I’m en route to my act of resistance and can’t change the post from the app, so please note that subscriptions can’t be managed from the app — you need to go the Substack website.
Be safe out there. Grateful your consciousness is in alignment with peace.
Ps: My writing on Tonglen in in my book, “Sage Words FREEDOM Book One.” I used Tonglen and Metta Meditation to create my own practice which I call, “Waves of love.”❤️
PS. It's both slightly scary and a delight how aligned we are — I also created my own practice (including Metta) which is called "iMed" (for integrative medicine)! I think "Waves of love" resonates more though.💗
Yes, be calm, and have clear situational awareness.
Over a period of at least fifty years a multi-generational cabal of extremely wealthy, influential people has spared no expense to plan for and implement the takeover of the government of the United States of America, the most powerful entity ever known on Earth. They have bought university departments, created "think tanks" and established programs to strategize in books, manifestos and position papers the exact process by which this could be accomplished. They succeeded. Be calm and aware.
I shared a note from a discussion on the Wonkette chat thread (I think that was where it was) - someone brought up annealing steel, and I remembered the refiner’s fire and silver. Either analogy took me to the same place this does:
I really loved this analogy Lisa — such a powerful image! It actually sparked the outline of a post on silver and the refiner’s fire, which I hope to be working on soon. You should know you were the inspiration behind it.
And that grin and heart as you step into the fire? Thank you for that. We all need more of that kind of courage. 🔥🦁❤️
As much as you develop more caution (like I would never tell someone to jump out of the barn loft at this age), you learn some times fear becomes something to dismiss.
Wow! Thank you! I have more writing planned, too. I just seems the short videos got more response than the written stuff. My goal is five videos a week, and four or five written pieces.
I am considering putting up some short fiction, too.
First I've heard of Tonglen, added just now to my semi-regular, conscious breathing exercises.
I'll be monitoring protests from a distance, i.e., home, but probably not "safely" per se. Not to exaggerate, though. Heck, I practically live on top of Andrews so that may put me right in the zone, but my neighbors are, too, so what will they do with that?
Tomorrow, though, I'll be at a church event with my video at the ready, just in case. I may elaborate later, but perhaps my gist has been discerned.
And I/we will be waiting for your check-in when you return safely. I believe.🙏
I’m so glad Tonglen found its way to you. It’s one of those practices that asks so little and offers so much, especially in times like these, when the air itself can feel heavy.
I hear you on monitoring from home, and yes—“safely” is doing a lot of work these days, isn’t it? Living near Andrews puts you in a unique kind of frontline, whether visible or not. I imagine there’s a quiet tension in that, shared or unspoken, among neighbours.
I was moved that you were at your church event with your video at the ready. That says everything. Bearing witness, even gently, even provisionally, is part of how we hold the line. Whatever you do or don’t share later, I honour your instinct behind it.
And thank you — for your presence, for your belief, for holding space until I returned. I appreciate that more than I can say.
I practiced tonglen as I read your essay. I find myself somewhat calmed. I became aware of how my own grief and fear and anger of late have been mostly self-centered. Not that there's anything unusual about that. It is natural to grieve and resent things that have been painful and frightening.
However, this served as a reminder that to be a whole human we must deeply experience each other's feelings. It was a course-correction that I needed and am taking to heart.
We will be at a small protest in a community nearby.
May all of us remain courageous and peaceful and humane today and always. Take care, everyone.
It’s so good to hear from you — you’ve both been on my mind these past few days.
I love that you practiced the tonglen as you read it. That simple act says so much. And what you wrote about the shift — from being wrapped in our own pain to remembering we’re not alone in it—really landed. It’s something I’ve been returning to as well, especially when everything feels too close.
I was especially glad to know you were both able to be at a nearby protest. I know how much that would have meant to you. Wishing you both steadiness and clarity in the days ahead — and that we all stay grounded, open, and human as we move through what’s next.
Thank you again, Lori. Your posts are so grounding for me and educational…a beautiful both/and. I took yesterday to resist differently. I didn’t go to a protest. That was really hard and I did struggle with guilt. But some of your earlier posts help me come to that decision for me because of responsibilities I have that the threat of violence made me consider heavily. I still feel guilty about it as I wanted to be present. And I know it’s what I needed. I found myself connecting with baristas at local coffee shops who loved my “resist” hat and my T.Swift bracelets that read “good trouble” and “resist” and “a billion brilliant stars” (from Kamala Harris’s concession speech). They had to work. So we had moments of resisting together. And it was encouraging. I plan to share these meditations with others and continue to use them for myself as my heart is weary from all that we are enduring. So continued thanks to you for your impact on my life. I hope somehow we can meet at a local coffee shop and I can share my gratitude in person. For now, thanks from my corner of the world to yours. Warmly, Kristin
Kristin, this really meant a lot to me. Thank you for taking the time to write it, and for trusting me with so much of your heart.
