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Elena Brower's avatar

"I prioritize self-respect while embracing and accepting my vulnerability. Being present means being whole and fully engaged in the current moment." Yes. Yes. Yes. And caring as humility. Humility as caring. Brava.

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

Every time I read one of your comments, Elena, it's like a vociferous bird reminding me that I must be doing something right. There's profound humility in caring for what we hold dear in a realistic manner. Thank you for your presence; it felt especially reassuring this morning as I reevaluate some incisive feelings about my writing and being on this platform. ✨️

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Elena Brower's avatar

hearing that. i'm viewing substack as a way to connect, to others, to my voice, to let go of my self-consciousness about writing and just keep going. in chaplaincy training we're writing a LOT; being here, being consistent weekly for 16 months now, I'm finding a new rhythm and ease with writing i've never known.

how about you? what's delightful about this place for you?

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

I'm experiencing this firsthand! I remember when you first posted, coinciding with my own deeper engagement. One of the most rewarding aspects for me has been realizing how my inspiration has unexpectedly guided me here. Writing teaches us slowly, lesson by lesson. For me, it's about refining the parts of my heart that crave tenderness, aiming for my journey to resonate simply yet meaningfully with others.

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Elena Brower's avatar

r e s o n a n c e

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

You are adorable. ✨️

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Michael Edward's avatar

Beautiful, Thaissa. I have always found myself drawn to the ‘weirdos’ so to speak. The odd balls who are totally unique in some way, not just because they are different, but as your piece made me realise, partly because I appreciate novelty and the way it draws my attention. :)

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

Thank you for reading my words, Michael. I have always taken pride in being 'unique,' in fighting against the odds. Deep down, I only wish for people to receive my words for what they are — pieces of my heart that I am choosing to put out there. It’s often challenging to open up like that, and even more so to accept that they might not fit the pattern established for the 'dear reader,' because we all have one or a few of them in mind when we write. In the end, we are only human. ✨

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Michael Edward's avatar

Hear hear. All we can do is be ourselves and share what is true to us. Some will relate some won’t — all that seems to matter is that we respect ourselves and our work enough to share it :)

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

This is definitely a wise way to see it, M. ✨️

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appleton king's avatar

heres one bird singing Lara

the words soothing wise and "felt" are backed up by the "voice" which always continues to remind of the improbable wonder you write here so poetically of attention being love so much more and not even in your native instinctive language

😇😘

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

This is perhaps one of the most beautiful sounds I've heard from a bird, Appleton! It deeply touches me to see how profoundly you grasp my words and all their nuanced layers. Your wisdom and expressive nature are truly gifts. This past week, a quote resonated with me: 'Between what is said and not meant, and what is meant and not said, most of love is lost,' by Khalil Gibran. Thank you for being here and letting me know you're present wholeheartedly. ✨️

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Helene Van Manen's avatar

Brazil seems like a dream land away to me. I have never been. I am glad you find beauty there and tell about it.

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

Thank you, Helene, for taking the time to leave this comment. I truly hope you can visit someday and experience the magic here in Brazil. It's like many countries in one, but I have a deep affection for the state I call home. Your and Dave's expressions of love for your own home are always inspiring to me. Similar souls often recognize each other. ✨️

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The Scholar's avatar

Wow, this was utterly beautiful. From the photos to the quotes to the writing, I was truly absorbed in this immersive writing piece. Favorite quote: "When we feel we’ve lost the strength to fight, inspiration often emerges."- couldn't be more true. Thank you for sharing.

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

Muito obrigada! ✨️

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The Scholar's avatar

De nada✨️

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Billy Mann's avatar

Love the idea that changing perspectives can change understanding. From the most powerful telescopes that give us images of the universe to electron microscopes that allow us to see infinitesimal. Perspective matters.

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

As we experience new things and gain insights, our views can change, demonstrating how our understanding evolves. This growth helps us appreciate the world's complexities more deeply. Thank you, Billy. ✨️

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Karen Esbenshade's avatar

—reusing memories, thoughts, and emotions to infuse them with renewed vitality repeatedly. This is such an effective way to heal. I also agree that we should be embracing our cultural differences and celebrate what makes us unique.💜

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

When we go back and look at the same things again, there's always a detail or nuance we can re-signify. Thank you for the support, Karen. ✨

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Elizabeth Grace Martinez's avatar

"What is love if not synonymous with attentiveness?" that resonates deeply. love is paying attention.

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

Nothing brings a feeling to life quite like being wisely nurtured by genuine attention. Thank you for reading, Elizabeth. ✨️

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Caroline's avatar

Awoke with a heavy, jittery heart…grateful for this calming read!

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

I'm so glad it was soothing for you, my friend; there's nothing more I could wish for. I have to confess, I woke up feeling the same way, actually. I'm always here for you if you need to talk! ✨️

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I Read This Over Shabbos's avatar

Thaissa! Wow! Pure poetry that resonates so strongly and accurately.

“I continue to write from the place where I feel most at ease, where the rare and the real converge. “ Yes! That is you and your writing!

I once heard that creativity isn’t creating anything new but taking bits and pieces and ideas and putting them together in a new way, which is what I think you were hitting on in the beginning of this piece.

Also (embarrassing) I didn’t know you lived in Brazil! I thought you were sharing photos from vacation in your other posts. Wow, that’s so cool! I never thought of other cultures as a source of creative inspiration but now that you’ve pointed it out, it seems so obvious. Thank you for this absolutely stunning work. ✨✨✨

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Thaissa Lara's avatar

Through poetry, we can explore different perspectives and become more sensitive to the nuances of human experience. This sensitivity enhances our understanding and strengthens our connection to the world and its cultures. Thank you for your always insightful presence, my friend. ✨️

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