James, your poem beautifully captures the essence of embracing tenderness and softness in our lives, even in these times of struggle. Thank you. I loved how your words and Brad's photo (another poet married to a photographer here!) complement each other, creating a sense of hope and renewal together. That light at the end of the tunnel inspires us as we all emerge into newness. This feels so relevant right now. Thank you.
Hope you are on the mend, James. I've also been hibernating with an injury for several weeks, trying to let go of doing. Thanks for the encouraging and soothing words, as always.
Thanks, James, for your words. I hope you feel better soon.
As I navigate a serious injury, I have had to succumb to my body setting the pace which has been slow.
The irony is when I fell and fractured my ankle, I was moving too quickly.
Being gentle, and soft with myself as I navigate the grief of losing my mobility temporarily and my favourite season, has been necessary.
As physiotherapy ramps up, and my mobility changes, I catch myself pushing myself, and dealing with pain. This poem is a good reminder to keep letting softness lead the way.
Thank you James. I care for a chronic illness and I, too, have been traveling through the journey of surrender. I'm grateful for your voice that reminds us to be tender with ourselves.
James - I really appreciate your words. I loved the poetry conversation with Maya last night. A breath of fresh air when the air seemed choked with smoke. Can I post something here that I wrote? It's a short reflection, but longer than a poem. New to Substack and still figuring it out.
On the 15th, I suffered a stroke and have been healing. This poem came in shortly after and it was just so uplifting. Honestly don't know how it happens, but the balm and the calm always arrive when needed. Trying MUCH softer these days!
James, your poem beautifully captures the essence of embracing tenderness and softness in our lives, even in these times of struggle. Thank you. I loved how your words and Brad's photo (another poet married to a photographer here!) complement each other, creating a sense of hope and renewal together. That light at the end of the tunnel inspires us as we all emerge into newness. This feels so relevant right now. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind comments, Deborah--I'll let Brad know, too! Funny how poetry married to deep photography works so well!
Hope you are on the mend, James. I've also been hibernating with an injury for several weeks, trying to let go of doing. Thanks for the encouraging and soothing words, as always.
Hard to let go of the doing for sure. Hope you recover soon, too.
Love the ending that they all enter alike.
I needed to hear that
Thanks, James, for your words. I hope you feel better soon.
As I navigate a serious injury, I have had to succumb to my body setting the pace which has been slow.
The irony is when I fell and fractured my ankle, I was moving too quickly.
Being gentle, and soft with myself as I navigate the grief of losing my mobility temporarily and my favourite season, has been necessary.
As physiotherapy ramps up, and my mobility changes, I catch myself pushing myself, and dealing with pain. This poem is a good reminder to keep letting softness lead the way.
wishing you a swift recovery as well.
Equanimity. thanks for the reminder!
Thank you James. I care for a chronic illness and I, too, have been traveling through the journey of surrender. I'm grateful for your voice that reminds us to be tender with ourselves.
James - I really appreciate your words. I loved the poetry conversation with Maya last night. A breath of fresh air when the air seemed choked with smoke. Can I post something here that I wrote? It's a short reflection, but longer than a poem. New to Substack and still figuring it out.
I'd be glad to read something--you should be able to post!
‘Try softer,’ says James,
for ‘try harder’ seldom serves.
Make tender grace spread.
On the 15th, I suffered a stroke and have been healing. This poem came in shortly after and it was just so uplifting. Honestly don't know how it happens, but the balm and the calm always arrive when needed. Trying MUCH softer these days!