to wrap up. I just want to read it all over again. I have been in a weird state of calm about all of this, which I couldn't quite understand, but somehow reading this chapter has made me feel primed to be okay with the cycling, the journey, the round and round of emotions. Yes to doing less and simplifying and being calm AND remaining engaged and enraged and activated and ready. Our guru IS within us.
Thank you for giving us the tools to rise. And to bear it all. Much Love to all in this community.
Thank you Sarah. That was wow. Yes we must bear it. We have no choice.
I could gush and ramble on for pages about how wonderful this experience has been but it still would not do it justice. Even saying thank you is not enough. There are no words to describe the enormity of what you have accomplished. I agree with Samantha P's sentiment. There is more to say but for now I just want to sit with it xx
me too. I'm overwhelmed. x
So much to say and yet no words are appropriate!
Yes ditto! X
‘Small, right moves, made in congruent ease, powered by fierce love, that allow for unexpected turns and mysterious transformations’ GOLD
PS I never thought ‘Slime Mould’ would be in the final chapter, worth the wait AND such a BONUS
All the stars worth of thanks
Love n good vibes 🧡
PPS glad I got the word EASE tattooed on my right hand many years ago 👊
You did? Glorious
Indeed 😊
Apologies for being late to the farewell post party, I've been in the South Oz desert area loving scarce phone signals and amazing night skies and sunrises.
Congratulations and Thank you Sarah. For going through it all and letting us here come together to form this community of amazing humans.
If only men could go through menopause also. The world would be a far better place having a lot of men getting a good hit of oestrogen and heightened emotions, reflection and caring.
A raging care muscle replacing a raging erection! Imagine the differences it would create.
Perhaps the end may be a case of mother nature performing the old off/on button press when something stops working.
Group hug.
xo
What desert area?
I like your male menopause thoughts... I wonder if there is still a settling into hormones process men could go through and honour? My dad said when his testosterone dropped off he became a nicer person (his words). What if men saw this as a great transition into a new type of leadership role - calm, wise elder hood?
I feel Mother Nature knows what she's doing and will be firm with her boundary making.
Kudos to your words and menopause empathy steve
I truly sooo wish men had some experience of such transition (and loss) and occasional out of controlness
Its pretty unbalanced, the powers at be and play
And , if you have not experienced, words cant explain
For me, anyway.
This is all heightened by the mis state of the world
And even mother nature fails to get a look in r.n
Id rather be taken out by mother nature than A.I
Planet earth has had a massive drop in oestrogen and her wildings seem to be morphing away from humanity.
HUMANS. PLEASE. COME BACK.
Not sure where u r but saw SA deserrts and flinders sadly having huge fires
Hope u and earth ok