Oh Kei, I am so very sorry. My heart goes out to you, and I know it is just one heart in a beautiful stream of so many hearts coming from this community, to you.
Sending deep breaths, warm holding hugs, and all the space you need to feel all that you are feeling.
Dear Kei I am so very sorry for your loss. It was lovely to read that you and Bill were "nodders" in the crowd and what that meant to Sarah. Sending you hugs x
So sorry Kei, such a primal loss of your beloved partner, may you feel held by the love of all your communities (human and more than human) as grieve and remember. Sending my love to you
Sarah, I'm sending you wishes for a beautiful break. Your work is brave and luminous in the dark. It has been the soundtrack to accompany my thinking and musing this year. I deeply appreciate your kindred soul and the beautiful community you have created. Thank you my friend! xoxo
I know it was just a small comment in your post Sarah, but you referred to Kei and Bill as 'nodders' and how important that is for you when speaking...
As a lifelong 'nodder', I find that quite heartwarming and somewhat validating!
Even as a kid at school, I was a nodder. It saw me labeled as a nerd and teachers' pet but I couldn't help it, I physically reacted to what I heard or read, with nods, laughs, sighs and (god forbid) answers and questions. I've still never managed to muster up a poker face, I blush readily, well up at the slightest emotion and nod, nod, nod. Some people say I'm an open book while others seem to find my overt-emotion-face confusing. I don't know what they're seeing but I'm nodding/frowning/blushing/welling whether either of us like it or not!
So to hear that nodding away in the audience is actually a good thing for you... I'm nodding and blushing and welling just thinking about it 😊
Oh, yes, it's a good thing. Sometimes if I'm on stage, the lights will be in face and I can barely see anyone in the audience, but somehow I can spot a nodder or two...their faces beaming. Obviously, nodders also tend to sit toward the front!!
Samantha I felt equally affirmed by Sarah’s description. I too express myself as you do. And have been the cause of similar confusion. But if someone has something of interest, wit, novelty to say, then I appreciate it and show it! Likewise if it’s rubbish, a lie, inane, devious… I think it’s called being present! I’d be surprised if most people in this group didn’t show up that way!
Hello fellow nodder 👋! I felt validated too because it seemed like it was such a small thing to do. I (and Bill) can’t help nodding. I think my emotions show openly on my face too. I see you. 🥰
I have let go of the need to present people with facts and I'm just talking about how our current model of living just doesn't work for me and why. Some people get it and others think that I'm a "drop out" from society. I look forward to catching up on all the chapters that I'm behind on.
I think increasingly we are not being seen as "drop-outs". I think many are increasingly intrigued. And the more we stay chill, joyful, kind, genuinely connected, the more they are intrigued...this is our mission, should we choose to accept it!
I love this , the only way we can truly connect to people , and for them to feel safe enough to connect to us. Is to keep it personal. The amazing thing is it calms our own farm, and allows us and everyone else to calm down and find the solutions and peace that we crave
I am a poor 'debater', I don't easily hold facts and stats in my head and I tend to crumble when pushed. All I have are my feelings. It's nice to think that in fact they're all I need.
That is part of what Sarah is finding , the facts are important. But the facts only go so far , and are often quite basic. Once the fundamentals are known , then the rest is just response.
The greatest power in life is the ability to calm yourself , or rather to express it all with respect for yourself and others. Or at least I am finding that for myself bit by bit. 😊✌🏼
Thanks for seeing that - the first 2/3s of this book was data...because we are still in such a world...final third is a concerted move away from the facts/science etc into felt response
Samantha I'm a crumbler as well. All the stats and facts disappear, and I'm only left with distress/frustration and I get worked up without having the words to communicate what I want to say.
Next time I might just start with I feel.......
After all, that's really one of the things I'm most grateful to this community for giving me - the space to express what I feel.
Thank you Sarah for taking us on a wild ride this year! Reality has indeed been absurd, yet through being in this community i can hold the absurdity much better, and often just marvel at it all. Happy holidays, and bring on 2025 and whatever shit it flings at us!
Thank you to everyone in this space for making life more bearable (and meaningful), by providing another source of human connection.
I used to comment here, but have found myself watching from the sidelines throughout Sarah’s book serialisation project. Sometimes I’m rendered speechless. I have all these thoughts/responses (or ‘clever’ ideas), but then they kind of evaporate when I go to put pen to paper (or thumbs to phone screen).
Because I know there are no answers here. Only surrender to ‘what is’. But yeah - there is certainly solace in community - even the virtual variety.
