A week before the inauguration (we all know which one), my doctor's office had a new sign on display at the check-in counter. It was the same feeling I remember having years ago, in a church, when someone turned to me and said, "Peace be with you."
I am thrilled for you, precious Andi!!!! Those check ups put patients on tenterhooks. Every clear check-up is a triumph of immeasurable proportions.
~~~~~~~~~
As an aside, I'm deeply despondent about the state of our 200+-year-old experiment in democracy. It's easy to criticize me for watching and listening to a steady stream of news. My choice. I am put in mind of Germans who loathed Hitler and found it impossible to look away. I really don't think there's much value in doing as so many Germans did close to 100 years ago--look the other way, think happy thoughts, go on picnics, ignore the terror of your Jewish neighbors.
Hi, Vicki. Words matter precisely because they are powerful, and sometimes we have to harness the power, the energy, of anger and free speech to oppose those who wrest undue and destructive control. My focus is not solely on words that are "good, nice, positive"--though we all need that energy, we do!--but on "being *mindful*" of the energy we bring with us into any space, and mindful of the energy already in the space we enter. I appreciate your mindfulness, in the sense of engaging your brain, using your mind, to tune into what's happening globally, and your willingness to speak out. I am that Jewish neighbor, so I'm particularly aware of the threat posed by the far right.
How wonderful to hear that your recovery is continuing with fortitude. Yes, it has taken a lifetime to realize and practice mindfully correct energy that I bring into all the spaces I am fortunate to enter! I still have the tendency to barge into spaces! Our best to you and Keith.
Thanks. I get it--I'm a barger, interrupter, too--which comes, in part, from being excited about an idea and jumping in with both feet--not because I'm right, but because I want a dialogue. It doesn't always come across that way, however.
Your exam results were very happy making. Sharing the sign at UNMH was an important reminder to always think before you speak--a reminder that I need often. Thank you you forn good news and for the gentli prod.
You know that better than anyone, I think--how much energy it takes. And working out how much of what kind of energy you bring into a space, from your writing desk to war court. Something about the word "dismantling" made me stop to wonder about its roots. It's one of those verbs we hear most often with the prefix "dis-"[a negation] but not it's root, mantle, in verb form: "mantle," v. tr. clothe, conceal, envelop. If I look at it that way, if "to mantle" is to conceal, then in some cases, "dismantle" [v. tr. take to pieces, pull down, demolish] would be the positive action--to uncover the truth, for example, can be a form of dismantling, a pulling away of a veil of falsehood. Does that make sense?
Intriguing question. This word strikes me as one of contrasts; Uncovering, exposing, a nakedness, and; a razing. One by process, another by combustion. Is shedding in layers healthier than blowing a coat? I don’t know. Speaking of energy, it can be a slow-release expenditure, opening space for counterbalance with minimal to no injury, contracting & expanding simultaneously or, spontaneous fury yielding a field of wreckage. Both take tremendous energy.
Maybe, the former distributes greater energy on the agent, the latter on the object. One keeping friends, one, maybe not. Both result in a leveling, a place to begin again.
If mantle is between crust and core, most days I teeter on the verge of both sides. A slow unfolding with self-kindness and a crashing with self-denigration. Life is tragic. Balancing the mantle, what to revel, what to conceal is my goal. I’m learning. ‘Balance’ feels like a positive act, and it takes energy, and it’s exhausting.
This fun little exchange ties into a narrative I’m currently working on / through.
Wonderful news Andi. This idea of being conscious of what you let into your space is golden. I’ll be using this in my physical space and my mental space, and might even set a few gentle aspirational ideas for those I share my spaces with too. With so much, increasingly, that we can’t control, we need this now :-)
I am looking around at my writing area, conscious of its mess (which, in itself is a form of noise and distracting energy)--so I like your word "aspirational" as a way to approach this physical space. I am a list-maker, so sometimes it's all about the "To Do," rather than the aspiration to BE. But we are human beings, no human doings.
Oh, Andi! What a beautiful post! Our words do matter and it’s so very important to speak positively, especially during difficult times. We never know how our words may be affecting someone else. Congratulations on all your wins and overcoming obstacles! ❤️🩹 God is definitely Healer!! 🙌🏼🎉
I am thankful for excellent report. I am a firm believer that our words can be fragrant or foul. A kind word no matter how little can make someone's day and a negative comment can push someone to a dark place. We love you and hope that the kindness you show others yields positive results for you.
Congratulations on your continued good health, Andi! The statement to be mindful of the energy we bring with us into a space is so wise. We are often not aware of how we affect others - both positively and negatively.
Thank you, Kathy. When I saw the post sitting in my "drafts" folder, I realized how utterly distracting the last month has been. My space has been full of words--most of them mine, as I work on my manuscript--but the other energy, coming from almost any medium, is so disruptive. I am grateful for the energy you and others bring to Substack.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
And also with you! I'm not on my phone, so no emojis here, just lots of xoxoxoxo for you, my friend.
An uplifting story, Andi... grateful that you have this good news to share! 👏🩵
Thank you, Karen. I hope you find some magic in your day!
What a wonderful piece.
Thank you, Rose. You have a wonderful author name.... I hope you are taking full advantage of it!
Thank you for sharing your good news and for putting so much positive energy into the field. Good reminders, grateful for them!
You're welcome. These ad-free communal idea-spaces motivate me to keep writing.
I am thrilled for you, precious Andi!!!! Those check ups put patients on tenterhooks. Every clear check-up is a triumph of immeasurable proportions.
