In Sharon Salzberg’s new book, Real Change, she says that one of her favorite questions to ask is this: How many people need to be doing their jobs well in order for you to be able to do your job well? It’s a profound meditation on labor and love. Try it. No, really, right now. Write down all the names of the people who have to show up in order for you to show up.
David Abram talks about the ground, those unseen layers pushing back up against our soles, as the phenomenological embodiment of history. Gratitude, in a way, is a practice of naming that history. A history of care and labor and interconnectedness. Capitalism wants us to move fast toward the future that is the horizon. Our resistance can be to plant ourselves as often as possible, naming what allows us to "grownd," as Hannah Emerson writes. The future will come to us.
Hi Courtney, My brother, Stan Martin (too bad we're probably not related) sent me this column when I told him I was responsible for a month of worship services at our House Church in Washington, DC (well, on zoom now). I am sharing your question (well Sharon Salzburg's question) tomorrow - with attribution and after subscribing to your blog. I am grateful for your reminder to turn from the usual "I am grateful for this thing that made ME happy" to reminding ourselves what others are doing to keep us going. Thank you.
It's the connectedness you allow us to feel as we read your words -- that's what we are hungry for. Today it's not only for those we know who make our work possible, but also those we don't. In this odd time of separateness, I'm grateful for every moment that I feel connection. Thanks, Courtney
David Abram talks about the ground, those unseen layers pushing back up against our soles, as the phenomenological embodiment of history. Gratitude, in a way, is a practice of naming that history. A history of care and labor and interconnectedness. Capitalism wants us to move fast toward the future that is the horizon. Our resistance can be to plant ourselves as often as possible, naming what allows us to "grownd," as Hannah Emerson writes. The future will come to us.
thank you for this. your words always help me to remember what matters. you help me to show up
Hi Courtney, My brother, Stan Martin (too bad we're probably not related) sent me this column when I told him I was responsible for a month of worship services at our House Church in Washington, DC (well, on zoom now). I am sharing your question (well Sharon Salzburg's question) tomorrow - with attribution and after subscribing to your blog. I am grateful for your reminder to turn from the usual "I am grateful for this thing that made ME happy" to reminding ourselves what others are doing to keep us going. Thank you.
It's the connectedness you allow us to feel as we read your words -- that's what we are hungry for. Today it's not only for those we know who make our work possible, but also those we don't. In this odd time of separateness, I'm grateful for every moment that I feel connection. Thanks, Courtney