12/19/21

One idea to keep it slow and simple… Unwrap presence

The world lost a light this week when the philosopher, teacher, and author, bell hooks, passed away at 69 years young. She left us with great many gifts, including more than 30 books, many teaching us how to untangle ourselves from the old systems that keep up from forming real communities based on mutual respect and care.

In Teaching to Transgress, she wrote this about classroom communities, for example:

“As a classroom community, our capacity to generate excitement is deeply affected by our interest in one another, in hearing one another's voices, in recognizing one another's presence.”

And in many other books she taught about the critical need for care, love and presence in the communities we find ourselves in. When we are truly present with another, when we recognize another’s humanity and unique presence, we open up a space of love and care. In our families, our relationships, our workplaces and communities.

bell hooks taught that we must first be present with and for ourselves in order to give that same honor to others. As the winter holidays pass into the new year, I hope you can gift yourself this presence so that you may offer it in turn.

And some clickable fun

• You’ve probably seen us quote a poem or two in this newsletter. If you’re into it, check out The Poetry Foundation’s Instagram and mobile app! That’s an app we can get on board with!

• How do you learn something new? Whether it’s photography or drawing or audio recording, SkillShare is pretty rad. Find free or low cost, high quality course, gift a subscription or even just read the blog for free! This one about bedtime rituals is a treasure!

• Thinking about your 2022 resolution? There’s a guide for that!