My Sunday List
CENTERING PRINCIPLES || April 06, 2025
Words
“Intellectually the self is no more than a psychological concept, a construct serves to express an unknowable essence which we cannot grasp as such, since by definition it transcends our powers of comprehension. It might equally well be called the ‘God within.’”—Carl Jung
Music
I’ve been digging this song from Maggie Rose.
What I’ve Been Writing About
Lately, besides work, I’ve been writing about how to get back to my center. I think most of us change things about ourselves while we’re in a deep and long-lasting relationship with another person—some for the better, some not so much. I think my defense mechanisms manifest themselves in different ways in an attempt to hold on to myself. So, instead of surrendering to the relationship, I’ve been guilty of fighting against giving up my autonomy, mostly subconsciously, because my heart relentlessly tells me it always wants to be connected to another one. And though that may be true, I’ve lived my life afraid of giving my trust. Afraid of giving my heart. I’ve always been afraid both would be broken and I’d lose my center again.
Live and learn. You can’t have it both ways. You get back what you put in.
I guess the trick is to become so sure of my ability to be alone that I don’t worry about losing who’s by my side. I’m starting to accept loss won’t kill me.
And love is worth the risk.
I don’t mean to sound like I welcome loss—I don’t. But I can’t lament the way life plays out if I indeed possess the faith I’d like to think I do. The truth is, I’m always working on it. I guess we all are.
Every experience has the potential to strengthen my center. I can see things positively or negatively—it’s my choice. I finally know without a doubt which one I’d rather choose. It’s a practice.
The way you do anything is the way you do everything.
Book
I’m about halfway through North Woods. I’m enjoying it so much. It’s dense but no so much that I don’t look forward to picking it up. Even at this stage, I’d recommend it.
Gratitude
That I made it home yesterday, for one. I went to NYC on Thursday and took part in a
event at Generation Records, which was quite fun. I stuck around a few days for John Henry’s fifteenth birthday and flew back yesterday, right when a huge storm kicked up. We’ve been getting hammered with rain since Wednesday night and there was yet another surge. My flight ended up going to Chattanooga to land because at one point the tower at Nashville had to be evacuated due to funnel clouds. It was all a bit harrowing. But it wasn’t too long after that we were on the ground in Chattanooga (by the way, they weren’t expecting us) that we were gassed up and ready to head back west. We were told the plan was to go around the storm and land at a precise angle. It was not the most calming experience, but we got there. I’m grateful for it all—the opportunity from —thank you , , , , and for your warmth and cool songs. Find the playlist here.
I’m also happy to report that
is #61 today on the Rising in Music Substack list and #45 on the Bestsellers in Music list. Thanks, ya’ll! That’s such exciting news.Desires
Simplicity. I don’t have it yet. I can see it in the distance and it is bathed in golden light and sweet song. It is abundant and peaceful and a place where no one’s opinion of me obscures my own. It is a place where I don’t need much, but what I do need is seen and provided. It is a patient place—centered in transparency, respect, and love. It is slow moving. It is quiet.
To let go of my inner critic while I find my solid ground again. Today I need to rest, replenish, disconnect from materialism beyond good nourishment, music, company, and books.
To hit the energetic block button on bullshit.
Cycles
I don’t know about y’all, but I can’t unknow what I know now. Lessons come to us over and over again in this life, and with every refusal to learn the lesson, listen to intuition, and course correct, the stakes get higher. I have a sticky note on my refrigerator that says “Short term pain is better than long.” I take that to mean look it all squarely in the eye and deal with it. Trust intuition, again, again, again. When I disconnect from my center so I can bend into a foreign shape for another person, I fail myself. I hope I’ve done that enough now.
May I keep this fresh vision I have and dare not repeat what I know never works.
Prayer
Thank you, Great Spirit, for the life you give me every day. Thank you for the blessing of my son, my sister, my family both biological and chosen. Thank you for this experience, even when it seems like the hard times are too hard and too many. I know I must walk through periods of difficulty in order to learn what I need to learn. May I transmute the lessons and see that every encounter with my woundedness is an opportunity to address it, not to try to numb the pain.
None of us gets a life of no hardship. Struggle exists for a reason. If you cut open a chrysalis in order to help the butterfly out and ease its struggle, it will not build the strength it needs to fly.
Humble me and lift me out of my pit. Send me the tests I need to remind me to choose the path that leads my soul home and to turn to you with every breath. Please strengthen my faith so I might hand all matters over to you. Give me the wisdom to know you will work miracles in me through whatever you place in my path. Remind me my choices determine my experiences and my lessons can come through positive, rather than negative forces.
Allow me to gracefully release what is not meant for me and to hold tightly and lovingly to what is. Give me openness to change every day. Remind me it is the only constant besides you. Allow me to repair what is broken. Keep me present so I may make choices that reflect the life I desire. Allow me clarity, focus, and courage. Allow me to rise to my highest vibration each day and spread truth and beauty wherever I go. May I learn how to truly forgive. With deep gratitude I pray that your will, and not mine, shall be done.
Intention for the week to come
May I be the best version of myself at every opportunity.
May I be patient. May I be kind.
May I have self-awareness.
May I clear clutter from my life.
May I welcome change.
May I love unconditionally.
May I slow down my emotions and keep them at arms length. They are clues—not answers, not truth.
Something I’m thinking about
Self-awareness. How we perceive ourselves versus how we are perceived by others. What’s the line between self-awareness and self-consciousness? I guess I think of it this way: self-awareness is knowing your own mind and understanding your own thoughts and behavior—sort of understanding your own self-narrative, or how you got the story you tell yourself about yourself. Self-consciousness is having an idea about how others see you and usually feeling observed and judged by others. One is influenced by what’s inner, one is influenced by what’s outer.
Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. — Buddha
DO NOT EVER LET THE BASTARDS GET YOU DOWN.
Wishes
That we all receive the love we deserve.
That we all find comfort and peace.
That we all find time for the things that soothe us.
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
There are first edition copies of I Dream He Talks to Me and Blood in the shop. I will sign each copy that is ordered. If you would like it personalized, please send an email with your order number and the name you would like on the signature page to allisonmoorercontact@gmail.com.
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To me, self-consciousness is the enemy of self-awareness. Understanding your thoughts, feelings, and values are keys to mental health and self-care. If you’re concerned with how others see you, it can impact your authenticity and self-esteem. Just my two cents…
Love Maggie Rose's song. In the beginning of it, I'm reminded of you and of Shelby. Congratulations on the Autotelic #61 & rising, and #45 in Bestsellers in Music list! I so look forward to it. every week. Thank you. Glad you made it home safe.