Beautifully written, as always. I love your sense of introspection and your eloquence and the calm and reassuring presence of these words. (And I also love the LOTR series!) Yes, finding our own rituals to feel calm and at peace in the midst of all that is happening in our world, is so important! For me, I love my morning coffee and enjoying the quiet peace before the minutia of the day takes over. I might read a few news stories, but if they’re bothersome I stop. I reach out to my two sons or my friends for that connection that tells me that life and love continue despite it all. I try to enjoy the small things…petting my dog, the pretty flowers or leaves on my walks, the beauty in the sky and clouds, the birds at my feeders, or the sunset over the ocean. We’ve been staying at our son’s house these last 2 weeks and today it is snowing, which is such a different experience, and watching the flakes fall is so beautiful!
Oh you know I love watching the flakes fall. It's my favourite thing as far as weather! How lucky you are to be near the ocean. I imagine that in itself is very soothing and restorative. Thank you so much, Jen xo 🕯️
Such beautiful and supportive thoughts and images, Kateri. Thank you so much.
It reminds me of a time in the early 80s when a friend of mine was going to live in New York City, someone suggested that as she walk through the street, she imagine herself protected by a gold filigree egg surrounding her. I’ve always loved that image. I never read Tolkein so I didn’t know about Mithril, but now I’m going to get to work on my own shirt of protection. Thanks again. Happy Sunday.
That is a lovely image. And don't you think imagining those kinds of things is powerful? I sure do. And maybe you will read a little Tolkien one day. Such amazing characters with so much to teach us through their gentle yet fierce spirits.
Your words about creativity as a form of Mithril struck a chord. For me, writing is a way to process the world's harshness and find my own light within it. It's like weaving a protective cloak from my own thoughts and emotions, a way to stay engaged without being overwhelmed. It's a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, we can create our own light.
Gosh, so true. I know you get it! Do you know the Wild Unknown Tarot? There is card in it that is like my personal avatar, the Hermit. Google the image if you don't know it. I think you will love it. Thank you, Alex!
I LOVE the Wild Unknown Tarot. I think that is a beautiful card - I do love it, and I think it is perfect. Truly perfect. Thank you for making that connection - I need to go find that deck - it might be perfect in it’s elegant simplicity for the times. 🩵
That is very kind and I am touched by it. This is one of the many things I love about Substack, kindred spirits find community and resonate with what I can otherwise feel alone with. Thank you for that, dear Kitty.
I am so glad it had that feeling about it. I worried about it the whole time I was writing. You just never know how things will land. Thank you for being here and for your thoughtful comment, dear Edith.
Thank you for your beautiful, expressive words in this lovely essay!! You speak to my heart with your gentle and hopeful words. Your Quiet Horizon and Creative Sanctuary have been a godsend for me, as is this essay! My morning rituals include writing & creating in my notebooks for the Sanctuary and Quiet Horizon - remembering to find beauty ins my surroundings. I absolutely love your writings and the pictures your words create in my mind. We are preparing for our train trip in a few days to NYC & Penn for visits with both of our sons & families - a joyful respite. Thank you, Kateri!!💕
I hope you have wonderful and easy journey to see your loved ones! You have such a strong practice, Kathryn. It's inspiring! THank you for your kind words, and, always, for being here.
Written with such tenderness and eloquence, Thank you, Kateri. I find your wiring so nourishing and uncannily meets me each time in just the right way. The Mithril of creation for me has been the simple enso. Something about that circle has held me through some very difficult times. Sometimes I include paint, other times either Artgraf or sumi. How I feel and what best expresses my emotions and wishes dictate a circle whole or broken. An intuitive process held by a simple shape and a powerful way of drawing that reflects the being of the artist creating it. May we each have a peaceful week.