Lastly, I’m so sorry for your loss Kei. I’ve always appreciated your kind and thoughtful offerings in this space. Wishing you lots of what you want and need to help you through your grieving and healing process.
To Sarah and this entire community - thank you for all that you do in our world to shine a little more light where it’s needed xx
Biggest hugs from Tasmania Kei. Once the pain has subsided I hope you are connected to death as it is in nature - part of the ongoing process of life.
And to the nodders! Since turning 50 this year I nod like a noddie doll and sometimes make noises and cry and laugh and cry out. IDGAF, and it feels great to nod vigorously! I Get you!!
Big love to all. Sometimes I wish we had a secret sign or brooch or T, so we could notice each other in the street and nod or hug. I would give you all a glass of wine to sit and share together if you ever come to Tassie. And some dark chocolate. 😉
Thanks Sarah for opening yourself to bring us all in. It’s how the world could be.
Cynthia, it's funny...as I get older I am more demonstrative, too. I care so much more about connecting and I feel, as oestrogen drops off, I can take up more impolite room on the planet.
Thanks Sarah for creating this island of sanity. I don't think there is another person (you) or the lovely people here that I feel more aligned to these days. I haven't had the bandwidth for commenting lately but I've been nodding along, smiling and crying with you all. Thank you.
Thank you Sarah for all you have offered and written this year. I’m looking forward to having some ‘space’ over the festive break to catch up what I’ve not been able to digest during the year. My own confusion definitely feels held and lighter in this group and I feel less alone and awkward with the chaos of life.
Sending much love and huge thanks. May your break bring you rest and adventure x x
Big love, Sar! And Merry Christmas ... I'm gathering you're venturing south towards the Mediterranean rather than Down Under this winter/summer?
We miss your spirit being physically near but know that we are joined across oceans and land.
Thank you for continually drawing us together to belonging, into something bigger than ourselves. May angels continue to watch you every step of the way.
PS. Love that pic you took from the back of the van. Incredible how similar it is to "wild and Precious'... xx
"Thank you for continually drawing us together to belonging, into something bigger than ourselves. May angels continue to watch you every step of the way". Yes! Ian, I join you in this gratitude and in this prayer. It's been such a gift to be in this space, in this time.
Dear Kei, I’m so sorry for your loss. Heartbreaking indeed. I hope reading the comments, and breathing in the love extended by this community fills your heart … for now at least. Travel the waves gently through this time of grief.
Dear Sarah, thank you for convening this community. I also feel less alone than ever before … the opportunity to share my feelings to the catastrophe we find ourselves so openly and honestly is a balm, Is validating and affirming. I also enjoy being provoked to consider different angles and perspectives to both our predicament and our response. Thank you. Enjoy your break, it looks so beautiful … amongst it all we continue to live and bask in heartbreaking beauty. ❤️
Thank you, Deborah. Yes, I’m breathing in the love from the community here and feeling the care. 🥰
It truly comes in waves. A big wave last night that lingered to this morning. Reading Sarah’s post and all the love from everyone here had made the landing into my new reality softer. Thank you. x
Thanks for all you've contributed to our lives in 2024 Sarah.
Provoking discussion, challenging misconceptions, calling out the BS, and promoting community and love over fear and hate.
Hoping you have a wonderous time off, filled with adventure, fulfilment and inhale deeply all the things that refill the senses and your soul, to return and tackle 2025.
Steve, I'll reply to the DM in a sec. But publicly - a big thank you for your honesty, care, rawness and sharing. I have sooooo loved YOUR provocations.
Two weeks doesn’t quite sound like enough time Sarah. I hope it is for you & that the break is rejuvenating, and fun.
You bring so much to my life. I’m grateful for it all. You stretch my thinking, you fill in gaps, you give explanations that fit with how I feel, even when I can’t figure it out myself. 🙏
hahaha...Nat, you have a leave pass from having to be right with all the facts lined up perfectly. Even if some uncle or other insists on the "proof"! Good luck going right at Christmas lunch!
Dearest Sarah,
Thank you for bearing witness to my pain and loss. Words cannot describe the love and gratitude I feel for your support.
This community holds me too. Special thanks to @Gillian for holding space too.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
It's nourished me, too, Kei xx
🥰🥰🥰
Oh Kei, I am so very sorry. My heart goes out to you, and I know it is just one heart in a beautiful stream of so many hearts coming from this community, to you.
Sending deep breaths, warm holding hugs, and all the space you need to feel all that you are feeling.
