My Sunday List
November 05, 2023
Quote
The secret of happiness is this: let your interests be as wide as possible, and let your reactions to the things and persons that interest you be as far as possible friendly rather than hostile. —Bertrand Russell
Song
Today it’s an album, and it’s Buena Vista Social Club.
I watched
We’re still on Life on Our Planet on Netflix.
From last week: This is incredible. I have to be careful not to think too long about the scope of time that’s covered in this series (and I’ve only watched the first episode) because anything approaching the idea of infinity makes me nervous, but I am so taken by it. Highly recommended, so far.
This week: We’ve made it to the dinosaur period. It’s hard to believe some of the creatures that existed and how little time humans have been here. It makes me understand the frivolity of some things better, and the meaning of some better as well. Still highly recommended.
Book
I started Jesmyn Ward’s Let Us Descend. I’m 56 pages in and it’s incredible. I’m still on the book about the Greeks from last week and have also started a Pico Iyer book about His Holiness The Dalai Lama. They’re all great, very different from each other, and the mix feels really good.
Thing
My new pressing machine — just a small one (A5) to get me started. I want to learn printmaking and embossing and am currently doing research on the best methods. Instagram is a great place to learn skills and tips. Y’all will be the first to see what happens.
Favorite Photo I Took This Week
If you take a photo between two mirrors the image is reflected endlessly.
Prayer
Thank you, Great Spirit, for showing me what I need to see every single day. Please give me the strength and endurance that I need to be who I want to be in this earthly realm, which is someone who leads with love and compassion in every action.
Intention for the week to come
May I be present before I am concerned with being anything else.
May I be supported by the universe to make the best decisions for my life and for my family from that present place.
May I remember that it is not only okay to live my own life, doing so is a requirement for fulfillment.
May I remember to keep my mind on myself in the most humble way, may I remember that my relationship with myself is the most important one I have, and may I also remember that though I am autonomous and powerful, I am at my strongest when I allow deep connection to others and allow life to move holistically.
Something I’m thinking about
How to take ego out of love.
Am I loving someone if I’m not doing it how they need it done? Am I organizing others’ piles when they actually want their piles messy but I think my way is the better way? Am I butting in with my opinion instead of only offering advice when it’s requested? Am I listening or am I waiting on my turn to talk? Am I showing up openly or defensively?
Love is not giving someone what you think they need in the way you want to give it to them. Love is allowing a person to be comfortable being fully seen, and on a good day, celebrating that fullness wholeheartedly in a way they can feel it by reflecting how well you’ve been paying attention to who they are and what they communicate.
It’s an honor to love someone, to be trusted with the job. I’m tired of messing it up. I will continue to, of course, but awareness is the first step. Progress, right?
Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. — Buddha
Habit
Seeking calm and quiet fulfillment.
Wishes
That I recognize every opportunity to feel joy, and that I take each one.
That my fellow creatures do that too.
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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Interesting that you mentioned The Buena Vista Social Club. A new adaptation is being produced which opens later this month at The Atlantic Theatre Company in NYC, with choreography by Justin Peck and Patricia Delgado. I’m planning to see it soon!
Your hat is fetchin’🌸