On this September new moon, let’s do some definition scrubbing. Yesterday, my dog Lupe found a nest of baby marmots (I think) in the prairie grass. He kidnapped one and began to prance toward me. I turned a hot-faced Level 7 angry. Though dogs will be dogs and the circle of life is ever-palpable where I live, this method of death never lands as
Love this new format, Molly. Also really appreciate the shift from highly sensitive to highly sensing. That lands with much more ease and confidence. Hugs, Annie 💖
"Highly sensing doesn't mean unable to deal" -- yes, that's a strange paradox, isn't it? I hadn't articulated it to myself that way, and yet there is so much I can examine and absorb that others won't or can't seem to bear perceiving. And then sometimes I seem to do the grieving for all of us, too, although that may just be me wanting to find meaning in what can (also) be my own tendency to overdose on melancholia. I feel that many of my best tendencies and capacities can become my worst ones, unless I balance them.
Ok want a list of recs? For whatever reason this browser isn't letting me tag, but I think you'd like Maggie Smith's For Dear Life, Culture Study with Anne Helen Petersen, and Draw Together with WendyMacNaughton. Maybe also check out Hedge Mystic!
Reading this was a gentle reminder to go outside every day. I got all sad thinking about that kind of life of 80 hour work week, big city life, no nature, violent movies, constant tech stimulation, inside all day. And then I shuddered with gratitude that I don’t live that life. Am so incredibly grateful that I have a backyard! Postures are so fun to play with. Posture play. Felt inspired to play more with postures.
Two comments, both inspired by Courtney’s wonderful writing. First, from Courtney’s perspective last week, everyone should read Sarah Viren’s “To Name the Bigger Lie”(2023). It’s use of Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”, from beginning to end of this “Memoir in Two Stories” is totally unique and worthy of any serious search for Plato’s meaning and relevance today.
Second, being “sensitive”, however it’s expressed, is admirable. The virtue ranks high in literature about “emotional intelligence” or the ideas of Engaged Buddhists like Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama. Gandhi made it the basis of his theory and practice of satyagraha or nonviolent power. It’s a strength, not weakness.
Thanks for this opportunity to contribute. DD (Dennis Dalton)
I do think I am highly sensing, but I also am learning not to get it twisted - what I sense is through MY lens and not always accurate in terms of the intuitive leaps I make about others. I have to slow down a lot and remind myself that creatures around me are genuinely different and don't have the same experiences that I do even in the same room. Sounds so obvious as I write it but is such a big part of the pain in my life.
I'm so excited you're here and I'll be spreading the good word.
I love Kate's suggestions and would also add Garrett Bucks' The White Pages and Sarah Wheelers' Momspreading into the mix.
Love this piece Molly! Resonated deeply. Thank you for the invitation to play with my posturing! Makes me think about our conversation about aligning with the self, then the space in between and then the other! And then the question how we choose to align. Taking that time to pause and check in before the response.
Are You Highly Sensing?
Love this new format, Molly. Also really appreciate the shift from highly sensitive to highly sensing. That lands with much more ease and confidence. Hugs, Annie 💖
"Highly sensing doesn't mean unable to deal" -- yes, that's a strange paradox, isn't it? I hadn't articulated it to myself that way, and yet there is so much I can examine and absorb that others won't or can't seem to bear perceiving. And then sometimes I seem to do the grieving for all of us, too, although that may just be me wanting to find meaning in what can (also) be my own tendency to overdose on melancholia. I feel that many of my best tendencies and capacities can become my worst ones, unless I balance them.
Ok want a list of recs? For whatever reason this browser isn't letting me tag, but I think you'd like Maggie Smith's For Dear Life, Culture Study with Anne Helen Petersen, and Draw Together with WendyMacNaughton. Maybe also check out Hedge Mystic!
Seconding Annie that I'm excited to see you here.
Reading this was a gentle reminder to go outside every day. I got all sad thinking about that kind of life of 80 hour work week, big city life, no nature, violent movies, constant tech stimulation, inside all day. And then I shuddered with gratitude that I don’t live that life. Am so incredibly grateful that I have a backyard! Postures are so fun to play with. Posture play. Felt inspired to play more with postures.
Two comments, both inspired by Courtney’s wonderful writing. First, from Courtney’s perspective last week, everyone should read Sarah Viren’s “To Name the Bigger Lie”(2023). It’s use of Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”, from beginning to end of this “Memoir in Two Stories” is totally unique and worthy of any serious search for Plato’s meaning and relevance today.
Second, being “sensitive”, however it’s expressed, is admirable. The virtue ranks high in literature about “emotional intelligence” or the ideas of Engaged Buddhists like Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama. Gandhi made it the basis of his theory and practice of satyagraha or nonviolent power. It’s a strength, not weakness.
Thanks for this opportunity to contribute. DD (Dennis Dalton)
I do think I am highly sensing, but I also am learning not to get it twisted - what I sense is through MY lens and not always accurate in terms of the intuitive leaps I make about others. I have to slow down a lot and remind myself that creatures around me are genuinely different and don't have the same experiences that I do even in the same room. Sounds so obvious as I write it but is such a big part of the pain in my life.
I'm so excited you're here and I'll be spreading the good word.
I love Kate's suggestions and would also add Garrett Bucks' The White Pages and Sarah Wheelers' Momspreading into the mix.
Love this piece Molly! Resonated deeply. Thank you for the invitation to play with my posturing! Makes me think about our conversation about aligning with the self, then the space in between and then the other! And then the question how we choose to align. Taking that time to pause and check in before the response.