Samantha, every heart counts. Thank you for the deep breaths, warm hugs and the space to feel. Thank you. xxx
Dear Kei I am so very sorry for your loss. It was lovely to read that you and Bill were "nodders" in the crowd and what that meant to Sarah. Sending you hugs x
Thank you, Karola. Bill and I were enthusiastic nodders. I'm glad we could support Sarah in some way. xx
And I'm so glad this community can now hold you xx
Glad to be there in some small way my friend. xoxo
Thank you, Gillian. xoxox
Oh Kei, I am so so sorry for your loss. You will be in my meditations this week ❤️
nice x
Thank you, Faye. 🙏✨❤️
I'm thinking of you Kei, and am hoping you find some peace and comfort from those around you (including us!) during this time x
Thank you, Melissa. Yes, this community definitely holds me. x
Holding you Kei x
Thank you, Andrea. x
Dearest Kei, our hearts lean into yours at this time. Biggest hugs and may you be filled with peace at this terrible time. Much love xx
(a prayer from you, Ian, is always a special thing)
Thank you dear Ian. I feel the hearts leaning in. xx
My thoughts are with you Kei. It’s such a hard time walking with grief. Take care of yourself & reach out if you need to. Xx
Thank you, Vanessa. That is a very kind offer. xx
Kei, I can't even imagine, I am so very sorry. I have no words but I do have thoughts and prayers for you xxxxxx
Thank you, Kristy. That means a lot. xx
Kei, I'm so very sorry. I don't know you but I do know you, if that makes any sense (and so many others here). Sending you so, so much love.
Thank you ❤️. Yes, I know what you mean. We do know each other in different ways. 🥰❤️
So very sorry for your huge loss. Sending much love to you Kei. I hope you are being held and wrapped and surrounding by care at this time x
Thank you, Ali. Yes, I am so fortunate to be receiving so much love and care. xx
So sorry Kei, such a primal loss of your beloved partner, may you feel held by the love of all your communities (human and more than human) as grieve and remember. Sending my love to you
Thank you, Sally. I feel held by all, including the sky, waters and land. xxx
Such a tough time for you Kei. Sending you big heart hugs 💕💕
Thank you, Ellen. Your big heart hugs are gratefully received. 💗💗
Dear Kei, Sending lots of love & virtual hugs x x x
Sending so much love Kei 💞
Thank you, Nat. I’m feeling the love. 🙏💗
Sarah, I'm sending you wishes for a beautiful break. Your work is brave and luminous in the dark. It has been the soundtrack to accompany my thinking and musing this year. I deeply appreciate your kindred soul and the beautiful community you have created. Thank you my friend! xoxo
Ah, Gillian and the little bean! I've loved following your journey to light, too. Give my regards to Gundaroo!! Keep sparking up the dark for us!
Thank you Sarah, I’m very chuffed you pause to read. xo
“Brave and luminous in the dark…” that is so beautiful ❤️
Agreed!
I know it was just a small comment in your post Sarah, but you referred to Kei and Bill as 'nodders' and how important that is for you when speaking...
As a lifelong 'nodder', I find that quite heartwarming and somewhat validating!
Even as a kid at school, I was a nodder. It saw me labeled as a nerd and teachers' pet but I couldn't help it, I physically reacted to what I heard or read, with nods, laughs, sighs and (god forbid) answers and questions. I've still never managed to muster up a poker face, I blush readily, well up at the slightest emotion and nod, nod, nod. Some people say I'm an open book while others seem to find my overt-emotion-face confusing. I don't know what they're seeing but I'm nodding/frowning/blushing/welling whether either of us like it or not!
So to hear that nodding away in the audience is actually a good thing for you... I'm nodding and blushing and welling just thinking about it 😊
Thank you 🙏
Oh, yes, it's a good thing. Sometimes if I'm on stage, the lights will be in face and I can barely see anyone in the audience, but somehow I can spot a nodder or two...their faces beaming. Obviously, nodders also tend to sit toward the front!!
Yes, we do sit closer to the front! 😆
Samantha I felt equally affirmed by Sarah’s description. I too express myself as you do. And have been the cause of similar confusion. But if someone has something of interest, wit, novelty to say, then I appreciate it and show it! Likewise if it’s rubbish, a lie, inane, devious… I think it’s called being present! I’d be surprised if most people in this group didn’t show up that way!
ditto
Hello fellow nodder 👋! I felt validated too because it seemed like it was such a small thing to do. I (and Bill) can’t help nodding. I think my emotions show openly on my face too. I see you. 🥰
Yep, they do - raised eyebrows expressing interest and anticipation!! I have your faces imprinted in my head! xx
I see you 🙏
Another proud non-poker face here too 😝
Perhaps this is a gathering place for nodders? Aka authentic and expressive and passionate about what we resonate with.
