“I see purpose as the quiet fortitude that whispers, ‘I will try again tomorrow’ in the face of setbacks and as the unwavering resolve to confront fears, embrace fragility, and stride forward even when the path is uncertain.” Yes!!
This, my friend, is how we must be...filled with compassion and understanding for ourselves. Softening for others, softening for ourselves ❤️
-- Surely, my friend. Cultivating compassion and understanding for both ourselves and others is a beautiful journey. Softening our hearts brings profound connection and growth. 🤎 xo.
Thaissa, Thanks for this essay. It crystalized something for me, which is that I find my writing and my thought to be consistently "hard" rather than "soft."
By hard I mean self-awareness of the mental effort I'm expending so that I always feel the gears of my mind working away, like a shift of assembly work in a self-contained factory. In your essay, you describe an open approach that allows ideas to enter the mind through dreams or natural observations after clearing away the clutter.
I'd like to evolve to that softer state, but the foreman in my factory is tough, old-fashioned and skeptical!
-- Oh David, your presence here is humbling. I deeply appreciate your writing style. The concept of contemplating the softness in thoughtfulness has warmed my heart for quite some time, hence this essay effortlessly flowed within about 4 hours, almost as if it had a life of its own.
Your reflection on the “hard” state resonates profoundly, depicting a disciplined yet demanding approach to thought — a challenge experienced by many, including myself as a doctor. Letting go of control in certain situations is complex. The aspiration for a “softer” state, embracing dreams and natural observations, suggests a desire for a more fluid and organic mental experience.
The metaphorical foreman, tough, old-fashioned, and skeptical, embodies entrenched thought patterns resistant to change. Shifting towards a softer state necessitates a gradual transformation, introducing moments of stillness and contemplation. This allows the foreman to recognize the benefits of an open and receptive mindset — a journey requiring patience and a delicate balance between structure and fluidity. May your path ahead bring the desired harmony to your creative process. 🤎 xo.
I do know what a pleasure it is to experience the sort of writing flow you mentioned, and it is often the result of a lot of conscious and unconscious thought.
A good foreman will recognize that sometimes the machinery needs some downtime!
-- Indeed, David. The joy of a seamless writing flow is a culmination of both conscious and unconscious processes. Your analogy of machinery needing downtime is profound — a gentle reminder of the importance of rest and rejuvenation. 🤎 xo.
-- Leading this specific factory with a touch of softness is an art. It’s about combining understanding and effective communication to foster a harmonious and productive environment. The same principle applies to our beings, don’t you think? ✨️ xo.
Thais said, that was beautiful and poignant. I am doing much unlayering as if late due to a health issue. It’s frustrating and learning to cope and be with it has been, so far, an interesting endeavor.
I loved this phrase, “beneath each morning’s tender epiphany.” Mornings are my most challenging time I’ve discovered. I never know how I’m going to feel and while intension is always forefront in my being, what is present often thumbs it’s nose at it.
-- It’s heartening to hear that the phrase resonated with you, Elisabeth. Mornings can be a canvas of emotions, and your acknowledgment of the interplay between intention and the unpredictable present adds depth to the journey. Embrace the complexities, and may your journaling illuminate the richness within each tender epiphany. 🤎 xo.
omg was just about to copy the EXACT SAME quote Caroline pulled from this deeply plumbed for insight piece while adding this is the key to understanding why you are a "fighter" but of course also a "lover" of experiences sensations which lead to self-discovery and acceptance seeking of "potential" is such a gift to us, an encouragement and great parallel to what Isabel is doing....i'll deal with Caroline later ha! sincerely xo
-- I am deeply grateful for your continuous support, Appleton. I appreciate the piece you chose. In my humble view, being both a fighter and a lover of experiences forms a dynamic combination that shapes a resilient and vibrant outlook on life. This blend reflects an openness to the richness life has to offer, involving the embrace of diverse situations, savoring moments of joy, and a constant pursuit of new avenues for growth. The lover of experiences in me revels in the journey, finding beauty in exploration and discovery.
These qualities together create a harmonious balance — the fighter provides strength and tenacity, while the lover of experiences adds depth, curiosity, and a celebration of life’s diverse tapestry. 🤎 xo.
