Firstly, I wish to extend my gratitude for your delightful newsletters which I keenly anticipate, and secondly, I relish in the sincerity and wisdom I find in each of your writings. Your reflections during your recent sabbatical struck a chord within me as they are as poignant as they are relevant to my current disposition, particularly during my menstrual cycle when I find comfort and solace in your words.
I've noticed that your newsletters seem to dance the line between journaling and thought-sharing, and this format has been invaluable to me. There's a therapeutic quality about your newsletters that has sparked a thought - have you ever considered incorporating prompts for journaling? I've found them to be particularly useful in fostering self-exploration and prompting mindful contemplation. They can truly transform journaling from a simple recollection of daily happenings to a deep dive into one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Moreover, to add an element of enjoyment and inspiration, it could be beneficial to explore digital tarot cards alongside journaling. There's an abundance of online resources to guide in laying out a deck and interpreting the symbolism. Such a practice can be both fun and insightful, and it can breathe fresh air into the journaling process. I can personally attest to this, as this ritual has greatly enhanced my own introspection.
Taking into account your reflections on being idle, practicing self-compassion, and decluttering one's mental and physical space, I've found that journaling creates an invaluable space within the mind. It allows me to order my thoughts and gain insights that may have otherwise remained hidden beneath the surface of consciousness. Yet, I must admit that despite these practices, I too struggle with the discipline required for certain activities - in my case, going for walks, which I find a chore.
Like you, I battle feelings of guilt when I perceive myself as being unproductive, and I often label myself as "lazy". However, I've found that reframing these notions in a more positive light, understanding that rest is as necessary as activity, and realizing that every person has unique inclinations and aversions, can be quite liberating.
In summary, I would like to thank you again for your inspiring newsletters and I look forward to your upcoming reflections and experiences. May we all continue to grow and learn together, encouraging each other in our unique paths of self-discovery, and may we all strive to approach our aversions, whatever they may be, with compassion and understanding.
Thank you so much, An! I’ve thought about including prompts, but wasn’t sure if it would be helpful. I go through periods of intense journaling, followed by fallow periods. I’m trying not to sweat it, though.
Ahh fun, love reading about your sabbatical and am happy for you! In August I have a lot planned- my husband and I are moving to Sweden so I can go to sewing school (eeek!!)- so I want to spend qt w/ friends and family before we leave, go swimming as much as possible, and enjoy the fruits of the land. :)
Nice hammock! My own story re my backyard kiddie pool: lots and lots of strange noises one night in the backyard, couldn’t figure out what it was. In the morning I discovered mud marks all over the pool, and eventually discerned raccoon paw prints on the soft sides. It appears the racoon(s?) was running up the side and hanging on the to edge to drink the water, over and over again! Lesson: don’t leave the pool filled on the night of garbage collection when the raccoons are out to play, apparently.
I’m so happy to hear that your July of attempting to do “nothing” went well. You’re a quick learner, Sarai!
Also, I so love peach season. We get lots of delicious local peaches here in southern Ontario, and I’m constantly buying baskets of them. I made an avocado and peach salad, with some celery for crunch, and it was so so good.
Oh my gosh, those scamps!!! I don’t think we have raccoons here, actually. Bears might be more of a concern, but I’ve never seen one (though I’ve seen evidence of them).
That salad sounds amazing! There’s a farm near us that sells peaches, you’ve just reminded me to seek it out this year.
I am so glad to see that you are taking time to simply . . . be. But I have to admit that I got unreasonably excited when I saw your blackberries. I hope you can just lay back in your hammock and nibble.
Well, we thought Lucy might like it on a hot day since Aussies are supposed to like water. All she wants to do is drink out of it. So far, we’ve used it to wade and collect drowned insects, unfortunately.
I resonate with this so much. I was already thinking about the concept of radical acceptance this week before I read your newsletter. It’s continuing to linger with me as an invitation. I imagine laying down a heavy burden.
Dear Sarai,
Firstly, I wish to extend my gratitude for your delightful newsletters which I keenly anticipate, and secondly, I relish in the sincerity and wisdom I find in each of your writings. Your reflections during your recent sabbatical struck a chord within me as they are as poignant as they are relevant to my current disposition, particularly during my menstrual cycle when I find comfort and solace in your words.
