The concept of the soft, small animal that is far from home- struck a cord within me. Being currently 'influenced' to stop eating dairy and try acupuncture for the millionth time because that will 'fix' me, this idea of what if I haven't failed, what if I need tender care and grace for myself to feel safe again? It always has to 'be something' in today's society, we couldn't possibly need to not work 60+ hours a week and learn what real self care looks like for each of us uniquely- no, there's always a cure/new solution that will do the trick. And that type of mind-fuck that is engrained in us is causing harm to so many. This is a hot topic and needs brought to light, thank you.
A powerful piece Ema. And speaking up for YOUR needs within your friend circle, something I hope to learn from as well.
You said it well: “tender care and grace” for yourself. Yes. I think that’s really radical in today’s world. You gotta patiently swim upstream to do it but I think it’s worth it. Because you’re correct: mind-fucks left and right. I don’t know if you saw the other comments, but Lindsey helped me realize the “soft, small animal” line comes from a Mary Oliver poem. It was tucked away in my subconscious. I think you might enjoy “Wild Geese,” if you don’t already know it.
Thank you for reading, Kelsey! I always love to hear your thoughts and it is beautiful to feel so understood.
This resonates deeply. I was not made for this environment! And I love considering my small animal self (isn’t there a Mary olive poem about this?) and what would make her feel safe. ❤️ also, adding your book recommendations! Thx
Oh my gosh. It’s from Wild Geese. That was tucked in my subconscious. That poem as a whole is at the heart of what I’m trying to say here and I didn’t even know it. 🥲
Is it Mary Oliver?! When I typed out “soft, small animal” I was like--where does that come from???I hope it’s Oliver. I’ll look into it. 🤍 Thank you for reading, Lindsey!
A fantastic piece Ema and a ‘pause and really consider’ quote from your brother. It has such a powerful truth. When you described the lost overwhelmed animal I immediately thought of a hedgehog I rescued from the hot summer days last year - how it found his/her strength again with a cool quiet dark spot in a cardboard box I had with water and cat food before a release later that night. I suppose I can ask of my own animal what is my box, where is it and what is in it to revitalise me? Thank you for the spark of these thoughts.
Thank you for reading, Jade! Lovely to have you here. What a story about that wee hedgehog (slightly jealous too because we don’t have wild hedgehogs roaming around here in the US). I think the questions you have there are good ones. I also try to think about how I can soften my perspective towards myself to be as caring as it was to a small creature I rescued.
The concept of the soft, small animal that is far from home- struck a cord within me. Being currently 'influenced' to stop eating dairy and try acupuncture for the millionth time because that will 'fix' me, this idea of what if I haven't failed, what if I need tender care and grace for myself to feel safe again? It always has to 'be something' in today's society, we couldn't possibly need to not work 60+ hours a week and learn what real self care looks like for each of us uniquely- no, there's always a cure/new solution that will do the trick. And that type of mind-fuck that is engrained in us is causing harm to so many. This is a hot topic and needs brought to light, thank you.
A powerful piece Ema. And speaking up for YOUR needs within your friend circle, something I hope to learn from as well.
You said it well: “tender care and grace” for yourself. Yes. I think that’s really radical in today’s world. You gotta patiently swim upstream to do it but I think it’s worth it. Because you’re correct: mind-fucks left and right. I don’t know if you saw the other comments, but Lindsey helped me realize the “soft, small animal” line comes from a Mary Oliver poem. It was tucked away in my subconscious. I think you might enjoy “Wild Geese,” if you don’t already know it.
Thank you for reading, Kelsey! I always love to hear your thoughts and it is beautiful to feel so understood.
This resonates deeply. I was not made for this environment! And I love considering my small animal self (isn’t there a Mary olive poem about this?) and what would make her feel safe. ❤️ also, adding your book recommendations! Thx
Oh my gosh. It’s from Wild Geese. That was tucked in my subconscious. That poem as a whole is at the heart of what I’m trying to say here and I didn’t even know it. 🥲
Love that!!
This week my soft animal wants warm soup, fuzzy blankets, short to-do lists (maybe 3 items, max?) and long walks.
Yes! Short to do lists! My soft animal needs that too.
Is it Mary Oliver?! When I typed out “soft, small animal” I was like--where does that come from???I hope it’s Oliver. I’ll look into it. 🤍 Thank you for reading, Lindsey!
A fantastic piece Ema and a ‘pause and really consider’ quote from your brother. It has such a powerful truth. When you described the lost overwhelmed animal I immediately thought of a hedgehog I rescued from the hot summer days last year - how it found his/her strength again with a cool quiet dark spot in a cardboard box I had with water and cat food before a release later that night. I suppose I can ask of my own animal what is my box, where is it and what is in it to revitalise me? Thank you for the spark of these thoughts.
Thank you for reading, Jade! Lovely to have you here. What a story about that wee hedgehog (slightly jealous too because we don’t have wild hedgehogs roaming around here in the US). I think the questions you have there are good ones. I also try to think about how I can soften my perspective towards myself to be as caring as it was to a small creature I rescued.