“This force is not a static destination; rather, it is a dynamic energy that evolves with each step we take.” I love this way of thinking about intention and purpose. Not to become mired into following our stale intentions, but the let them evolve, and us with them. 🤍
-- Oh, Arty, in my view, the beauty lies in the symbiotic relationship between intention and purpose. Our intentions, flexible and responsive, breathe life into our purpose, infusing it with vitality. Conversely, our evolving sense of purpose influences the course of our intentions, creating a dynamic interplay that shapes our personal and collective narratives.
In essence, embracing the fluidity of intention and purpose allows us to grow and adapt, preventing us from becoming entrenched in stagnant paths. It encourages a mindful, evolving journey where each step becomes a catalyst for change, both within ourselves and in the world around us. 🤎 xo.
-- Michael, the exploration of self-discovery through art is a journey often marked by profound moments and personal revelations. Art, in its myriad forms, possesses the power to serve as a mirror, reflecting the complexities of our inner selves. Your acknowledgment of the resonance of these words truly warms my heart. 🤎 xo.
-- Oh, Elena, thank you so much! Reflecting on these moments of heartfelt commitment, I am reminded that in the intricate act of devotion lies the beauty of perseverance. It’s a testament to the strength derived from purpose, and each nuanced detail becomes a brushstroke painting a portrait of resilience. Gratitude, a quiet companion in this journey, whispers acknowledgment for the significance found in every devoted step taken. 🤎 xo.
I love how you define self-discovery Thaissa, it's perfect. However, I admit the sentence about the quest for boldness leaped off the page and into my heart, resonating deeply. I don't think I have considered boldness to be about nurturing and self-compassion - but of course it is! Thank you for this beautiful, contemplative essay I will often return to.
-- Dear Donna, your ability to appreciate and truly listen to people is one of the most purposeful qualities a human can possess. I’m deeply grateful for the connection we share. Your insight into boldness resonates with me — it’s indeed a courageous dance with the unknown, not merely about external boundaries but a deliberate exploration of one’s essence.
To be bold in self-discovery means facing fears with an open heart, bravely unraveling back the layers of identity that lie beneath the surface. It’s not a reckless leap into uncertainty but a purposeful stride, guided by the belief that every concealed facet of oneself deserves acknowledgment and acceptance. Your words, too, help me to encapsulate the beauty of this journey. 🤎 xo.
Thank you for writing this!! I am so grateful that this work has opened something for you as it has for me. I didn't doubt it would. I've also been so inspired by intentionality lately--when I envision what I want to experience I always feel the time differently, more deeply, more personally. Even if it doesn't turn out as planned, the fact that I am looking at an experience with an added degree of interest and curiosity gives it more meaning.
-- Your comment, Isabel, is truly uplifting, and the knowledge that my words touched you brings me joy. Intentionality, as you rightly pointed out, acts as a powerful muse, and I feel a shared sense of inspiration with you. Envisioning experiences with purpose significantly influences how we perceive meaning, infusing each moment with a peculiar and resplendent essence that binds them together.
I wholeheartedly agree that approaching circumstances with curiosity adds tangible depth, irrespective of how they unfold. It’s a profound realization that the journey, when seen through the lens of intention, can often be more significant than the destination itself. Our outlook undeniably serves as a guiding architect, shaping the very fabric of our reality in both simple and complex moments. I’m grateful for the connection our shared reflections have sparked. 🤎 xo.
-- I appreciate your heartfelt response, and I’m genuinely glad to have resonated with you, Paolo. Life, with its myriad experiences, unfolds like chapters in a novel, each contributing to the richness of our personal narrative. It’s in these diverse moments — be they moments of joy, triumph, or even moments of introspection — that we discover the profound layers of our existence.
Articulating the beauty of this journey is an endeavor to recognize the interconnectedness of these threads, acknowledging the complexities that shape our individual stories. It’s about finding meaning in the ebb and flow, embracing the profound and the ordinary with equal reverence. 🤎 xo.
“I see purpose as the quiet fortitude that whispers, ‘I will try again tomorrow’ in the face of setbacks and as the unwavering resolve to confront fears, embrace fragility, and stride forward even when the path is uncertain.” Yes!!
