Write for Still Spaces
Hello Dear One,
How are you this week? Finding compassion for yourself?
If you’re not sure what that means let me give you an example. I recently said something which sounded ill-considered. Instead of beating myself up, I told myself I was a human being, that it was well-intended and - also - not a big deal. We give so much brain space over to trying to be perfect. When we practice self-compassion in writing it spills over to our daily lives. Yes, we should hold ourselves accountable, but not in a way that leaves us tortured and stuck.
For me, last week’s sunshine and easing in restrictions have been a welcome boost. On Saturday I had dinner in the park with friends which, three months ago, felt impossible. I love the reminder of how quickly things can change, the transient nature of all our experiences, how life moves with or without our permission.
And as our worlds open up – as I begin to think about going to gigs (actual gigs, with actual music and people!); as I plan long overdue weekends with friends, schedule family catch-ups, and put in tentative diary dates for travel – I am also thinking about silence; about stillness and peace; about keeping the slowness of life.
While I want to put myself out in the world I also want to retreat, to keep having time to myself. I’ve come to realise that my mental wellbeing relies on balance – between working hard and rest; adventures and calm.
Over the last week I’ve also been meditating outside: at a beach beyond the city where I watched oystercatchers totter towards the tide and a deer grazing by dunes; barefoot in my very overgrown garden and watching the sunrise on a golf course, my back to a blossoming tree. These moments keep me grounded. They help me remember that things might feel stressful or uncertain, but there is always time to pause.
My invitation this week is to write about what brings you calm, peace in your heart. And if you don’t have an immediate answer that’s ok. Writing is a place to explore, to nourish all parts of you. Enjoy the process, trust what surfaces.
I hope it helps. One thing I’ve noticed in my writing is I’m avoiding complex things - by writing to-do lists instead, coming back to what’s more comfortable. This morning I had to be assertive with myself and say: what about this? What do you think about this? Why are you avoiding this?
Finding calm might be one of those things for you, it might feel like it requires lots of effort and change, it might feel impossible. Honour that. It can be enough to plant the seed and see what happens.
Thanks for being here and being you.
All love,
Jo
EXTRA, EXTRA
WHAT HELPS? I’m always interested to know if there’s anything on your mind these letters can help you with. If you have a specific area you’re struggling with hit reply and I’ll consider it for a future issue.
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AND FINALLY here’s a song for you.