My Sunday List |
September 08, 2024 |
Words
The condition of an enlightened mind is a surrendered heart.
—Alan Redpath
Music
One of the coolest things about my position at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is that I get to constantly learn from my colleagues. In a meeting on Friday, we were talking about an upcoming exhibit, and my boss mentioned this artist that we should all check out – Jake Xerxes Fussell. Music is so wide open these days, there’s no way anyone can keep up with everything that is released and we all miss things we’d probably like. So this morning, I’m listening to his new album, When I’m Called. It’s quite beautiful and comforting–particularly for a Sunday morning. Check it out.
I watched
I started watching A Discovery of Witches on Netflix. I might be hooked. I do like a witchy premise but without blood, gore, and actually being scared. Witchcraft is something I know little about. I think some things are better left alone, as in – “don’t F*ck around and find out.” So I have a healthy reverence for those who are brave enough to dip in a toe in real life. Though I am curious, I stay away from potentially dark interests that require immense understanding, respect, and restraint. No oijua boards, no trying to conjure anything, anyone, or any situation. It’s an interesting line, because I do believe we all have powers we leave untapped. As I grow older, I get more comfortable with listening to my intuition and developing my sixth sense, third eye, or whatever you want to call it. Most of the time I can hear it if I’m still.
We’d do best to remember there’s more mystery than certainty in this universe. We do not have all the answers. I’m not sure we want them.
Book
I’m almost finished with this:
Rock & Roll book club starts this week at Waymore’s.
The plan is to meet once a month and talk about a music-related book. In honor of the name of the establishment, the first book is, of course, related to Waylon.
If you’re local — come join us at Waymore’s.
Favorite moments
Rehearsing with a crazy good band for my sister’s upcoming shows. Damn, all I really ever wanted to be was her harmony singer. Full circle.
Sam playing with Winnie’s tail.
Drawing.
Feeling the first fall breeze of the year yesterday morning. It’s comforting when the world seems to be spinning in the right direction.
What I’m wearing
I’m mostly just getting through this time of year when it comes to what I’m wearing at the moment, but I’m starting to work in some hints of fall.
I always get a feeling of satisfaction when I work in a piece that I purchased with good intentions but couldn’t figure out how to wear for a while – this skirt is an unusual thing, but I was really drawn to it. I’m the kind who only wants to buy clothes that can live in the closet for a decade, but I do love a hint of modernism sometimes, as is displayed by this skirt, by Ruti. It’s marketed as a travel skirt (I rarely travel in a skirt or dress, it’s just not practical, it would be like traveling in heels, plus I tend to accordion myself into a plane seat), because it’s made of a slinky sort of indestructible material (I better want to keep this for ten years because I have a feeling it would not biodegrade). But I think it’s just a fun option for when I want to wear something that pushes forward a little bit. Worn with a (close to a decade old) super thin knit from JCrew (I do wish they’d do these again). Trusty Saint Laurent sandals. I love these sandals so much I hunted down an extra pair on The Real Real and have tucked them away for when these wear out. I have stopped making plans for my future, but I have not stopped planning what I will wear during it.
The way you do anything is the way you do everything.
Poem
I’m grateful for
Art. Every kind.
My incredible, beautiful, graceful, supportive friends.
My family and my home and my animals.
The air I breathe and the sustenance I receive.
Weather. What a world! Glorious.
Music. Music. Music.
Painting. Painting. Painting.
Reading. Reading. Reading.
Houseplants.
Freedom.
What I made
More space. In myself and in my home.
I did some good work.
And this Scout will be finished soon.
I think she’s 12x16 if I recall correctly.
Something wonderful I noticed
How much love there is in this world. Most people are full of it – you just sometimes need to know how to be shown it. We don’t all show love in the same way. May I learn to make space for all kinds of displays of love.
The light. Every late afternoon.