This, my friend, is how we must be...filled with compassion and understanding for ourselves. Softening for others, softening for ourselves ❤️
-- Surely, my friend. Cultivating compassion and understanding for both ourselves and others is a beautiful journey. Softening our hearts brings profound connection and growth. 🤎 xo.
Soft, gentle and expansive. Stay aligned to this True Power friends. ❤️
-- Absolutely, embodying the authenticity of the True Power brings a depth that resonates in every step of the way. xo.
Thaissa, Thanks for this essay. It crystalized something for me, which is that I find my writing and my thought to be consistently "hard" rather than "soft."
By hard I mean self-awareness of the mental effort I'm expending so that I always feel the gears of my mind working away, like a shift of assembly work in a self-contained factory. In your essay, you describe an open approach that allows ideas to enter the mind through dreams or natural observations after clearing away the clutter.
I'd like to evolve to that softer state, but the foreman in my factory is tough, old-fashioned and skeptical!
-- Oh David, your presence here is humbling. I deeply appreciate your writing style. The concept of contemplating the softness in thoughtfulness has warmed my heart for quite some time, hence this essay effortlessly flowed within about 4 hours, almost as if it had a life of its own.
Your reflection on the “hard” state resonates profoundly, depicting a disciplined yet demanding approach to thought — a challenge experienced by many, including myself as a doctor. Letting go of control in certain situations is complex. The aspiration for a “softer” state, embracing dreams and natural observations, suggests a desire for a more fluid and organic mental experience.
The metaphorical foreman, tough, old-fashioned, and skeptical, embodies entrenched thought patterns resistant to change. Shifting towards a softer state necessitates a gradual transformation, introducing moments of stillness and contemplation. This allows the foreman to recognize the benefits of an open and receptive mindset — a journey requiring patience and a delicate balance between structure and fluidity. May your path ahead bring the desired harmony to your creative process. 🤎 xo.
Thanks Thaissa!
I do know what a pleasure it is to experience the sort of writing flow you mentioned, and it is often the result of a lot of conscious and unconscious thought.
A good foreman will recognize that sometimes the machinery needs some downtime!
-- Indeed, David. The joy of a seamless writing flow is a culmination of both conscious and unconscious processes. Your analogy of machinery needing downtime is profound — a gentle reminder of the importance of rest and rejuvenation. 🤎 xo.
I wonder how you would apply softness where true power is in leading a factory. That is an art in and of itself ❤️
-- Leading this specific factory with a touch of softness is an art. It’s about combining understanding and effective communication to foster a harmonious and productive environment. The same principle applies to our beings, don’t you think? ✨️ xo.
Thais said, that was beautiful and poignant. I am doing much unlayering as if late due to a health issue. It’s frustrating and learning to cope and be with it has been, so far, an interesting endeavor.
I loved this phrase, “beneath each morning’s tender epiphany.” Mornings are my most challenging time I’ve discovered. I never know how I’m going to feel and while intension is always forefront in my being, what is present often thumbs it’s nose at it.
Thank you...I need to journal more for sure.
-- It’s heartening to hear that the phrase resonated with you, Elisabeth. Mornings can be a canvas of emotions, and your acknowledgment of the interplay between intention and the unpredictable present adds depth to the journey. Embrace the complexities, and may your journaling illuminate the richness within each tender epiphany. 🤎 xo.
omg was just about to copy the EXACT SAME quote Caroline pulled from this deeply plumbed for insight piece while adding this is the key to understanding why you are a "fighter" but of course also a "lover" of experiences sensations which lead to self-discovery and acceptance seeking of "potential" is such a gift to us, an encouragement and great parallel to what Isabel is doing....i'll deal with Caroline later ha! sincerely xo
-- I am deeply grateful for your continuous support, Appleton. I appreciate the piece you chose. In my humble view, being both a fighter and a lover of experiences forms a dynamic combination that shapes a resilient and vibrant outlook on life. This blend reflects an openness to the richness life has to offer, involving the embrace of diverse situations, savoring moments of joy, and a constant pursuit of new avenues for growth. The lover of experiences in me revels in the journey, finding beauty in exploration and discovery.
These qualities together create a harmonious balance — the fighter provides strength and tenacity, while the lover of experiences adds depth, curiosity, and a celebration of life’s diverse tapestry. 🤎 xo.