It reminds me of those nodding dogs that adorned many a parcel shelf (of vehicles) eons ago, does anyone remember those?
I think a lot of us here are possibly "a type".... nodders, sit at the front, worry, ask questions, ...
Thank YOU Sarah, for all the work you do.
I have let go of the need to present people with facts and I'm just talking about how our current model of living just doesn't work for me and why. Some people get it and others think that I'm a "drop out" from society. I look forward to catching up on all the chapters that I'm behind on.
Enjoy your well deserved rest xx
I think increasingly we are not being seen as "drop-outs". I think many are increasingly intrigued. And the more we stay chill, joyful, kind, genuinely connected, the more they are intrigued...this is our mission, should we choose to accept it!
Yes I can see some people are intrigued. I hope that, as you say, staying chill, joyful and kind inspires others to see there is another way to live.
I love this , the only way we can truly connect to people , and for them to feel safe enough to connect to us. Is to keep it personal. The amazing thing is it calms our own farm, and allows us and everyone else to calm down and find the solutions and peace that we crave
I totally agree Steve.
I am a poor 'debater', I don't easily hold facts and stats in my head and I tend to crumble when pushed. All I have are my feelings. It's nice to think that in fact they're all I need.
I'm quite a good debater...but I find it so much more convincing (and relieving) to drop the data slinging!.
The feelings are more important, as they help to decide if the facts are worthy or not or relevant
I hold facts and feelings equally , which is fucking hard 😂
So I need to drop any arrogant idea to fix or help people
And just communicate what is here and now , and the possible bridges which the possible course of actions may lead us to
yes the sweet spot between the two for people like us (I'm the same) is to "not fix".
Yes, this is me too Samantha. I end up floundering. It's a great twist to approach it from feelings instead.
That is part of what Sarah is finding , the facts are important. But the facts only go so far , and are often quite basic. Once the fundamentals are known , then the rest is just response.
The greatest power in life is the ability to calm yourself , or rather to express it all with respect for yourself and others. Or at least I am finding that for myself bit by bit. 😊✌🏼
Thanks for seeing that - the first 2/3s of this book was data...because we are still in such a world...final third is a concerted move away from the facts/science etc into felt response
Samantha I'm a crumbler as well. All the stats and facts disappear, and I'm only left with distress/frustration and I get worked up without having the words to communicate what I want to say.
Next time I might just start with I feel.......
After all, that's really one of the things I'm most grateful to this community for giving me - the space to express what I feel.
I feel like this, too. I can't think on the spot very well at all. It IS a relief to have the freedom to feel and feel deeply.
Keeping it personal definitely calms things down because you can't argue with someone's feelings.
And from there we can work together to find the truth or solutions 🙏🏼
Yep, we rise into who we truly want to be. We are all nudged.
Thank you Sarah for taking us on a wild ride this year! Reality has indeed been absurd, yet through being in this community i can hold the absurdity much better, and often just marvel at it all. Happy holidays, and bring on 2025 and whatever shit it flings at us!
Thank you to everyone in this space for making life more bearable (and meaningful), by providing another source of human connection.
I used to comment here, but have found myself watching from the sidelines throughout Sarah’s book serialisation project. Sometimes I’m rendered speechless. I have all these thoughts/responses (or ‘clever’ ideas), but then they kind of evaporate when I go to put pen to paper (or thumbs to phone screen).
Because I know there are no answers here. Only surrender to ‘what is’. But yeah - there is certainly solace in community - even the virtual variety.
Lastly, I’m so sorry for your loss Kei. I’ve always appreciated your kind and thoughtful offerings in this space. Wishing you lots of what you want and need to help you through your grieving and healing process.
To Sarah and this entire community - thank you for all that you do in our world to shine a little more light where it’s needed xx
Thank you, Claire. ✨❤️✨❤️
Biggest hugs from Tasmania Kei. Once the pain has subsided I hope you are connected to death as it is in nature - part of the ongoing process of life.
And to the nodders! Since turning 50 this year I nod like a noddie doll and sometimes make noises and cry and laugh and cry out. IDGAF, and it feels great to nod vigorously! I Get you!!
Big love to all. Sometimes I wish we had a secret sign or brooch or T, so we could notice each other in the street and nod or hug. I would give you all a glass of wine to sit and share together if you ever come to Tassie. And some dark chocolate. 😉
Thanks Sarah for opening yourself to bring us all in. It’s how the world could be.
