fly on, ride through

BIGGER THAN THE WHOLE SKY

✨️ “Most people confuse the Now with what happens in the Now, but that’s not what it is. The Now is deeper than what happens in it. It is the space in which it happens.” — Eckhart Tolle, “Stillness Speaks.”

Following the light... and feeling the basic units all around.

Creating uniqueness often involves gathering bits of inspiration, knowledge, and experience from various sources. This process is akin to crafting a mosaic, where individual pieces come together to form a distinct and cohesive whole.

At its core, individuality is not merely about standing out for the sake of it but about offering something genuinely different and valuable. Every person is a brand-new, love-infused world. I believe wisdom permeates everywhere, revealing itself in the most understated yet perceptible ways. There is so much to discover in what is novel, so much to treasure in what is authentic.

What is love if not synonymous with attentiveness? Is it not like a flower that needs constant care to thrive? In another world, aren’t we more like towering trees, reaching for the same light, or perhaps like birds learning to fly and finding their place in the sky? Just a bit of that power — the true essence and its fragments — is more than enough to reflect our relatable place in the picture, no matter where you choose to observe from.

I often ponder how a single cell, microscopic in its realm, is a universe unto itself. It’s a paradox of simplicity and complexity, a tiny enclave that holds within it the secrets of creation. The basic units of life aren’t mere biological entities; they are bearers of nature’s wisdom.

They remind us that from the simplest building blocks arise the most complex structures, that from unity and cooperation spring forth diversity and resilience. They teach us that life is a tender balance, a continuous exchange, a dynamic equilibrium. To understand it is to catch a glimpse of the artistic expressions written in the language of existence itself.

Some might perceive it as suggesting that humans are small or seemingly insignificant, similar to how a grain of sand appears tiny. Alternatively, it could indicate that individuals possess a fundamental or essential quality, akin to a grain being a basic unit of a larger entirety.

“So, only when I am silent / Do they settle upon me – words – / A flock of birds in a tree / At nightfall.” — Adelia Prado, my esteemed neighbor and friend, who recently won the Camões Prize, exemplifies how personal experiences and cultural insights can be interwoven into storytelling to create something unique.

However, creating uniqueness requires more than just gathering disparate elements; it demands bravery and openness. It entails embracing our distinctive voice and vision, even in the face of skepticism or conformity. By staying true to ourselves and trusting the creative process, we can channel our passions and convictions into transformative works that leave a lasting impact.

One of the primary sources of inspiration is culture. Cultural diversity offers a wealth of traditions, beliefs, and artistic expressions that enrich creative endeavors. As a Brazilian, I understand the frustration when people judge your worth based solely on apparent differences rather than true merit, especially when this judgment comes from places that are meaningful to you.

We are far more intricate than the layers we perceive within ourselves, and courage is a multifaceted sentiment that requires nurturing. I continue to write from the place where I feel most at ease, where the rare and the real converge. Perhaps there’s a reason “fleeting” and “feeling” are spelled so similarly — it might be to help us learn discernment.

How can we ensure that our words, written thoughtfully and lyrically, take flight, conveying all the relevant feelings freely? How can we become artists who appreciate the simple, well-meaning, little things that come from indescribable places greater than we can capture in fleeting parts?

Yes, I live in Brazil, specifically in the state of Minas Gerais — it’s the only place I’ve ever lived. I enjoy sharing photos and glimpses of my life in my musings.

There’s a space within me, akin to a clouded sky, where movement meets stillness, and calm merges with alertness. This morning, I received an email from Richard Rohr highlighting how contemplation exists at the intersection of action and quiet. Isn’t that the truth in its entirety?

When we feel we’ve lost the strength to fight, inspiration often emerges. When we think something has ended, it may actually be a new beginning. Staying present and mindful each day helps us discover our voice and believe in its power. Surrender is a varied experience for everyone; sensitivity allows us to understand its nuances.