So True King! 🙌
“This force is not a static destination; rather, it is a dynamic energy that evolves with each step we take.” I love this way of thinking about intention and purpose. Not to become mired into following our stale intentions, but the let them evolve, and us with them. 🤍
-- Oh, Arty, in my view, the beauty lies in the symbiotic relationship between intention and purpose. Our intentions, flexible and responsive, breathe life into our purpose, infusing it with vitality. Conversely, our evolving sense of purpose influences the course of our intentions, creating a dynamic interplay that shapes our personal and collective narratives.
In essence, embracing the fluidity of intention and purpose allows us to grow and adapt, preventing us from becoming entrenched in stagnant paths. It encourages a mindful, evolving journey where each step becomes a catalyst for change, both within ourselves and in the world around us. 🤎 xo.
Beautiful words, Thaissa. Your reflections on self-discovery through art, really not home.
Thank you :)
-- Michael, the exploration of self-discovery through art is a journey often marked by profound moments and personal revelations. Art, in its myriad forms, possesses the power to serve as a mirror, reflecting the complexities of our inner selves. Your acknowledgment of the resonance of these words truly warms my heart. 🤎 xo.
the details of our devotions. precisely what inspires me to keep going here. thank you...
-- Oh, Elena, thank you so much! Reflecting on these moments of heartfelt commitment, I am reminded that in the intricate act of devotion lies the beauty of perseverance. It’s a testament to the strength derived from purpose, and each nuanced detail becomes a brushstroke painting a portrait of resilience. Gratitude, a quiet companion in this journey, whispers acknowledgment for the significance found in every devoted step taken. 🤎 xo.
I love how you define self-discovery Thaissa, it's perfect. However, I admit the sentence about the quest for boldness leaped off the page and into my heart, resonating deeply. I don't think I have considered boldness to be about nurturing and self-compassion - but of course it is! Thank you for this beautiful, contemplative essay I will often return to.
-- Dear Donna, your ability to appreciate and truly listen to people is one of the most purposeful qualities a human can possess. I’m deeply grateful for the connection we share. Your insight into boldness resonates with me — it’s indeed a courageous dance with the unknown, not merely about external boundaries but a deliberate exploration of one’s essence.
To be bold in self-discovery means facing fears with an open heart, bravely unraveling back the layers of identity that lie beneath the surface. It’s not a reckless leap into uncertainty but a purposeful stride, guided by the belief that every concealed facet of oneself deserves acknowledgment and acceptance. Your words, too, help me to encapsulate the beauty of this journey. 🤎 xo.
What a beautiful response, thank you Thaissa❤
Thank you for writing this!! I am so grateful that this work has opened something for you as it has for me. I didn't doubt it would. I've also been so inspired by intentionality lately--when I envision what I want to experience I always feel the time differently, more deeply, more personally. Even if it doesn't turn out as planned, the fact that I am looking at an experience with an added degree of interest and curiosity gives it more meaning.
-- Your comment, Isabel, is truly uplifting, and the knowledge that my words touched you brings me joy. Intentionality, as you rightly pointed out, acts as a powerful muse, and I feel a shared sense of inspiration with you. Envisioning experiences with purpose significantly influences how we perceive meaning, infusing each moment with a peculiar and resplendent essence that binds them together.
I wholeheartedly agree that approaching circumstances with curiosity adds tangible depth, irrespective of how they unfold. It’s a profound realization that the journey, when seen through the lens of intention, can often be more significant than the destination itself. Our outlook undeniably serves as a guiding architect, shaping the very fabric of our reality in both simple and complex moments. I’m grateful for the connection our shared reflections have sparked. 🤎 xo.
This is so inspiring! Thank you for articulating the beauty of our journey ❤️
-- I appreciate your heartfelt response, and I’m genuinely glad to have resonated with you, Paolo. Life, with its myriad experiences, unfolds like chapters in a novel, each contributing to the richness of our personal narrative. It’s in these diverse moments — be they moments of joy, triumph, or even moments of introspection — that we discover the profound layers of our existence.
Articulating the beauty of this journey is an endeavor to recognize the interconnectedness of these threads, acknowledging the complexities that shape our individual stories. It’s about finding meaning in the ebb and flow, embracing the profound and the ordinary with equal reverence. 🤎 xo.