Hello gentle-people,
I know when I need a break when it feels like a relief to do nothing. But how do I know when it's time to end that break? Is it when it suddenly feels like a relief to do something? All I know is, somehow returning to this practice days earlier than I originally had planned feels good. So go with that—let’s write when it feels good and take breaks when it doesn’t.
In my next writing series, I want to explore what it means to be a “plain speech prophet,” to lean on our archives and carve out a gentle landing through the chaotic world of digital media. For the past few months, I have been doing this reading to care for myself. But as is the nature of this newsletter, I had to find the stories I wanted to tell and see what practices and affirmations emerged as I digested my readings.
You may only lightly engage on social media and wondering “what does this series have to do with me?” What happens online impacts the world around us. I am watching it impact my own life, as a Haitian-American, due to recent fake news putting my people in real danger. As you engage this upcoming series, even if you are a lurker, I hope you take some time to engage critically and reflectively in ways that lead to gentle landing for yourself and those around you.
As I warm up for this next series I have planned to share with you all, I want to give you some perching lines that anchor me this past week.
🐦⬛ about perching lines
A “perch” is a light rest. Much needed in a world where many of us have to learn how to catch a break while standing up. In these lighter posts, I will offer poems, questions, and connections for those brief moments of reprieve. [Explore more in this series.]
“Two Areas of Need” by Howard Thurman, Meditations of the Heart
My friend, brother, and colleague in softness,
and I have had some conversations on shaping a communal ethic for social media.1 I also have been doing some reading recently that has made me approach social media with some trepidation. I find myself a little bit afraid of saying, and doing the wrong thing, often in life, and that fear is elevated by any kind of attention.But I don't wish to be alone. I also don't wish to come on here shouting in defiance (all the time).
It is true, social media2 can shape us towards harmful ways of relating to each other if we are not careful.
As I consider the perching lines within this meditation, I want to name that for some, it might be difficult to embrace this idea that we all have something to worship. If this language isn't helpful for you, consider replacing “worship” with an understanding that spending any measure of time and devotion towards something highlights what we value. Maybe these questions might be helpful: What is deeply precious to you? How do your actions guide you toward deep celebration of what you hold precious?
Those questions, along with the ones Thurman asks, can serve to redirect us when we’ve strayed from the truly lifting up with our lives the things we claim we value.
Some affirmations for why I am here:
I want to be part of something. That deep desire to be part of something is shaped by beloved us — my belovedness stares me towards beloved community.
I am, undeniably, a part of something. Thurman’s words remind me that I am part of the human family, inseparably, so. this past week, I was reminded that my breath aids and giving life to trees. At the very least, I am keeping trees alive.
I seek to affirm that sense of belonging through communication. Even in my defiance, my heart searches, and wants to be here. This realization that I still belong and want to belong exists even when I pull away from social media and long for quietness.
I am uneasy, but these truth ground me.
I am a little cold, but I long for the warmth that is generated through fellowship.
I am sometimes deeply unsure that this is the best way to go about it, but it is a way we have. I slither through the muck of all of the things I hate about social media to cling to a few precious gems. A few precious friends. A few precious words. A few precious hopes.
Soon, I will share from the reading I have been doing. But, for now, I want to hold these affirmations and keep finding new ones.
You can listen to part one here on Spotify (it is also available on Apple Podcasts and other places).
I am pretty sure no one is questioning whether or not Substack is a social media platform, right? Just checking.
I read this the instant it dropped. Meditated on the words. And then read it again. “at the very least, I am keeping the trees alive” whew.
I love everything about this. I had a crazy day so I skimmed, but I will definitely look at this some more. You are such a beautiful thinker, Rose. 🌹