Cynthia, it's funny...as I get older I am more demonstrative, too. I care so much more about connecting and I feel, as oestrogen drops off, I can take up more impolite room on the planet.
Thank you, Cynthia. I love the idea of a secret sign/brooch/ T for us nodders. xxx
Thanks Sarah for creating this island of sanity. I don't think there is another person (you) or the lovely people here that I feel more aligned to these days. I haven't had the bandwidth for commenting lately but I've been nodding along, smiling and crying with you all. Thank you.
Yes, you're definitely a nodder!
I hope you get some rest over Christmas xx
Thank you Sarah for all you have offered and written this year. I’m looking forward to having some ‘space’ over the festive break to catch up what I’ve not been able to digest during the year. My own confusion definitely feels held and lighter in this group and I feel less alone and awkward with the chaos of life.
Sending much love and huge thanks. May your break bring you rest and adventure x x
Back at you Liz X
Big love, Sar! And Merry Christmas ... I'm gathering you're venturing south towards the Mediterranean rather than Down Under this winter/summer?
We miss your spirit being physically near but know that we are joined across oceans and land.
Thank you for continually drawing us together to belonging, into something bigger than ourselves. May angels continue to watch you every step of the way.
PS. Love that pic you took from the back of the van. Incredible how similar it is to "wild and Precious'... xx
Thank you Ian, thank you, as always, for the angel company!
I'm on my way back to Paris now and will be back in Australian in March!
"Thank you for continually drawing us together to belonging, into something bigger than ourselves. May angels continue to watch you every step of the way". Yes! Ian, I join you in this gratitude and in this prayer. It's been such a gift to be in this space, in this time.
Ian has been sending me angels and prayers for about 15 years now. I cherish them all.
So very sorry Kei for your loss. I hope you have a lot of love all around you to help.
And can take in all the warmth from the embrace of the This is Precious family.
x
Can you imagine our Christmas lunch?
Thank you, Steve. This is Precious family...I love that. x
Dear Kei, I’m so sorry for your loss. Heartbreaking indeed. I hope reading the comments, and breathing in the love extended by this community fills your heart … for now at least. Travel the waves gently through this time of grief.
Dear Sarah, thank you for convening this community. I also feel less alone than ever before … the opportunity to share my feelings to the catastrophe we find ourselves so openly and honestly is a balm, Is validating and affirming. I also enjoy being provoked to consider different angles and perspectives to both our predicament and our response. Thank you. Enjoy your break, it looks so beautiful … amongst it all we continue to live and bask in heartbreaking beauty. ❤️
Dear community, thank you for being there. ❤️
Deborah, thank you. Yes, the beauty of this world is heart...breaking, stretching, tingling...
Thank you, Deborah. Yes, I’m breathing in the love from the community here and feeling the care. 🥰
It truly comes in waves. A big wave last night that lingered to this morning. Reading Sarah’s post and all the love from everyone here had made the landing into my new reality softer. Thank you. x
Thanks for all you've contributed to our lives in 2024 Sarah.
Provoking discussion, challenging misconceptions, calling out the BS, and promoting community and love over fear and hate.
Hoping you have a wonderous time off, filled with adventure, fulfilment and inhale deeply all the things that refill the senses and your soul, to return and tackle 2025.
x
Steve, I'll reply to the DM in a sec. But publicly - a big thank you for your honesty, care, rawness and sharing. I have sooooo loved YOUR provocations.
PS still using that toothbrush!
Two weeks doesn’t quite sound like enough time Sarah. I hope it is for you & that the break is rejuvenating, and fun.
You bring so much to my life. I’m grateful for it all. You stretch my thinking, you fill in gaps, you give explanations that fit with how I feel, even when I can’t figure it out myself. 🙏
See you in 2025.
I do speed everything, including speed rest. I've never found I need a lot of downtime to get back on track.
But thank you for your concern! x
thanks for the 'coming from feelings' tip. rate that.
nullified all my great imagined convoluted left brain convos I was dreading.
myriad of thanks to you Sarah and this gnarly, compassionate, unique and inspired community for this past year. my island of sanity.
much much love and many hugs to all.
see you in '25.
nat
hahaha...Nat, you have a leave pass from having to be right with all the facts lined up perfectly. Even if some uncle or other insists on the "proof"! Good luck going right at Christmas lunch!
just gonna sing like Kenny and Dolly
We are already in Collapse, collectively and in our individual experiences.
That is why the inner and outer work of collapse and emergence is vital now.
Sarah , Thank you for all you are and are doing 💓
And for your work and wise contributions, Susan. I've really been stimulated by them!