Women who write, irrespective of their chosen subjects, often explore a recurring theme: maturity shapes our lives and identities, sometimes in unforeseen ways. Thus, I watch, foster, and patiently await.

I prioritize self-respect while embracing and accepting my vulnerability. Being present means being whole and fully engaged in the current moment. This mindfulness nurtures a deeper connection with myself and my environment, contributing to a more fulfilling and enriched writing experience.

I believe caring is the ultimate act of humility. It’s like selecting the most beautiful rose from your garden, carefully presenting it, and hoping the recipient will appreciate the time, love, and meaning you invested in cultivating that small yet vibrant creation.

It’s trusting that they will respond, perhaps acknowledging they aren’t particularly fond of flowers but are curious as to why you chose to cherish it. Above all else, it’s a belief that humanity is what truly holds significance in the end.

As writers, we are inherently drawn to the process of transformation and the exchange of consciousness — reusing memories, thoughts, and emotions to infuse them with renewed vitality repeatedly. There’s wisdom in the notion of retaining and refining rather than simply letting go; in revisiting and reworking our ideas and experiences, we breathe new life into them countless times. It’s about creating something fresh, emerging from where all that is good and sacred is stubbornly sustained.

As I reflect, I find an undeniable reality in both the immaterial and the deeply rooted. There’s a certain intimacy in deciphering and honing them, in the healing process within an uninterrupted, tranquil, and peaceful moment.

“Believe in you.” It’s always nice to find a little boost of encouragement in unexpected places, even in something as simple as a tea bag tag.

💥 ❤️‍🔥 💥

Brazilian cheese breads + Portuguese chocolate biscuits!

Expressing our feelings in words demands a boldness known only to those who dare. The depth that shines through our endeavors is subtly rewarded, echoing with palpable truth. Ultimately, it’s the purpose we infuse that counts in the end.

I had a great conversation with a friend who pointed out that even unconsciously, we’re constantly putting ourselves out there, hoping our actions resonate with others. This applies to both writing and living — when something touches our hearts deeply, it often provides us with something we might not have even realized we needed. I believe that’s what we could call meaning — a rare and pure form of peace.

Sometimes, I feel the secret could be ‘fight’ — writing in a language that speaks directly to my heart while navigating a foreign platform where some discrepancies make it challenging to establish more connections. Other times, I think it’s ‘light’ — expressing myself in a more lighthearted manner might lead to a more genuine embrace, not only now but also could have in the past. What I am certain of is the ‘good’ part of the password because I wouldn’t change my heart for anything in the world.

A week ago, after being inspired by

Noha Beshir

’s note on her Substack anniversary, I decided to embrace your pledges for my writing — some of which had been lingering for a long time, like the one from the generous

david roberts

who, alongside

Resident20Some

, made my last essay unforgettable by comparing my tone to Proust’s. This was quite impressive to me, as he’s an author whom I’ve mostly known by name. Additionally, a friend recently remarked that my writing resembled that of a Victorian writer.

These occurrences have made me ponder the essence of language and what, despite our efforts, remains enigmatic to us. In an ideal world, I might even hear my favorite fictional character chuckling at me for such refined subtlety.

Finally, thank you to each of you who messaged me, encouraging me to continue writing from a place of empathy, openness, and uniqueness. Your support means everything, and I deeply appreciate your witnessing my sincere try. To proceed gradually, I will now only accept monthly paid subscriptions, not yearly ones. While the future remains uncertain, I am committed to staying fully engaged and embracing every opportunity to learn.

Possibly within the invisible, multi-layered lines. Preferably, from what’s clear-cut and emphatic.

🧵 🪡 🧶

P.S. When you like my post, I hear a gentle whisper. When you leave a comment, it’s like a bird singing. When you also restack my words, it feels like an orchestral symphony. And when you recommend my publication, I feel as if the entire sky and all the trees in the world are watching me.

👇🏻 🔔 🔊

✨️ Thaíssa Lara.