I completely understand how hard that decision must’ve been. Guilt has a way of creeping in, even when we know we’ve made the right call for where we are and what we’re carrying. I’m really glad some of my earlier posts helped give you space to make that choice — it’s exactly why I wrote them.
And I love that you still found moments of connection—with the baristas, with your bracelets, with others who couldn’t be at a protest either. That matters more than we sometimes let ourselves believe. It’s still resistance. And it sounds like it was exactly what was needed.
Your message also helped ground me more deeply in the sense that this is the work I’m meant to be doing right now. I can’t tell you how much that means. I look forward to sharing a coffee one day — but until then, I’m really grateful to be connected across the miles.
Thank you so much for your kind response, Lori. I’m thankful my experience provided some grounding and clarity for you!!! I’m so grateful for your work!!
I'm really glad it resonated MOH, and that you’re planning to use it in that way — that’s exactly what it’s there for. I hope it brings you steadiness whenever you need it. 🙏🏻
I’m en route to my act of resistance and can’t change the post from the app, so please note that subscriptions can’t be managed from the app — you need to go the Substack website.
Make good trouble today. 🤜🏾🤛
Be safe.
You too Carleton.
What a beautiful post that encourages peace within whilst protesting for peace without.
Ps - so happy to read someone else write about Tonglen. Thank you!
You’re welcome! It’s such a beautiful practice Sage Justice, and one that has helped steady me through many trials. 💗
I look forward to reading your post in a quieter moment. 🙏☺️
Be safe out there. Grateful your consciousness is in alignment with peace.
Ps: My writing on Tonglen in in my book, “Sage Words FREEDOM Book One.” I used Tonglen and Metta Meditation to create my own practice which I call, “Waves of love.”❤️
Thank you, and likewise.
PS. It's both slightly scary and a delight how aligned we are — I also created my own practice (including Metta) which is called "iMed" (for integrative medicine)! I think "Waves of love" resonates more though.💗
It’s such a gift of practical magic when people who are aligned find a shared purpose and their paths cross.
As beautiful as truth. 🤲 Thank you. ✊
I’m humbled, thank you. I’m happy to stand with you.
Yes, be calm, and have clear situational awareness.
Over a period of at least fifty years a multi-generational cabal of extremely wealthy, influential people has spared no expense to plan for and implement the takeover of the government of the United States of America, the most powerful entity ever known on Earth. They have bought university departments, created "think tanks" and established programs to strategize in books, manifestos and position papers the exact process by which this could be accomplished. They succeeded. Be calm and aware.
Ingrid, Whats App doesn't seem to like my phone, sorry. I hope I haven't offended. - Carleton
I shared a note from a discussion on the Wonkette chat thread (I think that was where it was) - someone brought up annealing steel, and I remembered the refiner’s fire and silver. Either analogy took me to the same place this does:
Into the fire! 😁❤️
I really loved this analogy Lisa — such a powerful image! It actually sparked the outline of a post on silver and the refiner’s fire, which I hope to be working on soon. You should know you were the inspiration behind it.
And that grin and heart as you step into the fire? Thank you for that. We all need more of that kind of courage. 🔥🦁❤️
I blame it on old age. 😂
As much as you develop more caution (like I would never tell someone to jump out of the barn loft at this age), you learn some times fear becomes something to dismiss.
Hah! I get that.
The older I get, the less the things I once considered important seem to matter. And the fiercer I become!
Maybe the process of aging is itself the refiner's fire...
We better get some benefit out of it! 😂
I just subscribed Lisa — looking forward to more wisdom from that ‘little old lady on her porch’. 😉
Wow! Thank you! I have more writing planned, too. I just seems the short videos got more response than the written stuff. My goal is five videos a week, and four or five written pieces.
I am considering putting up some short fiction, too.
Looking forward to it. 🫶
Lori. Lori. Lori. What beautiful words, hope and power you give us today. Thank you
I was — am still —deeply touched by your words, Bambi, thank you. I'm so grateful it spoke to you.
