My Sunday List

July 16, 2023

Quote

May I be less sensitive to my every emotional cut and bruise, and more sensitive to the pain of others. May the scope of my compassion extend far beyond myself, and include a deeper consideration for hidden suffering in everyone. —Marianne Williamson, A Year of Miracles, Daily Devotions and Reflections, Day 262

Song

XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl)

I absolutely love that Luke Combs’ version of Fast Car is the hottest thing going. I have huge admiration for the song and Tracy Chapman. But that folks are saying it’s the first #1 country song written by an African American woman is untrue. Alice Randall, a tremendous writer of books and songs and movies and essays and a teacher of damn near everything good (officially at Vanderbilt and unofficially in the whole wide world, particularly in our dear Nashville), and my friend and neighbor, holds that honor. She co-wrote XXX’s and OOO’s with another beloved friend, Matraca Berg.

Listen here.

The polymath Alice Randall.

I watched

If I watched anything but that cat going on about how it’s alone sometimes and not sometimes, I don’t remember it. But I think I watched the cat and its musical partner a dozen or more times. Because how can I not? Also, this is a surprisingly accurate depiction of what co-writing a song can be like. You take a seed and make it grow!

Occasionally Lonely Cat.

Book

I had to leave Women in Sunlight at home with about 60 pages left to read. I hated to do that, but it’s a big hardback book that I couldn’t justify taking to Colorado, then finishing it, and having to haul it back. I look forward to seeing how all the women do in the third act when I return home. But I started this novel, The God of Small Things, by Arundhati Roy. Paperback. Sixty pages in and I’m hooked.

Thing

Bear Energy.

My paid subscribers already know that last night I experienced a bear in the backyard of the Colorado home we’re renting for two weeks while John Henry attends adventure camp. I wasn’t outside, but heard something of significant size come down the hill and I peeked out the open window and saw — I’m just gonna go ahead and call it her — in the yard. Holy moly. I closed the windows she might’ve been able to come through if she had gotten a whiff of us, then got some pans to bang. She ambled on, but whoa. That was a first. So all day I’ve been contemplating it — y’all know I’m always looking for the meaning — and I went to the medicine cards.

The strength of Bear medicine is the power of introspection. It lies in the West on the great medicine wheel of life. Bear seeks honey, or the sweetness of truth, within the hollow of an old tree.

There is more to read about bear as a spirit animal, and I’m taking that to heart as well. Makes perfect sense for me at this moment, so I don’t for a second think that I just saw a bear. Yes, I saw a bear, but I also encountered bear energy. I think I was supposed to feel her presence and internalize it somehow.

When Bear as a Spirit Animal comes to stand beside you, there’s the assurance of renewed power and courage. Whatever adversity you face, Bear holds you firm and keeps you grounded until hardships pass.

Afterward, Bear won’t simply disappear but rather remains in your awareness, facilitating healing in body, mind, and spirit. See, bears are among the ultimate protectors. While many in the animal kingdom willingly give up their lives to protect their young, Few are as fearless as Bear. Once that kind of bravery takes root in your soul, it will forever be there.

Bear may have also arrived at a time of self-examination; this could be a moment where you need “cave time” so you can really listen to your heart instead of 101 voices, all of whom, while well-meaning, seem to think they know what’s best for you.

Find your truth. Then, live it with the same humor and honor as does Bear.

Favorite Photo I Took This Week

These are the pans I found to bang together before I called my sister with the bear news.

Prayer

Thank you, Great Spirit, for protecting us on our travels. Please guide us while we are in unfamiliar terrain, and keep our hearts and minds attuned to the utmost and highest versions of ourselves.

Intention for the week to come

May I stay balanced and in tune with my needs so that I can meet life’s challenges with hard-earned skill and grace. May I find comfort in the solitude I seek and in the creative spirits that flow through me. May I be a strong and loving mother, a supportive and empathetic partner, a solid and sensitive friend, and a good and kind sister.

Something I’m thinking about:

Thin spaghetti with chili oil, red pepper flakes, parmesan, and italian parsley. Might have to make it tonight.

Also, finding divine purpose and how to honor it.

From our walk this morning.

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Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. — Buddha

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Habit

Giving myself butterfly hugs to calm anxiety.

Wishes

1. That I am able to rest, as well as do good creative work this week.

2. That I take good care of my family, make good art, and keep myself clear of negative emotions and too much stress.

3. That I meet others with love, even when I know I’m dealing with their trauma and not the real them.

4. That you will forward this to one person and that person becomes a subscriber too.

Finally, here’s a LINK to a podcast I did the other day called Growing Through It. I admire the work CJ Lonoff is doing. Please give the website a thorough perusal, particularly the Resources for Resilience page.

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Have a wonderful, peaceful, joyous week. And thank you for supporting my work here at The Autotelic.

Lots of love,

Allison

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