What brought me joy
Doing extensive research + hanging with my son and his caregiver Stephen + a new pair of loafers that are to die for because I always buy something for back to school + thinking about what actual school supplies I’m going to need + thinking about another shift on the near horizon with John Henry going back to school this week and though I will miss his constant presence I know I will appreciate the time to not be so scheduled all day long and I will make good use of that time + Willie + Winnie + Sam Callaway + laughing, a lot.
Prayer
Thank you, Great Spirit, for the life you put in me. Thank you for the blessing of this experience. Please give me the strength to turn all things over to you and the faith to know you will work miracles in me through whatever you place in my blessed path. Allow me to gracefully release what is not meant for me, and to hold tightly and lovingly to what is. Allow me clarity, focus, and courage. Allow me to rise to my highest vibration each day. With deep gratitude I pray that your will, and not mine, shall be done.
Intention for the week to come
May I be present and fully inhabit my mind, spirit, and physical body.
May I walk through the world with an open heart and without judgment.
May I breathe peace in, and breathe love out.
May I be humble.
May I have the self-possession and grace to meet others with kindness and acceptance.
May I find the flexibility in myself to gracefully accept the imperfections of life and not take inconveniences personally.
May I think before I speak.
May I think MORE than I speak.
May I be grateful.
May I allow myself to trust.
May I have CLARITY.
May I be patient.
May my vibration resonate in harmony with the universe.
May I remember it isn’t about me.
May I do good work.
May I have optimism and positive thoughts.
May I be open to what the Great Spirit knows is for me, and may I walk my path accordingly by remembering I can only take it one step at a time.
Something I’m thinking about
I think we all have a version of ourselves that we would like to be.
I’m thinking about finding clarity about who that is for me and drilling down into finding her essence. How many weeks on earth do I have left? Well, I’m 52. If I live to be 92, and that would be grand if I were in good health and had enough resources to not worry, that means I have 2,080 weeks left. There are 2,704 or so behind me. I’d like to spend what I’ve got left living in a different way–being far less concerned about what others think of me and what others do, particularly with those with whom I’m romantically involved. There’s something about entering my sixth decade that feels different. All of sudden there are more important things than romantic love. There is partnership. There is family. There is commitment. There is showing up. There is a willingness to get down to the essential and discard the rest. ALL of the rest. That matters so much more than whether or not someone might be fun to kiss. Granted, having someone you want to kiss is a gigantic blessing, but it isn’t all there is to life. Women are told that it is, that if we don’t have it, we’re worthless. Well, I’d like to have it all. I’m just saying my focus is widening. Maybe that Brooks book really did make an impression. I want to think more expansively. Home and hearth is so important–it gives us the basis for going out into the world and doing bold things–we need a safe and soft place to land, and there are so many things that go into making it that way for everyone involved–but there’s something to be said for thinking past your four walls too. And with that I think I just mean I would like to do more for others. I want my mind to expand to include as many good intentions as possible. So – I’m just thinking about how to arrange my life so that would make better sense, would be easier, and therefore more likely for me to do.
Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. — Buddha
Habit
My handstand practice has become a real practice. I’ve been using the Down Dog app for years as a guide for my practice and it has been great for me–it’s easy to use and has great features. But since I got my handstand helper stool, I’ve been working on increasing my stamina with my feet over my head. I can make it four minutes now and it has become quite meditative. It’s also so good for the body–gravity takes everything in the opposite direction, the spine gets some relief, and now that I can close my eyes while my feet are up above my head, I do, and try to find a clear mind. I’m getting a lot out of it these days. Give it a try!
Wishes
That we all are and will be well.
That we all are loved.
That we all put our pasts behind us every minute.
That we all have a glorious and fulfilling week.
That you will forward this to one person you think might like it.
Have a wonderful, peaceful, joyous week. And thank you for supporting my work here at The Autotelic.
Peace. Love.
Allison
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I love these Sunday missives - and this one is particularly inspiring. Thank you.
That video of Sam playing with Winnie’s tail is everything! It warms my heart that Sam found such a great home and has settled in so seamlessly. It was meant to be. Your outfit is so classic and minimalistic. You have a superb sense of style even when you’re upside down!🙃