First I've heard of Tonglen, added just now to my semi-regular, conscious breathing exercises.
I'll be monitoring protests from a distance, i.e., home, but probably not "safely" per se. Not to exaggerate, though. Heck, I practically live on top of Andrews so that may put me right in the zone, but my neighbors are, too, so what will they do with that?
Tomorrow, though, I'll be at a church event with my video at the ready, just in case. I may elaborate later, but perhaps my gist has been discerned.
And I/we will be waiting for your check-in when you return safely. I believe.🙏
I’m so glad Tonglen found its way to you. It’s one of those practices that asks so little and offers so much, especially in times like these, when the air itself can feel heavy.
I hear you on monitoring from home, and yes—“safely” is doing a lot of work these days, isn’t it? Living near Andrews puts you in a unique kind of frontline, whether visible or not. I imagine there’s a quiet tension in that, shared or unspoken, among neighbours.
I was moved that you were at your church event with your video at the ready. That says everything. Bearing witness, even gently, even provisionally, is part of how we hold the line. Whatever you do or don’t share later, I honour your instinct behind it.
And thank you — for your presence, for your belief, for holding space until I returned. I appreciate that more than I can say.
You got it! Glad to hear you made it back safely.
Thank you, Lori.
I practiced tonglen as I read your essay. I find myself somewhat calmed. I became aware of how my own grief and fear and anger of late have been mostly self-centered. Not that there's anything unusual about that. It is natural to grieve and resent things that have been painful and frightening.
However, this served as a reminder that to be a whole human we must deeply experience each other's feelings. It was a course-correction that I needed and am taking to heart.
We will be at a small protest in a community nearby.
May all of us remain courageous and peaceful and humane today and always. Take care, everyone.
It’s so good to hear from you — you’ve both been on my mind these past few days.
I love that you practiced the tonglen as you read it. That simple act says so much. And what you wrote about the shift — from being wrapped in our own pain to remembering we’re not alone in it—really landed. It’s something I’ve been returning to as well, especially when everything feels too close.
I was especially glad to know you were both able to be at a nearby protest. I know how much that would have meant to you. Wishing you both steadiness and clarity in the days ahead — and that we all stay grounded, open, and human as we move through what’s next.
Tonglen is such a superb practice.
Thank you again, Lori. Your posts are so grounding for me and educational…a beautiful both/and. I took yesterday to resist differently. I didn’t go to a protest. That was really hard and I did struggle with guilt. But some of your earlier posts help me come to that decision for me because of responsibilities I have that the threat of violence made me consider heavily. I still feel guilty about it as I wanted to be present. And I know it’s what I needed. I found myself connecting with baristas at local coffee shops who loved my “resist” hat and my T.Swift bracelets that read “good trouble” and “resist” and “a billion brilliant stars” (from Kamala Harris’s concession speech). They had to work. So we had moments of resisting together. And it was encouraging. I plan to share these meditations with others and continue to use them for myself as my heart is weary from all that we are enduring. So continued thanks to you for your impact on my life. I hope somehow we can meet at a local coffee shop and I can share my gratitude in person. For now, thanks from my corner of the world to yours. Warmly, Kristin
Kristin, this really meant a lot to me. Thank you for taking the time to write it, and for trusting me with so much of your heart.
I completely understand how hard that decision must’ve been. Guilt has a way of creeping in, even when we know we’ve made the right call for where we are and what we’re carrying. I’m really glad some of my earlier posts helped give you space to make that choice — it’s exactly why I wrote them.
And I love that you still found moments of connection—with the baristas, with your bracelets, with others who couldn’t be at a protest either. That matters more than we sometimes let ourselves believe. It’s still resistance. And it sounds like it was exactly what was needed.
Your message also helped ground me more deeply in the sense that this is the work I’m meant to be doing right now. I can’t tell you how much that means. I look forward to sharing a coffee one day — but until then, I’m really grateful to be connected across the miles.
Warmly, Lori 🙏
Thank you so much for your kind response, Lori. I’m thankful my experience provided some grounding and clarity for you!!! I’m so grateful for your work!!
Warmly, Kristin 🫖☕️🙏🏽😊
I’m so glad it resonates Kristin, and equally happy you’re here. 😊🍵💗
Thank you. I am going to use this technique to restore my strength, maintain my balance, and re-center myself. 🙏🏻
I'm really glad it resonated MOH, and that you’re planning to use it in that way — that’s exactly what it’s there for. I hope it brings you steadiness whenever you need it. 🙏🏻