~~~~~~~~~
As an aside, I'm deeply despondent about the state of our 200+-year-old experiment in democracy. It's easy to criticize me for watching and listening to a steady stream of news. My choice. I am put in mind of Germans who loathed Hitler and found it impossible to look away. I really don't think there's much value in doing as so many Germans did close to 100 years ago--look the other way, think happy thoughts, go on picnics, ignore the terror of your Jewish neighbors.
Hi, Vicki. Words matter precisely because they are powerful, and sometimes we have to harness the power, the energy, of anger and free speech to oppose those who wrest undue and destructive control. My focus is not solely on words that are "good, nice, positive"--though we all need that energy, we do!--but on "being *mindful*" of the energy we bring with us into any space, and mindful of the energy already in the space we enter. I appreciate your mindfulness, in the sense of engaging your brain, using your mind, to tune into what's happening globally, and your willingness to speak out. I am that Jewish neighbor, so I'm particularly aware of the threat posed by the far right.
You've provided us with some empowering-reading and powerful writing. Words and energy do indeed matter......
How wonderful to hear that your recovery is continuing with fortitude. Yes, it has taken a lifetime to realize and practice mindfully correct energy that I bring into all the spaces I am fortunate to enter! I still have the tendency to barge into spaces! Our best to you and Keith.
M & B
Thanks. I get it--I'm a barger, interrupter, too--which comes, in part, from being excited about an idea and jumping in with both feet--not because I'm right, but because I want a dialogue. It doesn't always come across that way, however.
Your exam results were very happy making. Sharing the sign at UNMH was an important reminder to always think before you speak--a reminder that I need often. Thank you you forn good news and for the gentli prod.
The energy generated to create that balance every day is better than blowing it out in a dismantling. Great essay and congratulations!
You know that better than anyone, I think--how much energy it takes. And working out how much of what kind of energy you bring into a space, from your writing desk to war court. Something about the word "dismantling" made me stop to wonder about its roots. It's one of those verbs we hear most often with the prefix "dis-"[a negation] but not it's root, mantle, in verb form: "mantle," v. tr. clothe, conceal, envelop. If I look at it that way, if "to mantle" is to conceal, then in some cases, "dismantle" [v. tr. take to pieces, pull down, demolish] would be the positive action--to uncover the truth, for example, can be a form of dismantling, a pulling away of a veil of falsehood. Does that make sense?
Intriguing question. This word strikes me as one of contrasts; Uncovering, exposing, a nakedness, and; a razing. One by process, another by combustion. Is shedding in layers healthier than blowing a coat? I don’t know. Speaking of energy, it can be a slow-release expenditure, opening space for counterbalance with minimal to no injury, contracting & expanding simultaneously or, spontaneous fury yielding a field of wreckage. Both take tremendous energy.
Maybe, the former distributes greater energy on the agent, the latter on the object. One keeping friends, one, maybe not. Both result in a leveling, a place to begin again.
If mantle is between crust and core, most days I teeter on the verge of both sides. A slow unfolding with self-kindness and a crashing with self-denigration. Life is tragic. Balancing the mantle, what to revel, what to conceal is my goal. I’m learning. ‘Balance’ feels like a positive act, and it takes energy, and it’s exhausting.
This fun little exchange ties into a narrative I’m currently working on / through.
🙏🏼
Hope to hear more about that narrative sometime....
Wonderful news Andi. This idea of being conscious of what you let into your space is golden. I’ll be using this in my physical space and my mental space, and might even set a few gentle aspirational ideas for those I share my spaces with too. With so much, increasingly, that we can’t control, we need this now :-)
I am looking around at my writing area, conscious of its mess (which, in itself is a form of noise and distracting energy)--so I like your word "aspirational" as a way to approach this physical space. I am a list-maker, so sometimes it's all about the "To Do," rather than the aspiration to BE. But we are human beings, no human doings.
Ssooooo true!!! Let’s be!
What a lovely post, Andi.
Thank you, Wendy. I hope you have coffee (or ?) this week with someone you long to see across the table.
What a wonderful arrival. Wishing you a fabulous year!
And you, Meg. Be fab! (I'm glad you didn't say "new" year--because even in February, this year already feels old.)
Oh, Andi! What a beautiful post! Our words do matter and it’s so very important to speak positively, especially during difficult times. We never know how our words may be affecting someone else. Congratulations on all your wins and overcoming obstacles! ❤️🩹 God is definitely Healer!! 🙌🏼🎉
I appreciate your words--just saw the band-aid emoji--lots of those needed today! And sometimes we need the healers who rip off the bandaids!
I am thankful for excellent report. I am a firm believer that our words can be fragrant or foul. A kind word no matter how little can make someone's day and a negative comment can push someone to a dark place. We love you and hope that the kindness you show others yields positive results for you.
Thank you, Bobby. What a lovely note. Made my day :).
beatufiul, andi! thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Congratulations on your continued good health, Andi! The statement to be mindful of the energy we bring with us into a space is so wise. We are often not aware of how we affect others - both positively and negatively.
Thank you, Kathy. When I saw the post sitting in my "drafts" folder, I realized how utterly distracting the last month has been. My space has been full of words--most of them mine, as I work on my manuscript--but the other energy, coming from almost any medium, is so disruptive. I am grateful for the energy you and others bring to Substack.
It is wonderful to have found a community of such warm, caring people on Substack. It definitely helps calm disruptive noise. 😏