Beautifully written, as always. I love your sense of introspection and your eloquence and the calm and reassuring presence of these words. (And I also love the LOTR series!) Yes, finding our own rituals to feel calm and at peace in the midst of all that is happening in our world, is so important! For me, I love my morning coffee and enjoying the quiet peace before the minutia of the day takes over. I might read a few news stories, but if they’re bothersome I stop. I reach out to my two sons or my friends for that connection that tells me that life and love continue despite it all. I try to enjoy the small things…petting my dog, the pretty flowers or leaves on my walks, the beauty in the sky and clouds, the birds at my feeders, or the sunset over the ocean. We’ve been staying at our son’s house these last 2 weeks and today it is snowing, which is such a different experience, and watching the flakes fall is so beautiful!
Oh you know I love watching the flakes fall. It's my favourite thing as far as weather! How lucky you are to be near the ocean. I imagine that in itself is very soothing and restorative. Thank you so much, Jen xo 🕯️
Such beautiful and supportive thoughts and images, Kateri. Thank you so much.
It reminds me of a time in the early 80s when a friend of mine was going to live in New York City, someone suggested that as she walk through the street, she imagine herself protected by a gold filigree egg surrounding her. I’ve always loved that image. I never read Tolkein so I didn’t know about Mithril, but now I’m going to get to work on my own shirt of protection. Thanks again. Happy Sunday.
That is a lovely image. And don't you think imagining those kinds of things is powerful? I sure do. And maybe you will read a little Tolkien one day. Such amazing characters with so much to teach us through their gentle yet fierce spirits.
Your words about creativity as a form of Mithril struck a chord. For me, writing is a way to process the world's harshness and find my own light within it. It's like weaving a protective cloak from my own thoughts and emotions, a way to stay engaged without being overwhelmed. It's a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, we can create our own light.
Gosh, so true. I know you get it! Do you know the Wild Unknown Tarot? There is card in it that is like my personal avatar, the Hermit. Google the image if you don't know it. I think you will love it. Thank you, Alex!
I LOVE the Wild Unknown Tarot. I think that is a beautiful card - I do love it, and I think it is perfect. Truly perfect. Thank you for making that connection - I need to go find that deck - it might be perfect in it’s elegant simplicity for the times. 🩵
One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read. ✨🙏
That is very kind and I am touched by it. This is one of the many things I love about Substack, kindred spirits find community and resonate with what I can otherwise feel alone with. Thank you for that, dear Kitty.
This is beautiful Kateri. Thank you for writing such a wonderfully contemplative piece which wrapped this reader in a soft and comforting embrace.
I am so glad it had that feeling about it. I worried about it the whole time I was writing. You just never know how things will land. Thank you for being here and for your thoughtful comment, dear Edith.
Thank you for your beautiful, expressive words in this lovely essay!! You speak to my heart with your gentle and hopeful words. Your Quiet Horizon and Creative Sanctuary have been a godsend for me, as is this essay! My morning rituals include writing & creating in my notebooks for the Sanctuary and Quiet Horizon - remembering to find beauty ins my surroundings. I absolutely love your writings and the pictures your words create in my mind. We are preparing for our train trip in a few days to NYC & Penn for visits with both of our sons & families - a joyful respite. Thank you, Kateri!!💕
I hope you have wonderful and easy journey to see your loved ones! You have such a strong practice, Kathryn. It's inspiring! THank you for your kind words, and, always, for being here.
So many heartwarming responses! I hope more readers with restack your work with a 🎵note! 💛
Thank you so much, Diane 🩶 Means a lot to me!
Written with such tenderness and eloquence, Thank you, Kateri. I find your wiring so nourishing and uncannily meets me each time in just the right way. The Mithril of creation for me has been the simple enso. Something about that circle has held me through some very difficult times. Sometimes I include paint, other times either Artgraf or sumi. How I feel and what best expresses my emotions and wishes dictate a circle whole or broken. An intuitive process held by a simple shape and a powerful way of drawing that reflects the being of the artist creating it. May we each have a peaceful week.
I love the Ensō practice, too. Thank you Margi. What a beautiful comment and thoughts. ♥️