I've noticed that your newsletters seem to dance the line between journaling and thought-sharing, and this format has been invaluable to me. There's a therapeutic quality about your newsletters that has sparked a thought - have you ever considered incorporating prompts for journaling? I've found them to be particularly useful in fostering self-exploration and prompting mindful contemplation. They can truly transform journaling from a simple recollection of daily happenings to a deep dive into one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Moreover, to add an element of enjoyment and inspiration, it could be beneficial to explore digital tarot cards alongside journaling. There's an abundance of online resources to guide in laying out a deck and interpreting the symbolism. Such a practice can be both fun and insightful, and it can breathe fresh air into the journaling process. I can personally attest to this, as this ritual has greatly enhanced my own introspection.
Taking into account your reflections on being idle, practicing self-compassion, and decluttering one's mental and physical space, I've found that journaling creates an invaluable space within the mind. It allows me to order my thoughts and gain insights that may have otherwise remained hidden beneath the surface of consciousness. Yet, I must admit that despite these practices, I too struggle with the discipline required for certain activities - in my case, going for walks, which I find a chore.
Like you, I battle feelings of guilt when I perceive myself as being unproductive, and I often label myself as "lazy". However, I've found that reframing these notions in a more positive light, understanding that rest is as necessary as activity, and realizing that every person has unique inclinations and aversions, can be quite liberating.
In summary, I would like to thank you again for your inspiring newsletters and I look forward to your upcoming reflections and experiences. May we all continue to grow and learn together, encouraging each other in our unique paths of self-discovery, and may we all strive to approach our aversions, whatever they may be, with compassion and understanding.
Warmly,
Thank you so much, An! I’ve thought about including prompts, but wasn’t sure if it would be helpful. I go through periods of intense journaling, followed by fallow periods. I’m trying not to sweat it, though.
Ahh fun, love reading about your sabbatical and am happy for you! In August I have a lot planned- my husband and I are moving to Sweden so I can go to sewing school (eeek!!)- so I want to spend qt w/ friends and family before we leave, go swimming as much as possible, and enjoy the fruits of the land. :)
Sweden, wow! I’ve only been to Stockholm but I’d really like to see more of Sweden. Where are you moving? Congratulations!
Thanks! We are moving to Dalarna. Looking forward to seeing your Scandi decor in your craft studio!
Number 1 and 2 spoke to me . Thank you
I’m glad!
Nice hammock! My own story re my backyard kiddie pool: lots and lots of strange noises one night in the backyard, couldn’t figure out what it was. In the morning I discovered mud marks all over the pool, and eventually discerned raccoon paw prints on the soft sides. It appears the racoon(s?) was running up the side and hanging on the to edge to drink the water, over and over again! Lesson: don’t leave the pool filled on the night of garbage collection when the raccoons are out to play, apparently.
I’m so happy to hear that your July of attempting to do “nothing” went well. You’re a quick learner, Sarai!
Also, I so love peach season. We get lots of delicious local peaches here in southern Ontario, and I’m constantly buying baskets of them. I made an avocado and peach salad, with some celery for crunch, and it was so so good.
Oh my gosh, those scamps!!! I don’t think we have raccoons here, actually. Bears might be more of a concern, but I’ve never seen one (though I’ve seen evidence of them).
That salad sounds amazing! There’s a farm near us that sells peaches, you’ve just reminded me to seek it out this year.
I am so glad to see that you are taking time to simply . . . be. But I have to admit that I got unreasonably excited when I saw your blackberries. I hope you can just lay back in your hammock and nibble.
Will do! That might be a good plan for this evening with my new library book.
It’s going to be the tomatos here... so near to that perfect colour and ready to pick ! Plus the blackberries... with old fashioned vanilla ice cream.
Yum! Last year, I made a mascarpone ice cream with a blackberry swirl.
Oh that sounds absolutely delicious !!
I am a new subscriber Siri. I do follow you on Seamwork.
I love your Making Tine newsletter, and I love your sabbatical.❤️
Sybil in Illinois - originally from Texas🥰
Thanks Sybil, and welcome!
What did you do with the kiddie pool?
Well, we thought Lucy might like it on a hot day since Aussies are supposed to like water. All she wants to do is drink out of it. So far, we’ve used it to wade and collect drowned insects, unfortunately.
I strongly connected with this post; thank you for the reminder. I struggle often with "how much is enough" and how to feel enough. Thank you.
I'm in need of turning things off, resetting with some books, and getting my analog, slower paced life back for mental wellbeing.
“Less self-help, more radical acceptance.”
I resonate with this so much. I was already thinking about the concept of radical acceptance this week before I read your newsletter. It’s continuing to linger with me as an invitation. I imagine laying down a heavy burden.