43 Comments
User's avatar
Resident20Some's avatar

I was in Paris two months ago. Alone actually. I was reading Proust’s, In Search of Lost Time (much to the surprise of the waiters at dinner). I’m reading and I couldn’t help but think that I had read his tone before. Then I thought of you! The way you capture little moments and give them space and beautiful words is a gift. So there I was in Paris thinking of your writing. I think that’s pretty cool and proof that yes, your perspectives are wanted. (PS: check that book out if you haven’t already. I think you’d love it)

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

You, special being, whoever you are, should know that this brought tears to my eyes. It was one of the most profound things I’ve heard in months, piercing through my core and reaching straight to my heart. We are such enigmatic souls. When I read a name like Proust associated with my writing, despite the immense honor, my mind thought — I would exchange this for a single word from a meaningful place.

I am genuinely grateful and moved that you chose to share this experience with me; it has truly made my week. If you had kept it to yourself, I would never have known that my words reached Paris in such a beautiful manner. I deeply wish there were no borders, no distances, no rejections in the world. Your words have given me hope. Thank you, and please receive a spiritual hug now, wherever you are. ⚡️

Expand full comment
Elena Brower's avatar

I love reading your more personal tales and shares, thank you so much for bringing us in.

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

Elena, it’s always wonderful to hear from you, especially your encouraging words about my writing! Thank you for making me feel seen and valued! ⚡

Expand full comment
Elena Brower's avatar

keep writing... it serves us all

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

I can say the same thing about you! ⚡️

Expand full comment
Karen Esbenshade's avatar

Written words alone cannot capture the expressions of our heart.

Thaissa, this post speaks so clearly the complexities our thoughts buried deep in our hearts. We need to dig deep and yes... it takes humility to share as you did in this post. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

I believe caring is the ultimate act of humility, Karen. 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 nurturing 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 them to cherish it. Above all else, it's a belief that humanity is what truly holds significance in the end.

I wasn't even planning to write this piece, but somehow I felt compelled to put down these words last Wednesday. I think I've been feeling this way for longer than I dared to admit to myself. ⚡️

Expand full comment
Donna McArthur's avatar

Thaissa, thank you for this beautiful post. Your essence touches on all the intangible, most important things. Reading it I felt a drawing in of Spirit, weaving us together in the threads of a tapestry. I loved all the images you shared and that you finished with a gorgeous gratitude and we could hear your voice.❤

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

I'm so glad you liked the voice at the end of the essay! I thought it would be a nice touch to give a more personal tone to my words. Thank you for such a wonderful comment, Donna, and for letting me know you felt such a deep connection to my humble vulnerability here. It fills my heart with joy. Isn't that our ultimate goal in every piece we write — to become a bit softer each time? ⚡️

Expand full comment
David Roberts's avatar

What a wonderful mix of words and images. I wish i knew the secret password. I suppose art is the closest we can come. And as Resident20some wrote, your thoughts are indeed Proustian.

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

David, I am deeply humbled by your attention to my work. Sometimes, I feel the password could be ‘fight’ — writing in a language that speaks directly to my heart while navigating a foreign platform where the Brazilian real is almost 6R$ to 1$. This discrepancy makes it challenging to afford many great works and establish 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. Regarding the Proustian tone, I couldn’t be more thrilled and proud. Your kind words mean a lot to me. ⚡️

Expand full comment
Caroline's avatar

And what a joy it is to witness you and walk with you as we all grow!!

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

What an honor it is to walk with you, Caroline! And to grow, and build, and become better versions of ourselves! ⚡️

Expand full comment
Sea's avatar

* I meant “caressed”

Expand full comment
Sea's avatar

Don’t worry about your abilities to touch peoples hearts, because this absolutely touched mine, Thaissa… It was touched so many times you could call it caress.

“I think there’s only one way to look at what’s near and dear to our hearts: honoring their uniqueness and their heaviness.”

That is an awesome statement. And the parts concerning “time,“ and “tempo,” were especially touching for me. Thank you so much and I’m sorry it took me so long to read this. a belated happy birthday to your mother! ❤️

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

Muito obrigada! ✨️

Expand full comment
Sea's avatar

De nada!

Expand full comment
Sea's avatar

“Tempo. A constant in our lives, yet one of the most invisible elements. Oh, the sensation, composure, and serenity with which we experience time passing as we watch a sunset, celebrate birthdays, or recall memories from the past. While it shapes our moments and stories, we can’t measure it solely with clocks and calendars; it’s far more than mere numbers.”— beautiful, Thaissa!

Expand full comment
Emma Goodstein's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful words. Sometimes I get upset when I think about how fleeting special moments are, but then I am reminded that bad moments are fleeting too. I guess the fact that moments are so fleeting is the essence of what makes them so special. Thank you for reminding me to live in the moment and pay attention to all the range of emotions I am feeling :) really loved reading this

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

Perhaps there's a reason 'fleeting' and 'feeling' are spelled so similarly — it might be to help us learn discernment. Thank you, Emma! ⚡️

Expand full comment
I Read This Over Shabbos's avatar

Thaissa, your piece beautifully captures the intangible forces that shape our lives. I love how you describe emotions as "electrifying instincts"—so powerful and true. Thank you for sharing such thoughtful insights. 🤍

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

Thank you, Arty, for empowering me to continue writing from the place where I feel most at ease, where the rare and the real converge. ⚡️

Expand full comment
Paolo Peralta's avatar

This is courage! Deep breaths, head on 🫶

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

Courage is such a multi-layered emotion to nurture. Thank you, Paolo! ⚡️

Expand full comment
Isabel Cowles Murphy's avatar

This is beautiful, as always. I'm so sorry to hear that your art has suffered because of someone else's opinion. The greatest gift is our extreme sensitivity--it is also our deepest burden. Wishing you solace and sending you immense thanks for your pure and open heart and the expressions that flow through it!

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

Your words hit a soft spot for me. I've always aimed to keep life simple and clear-cut, while honoring my feelings with dignity. Regardless of our maturity level or how much we practice empathy, it's healthy to acknowledge emotional pain. Thank you for understanding, or at least making the effort to do so.

Expand full comment
appleton king's avatar

ohhh that bread you so love!! and of course forgot its name as i cant put a label to the purity honesty of your sharing..it quenches another appetite 💥💫

xo

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

Thank you, Appleton! What can I say? The purity, in its raw and most honest form, comes too easily for me. Sometimes, I'm learning, it's just not enough to break down walls. P.S. It's called cheese bread. ⚡️

Expand full comment
appleton king's avatar

thats it!!!😊

as for the other push less they will fall

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Jun 13, 2024
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
appleton king's avatar

ie "the walls" pressing

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

Also, I added a small voice note at the end of this essay, in case you are curious about how I sound. Isn't it nice to give words a more personal tone?

Expand full comment
appleton king's avatar

love to hear an entire essay with it 😊

Expand full comment
Francine Benites's avatar

Thaissa! Lindo texto, tu és muito talentosa!! Que bom que tu voltou 🌻🤎

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

Francine! Suas palavras me enchem de alegria! Se uma frase conseguiu alcançar o seu coração, meu objetivo já foi cumprido. ⚡️

Expand full comment
Paolo Peralta's avatar

Beautiful ❤️

Expand full comment