I, too, was moved to put pen to paper the minute I got up.
NOVEMBER 6, 2024
O, America, I weep.
The Nation stands at the doorway of a future we can't even imagine, and I weep because you lacked the courage to take that step forward. You chose instead to turn back into the dark, comforting arms of the past: "getting ahead" instead of "giving a hand"; slamming doors shut instead of opening them wide to new breezes, new ideas, new people; ; hating our neighbors instead of loving them as ourselves; raping the earth as if we owned it instead of nurturing and preserving it as if our lives depended on it ; shunning "the other" instead of weaving the threads of the indigenous, the immigrant, the divergent into the tapestry of America along with the falsely named "normal."
I used to say I was glad I was old and would not see an uncertain future, but now I know I must live long to keep the flames of compassion alive, to ensure that the future, like the incoming tide or the rising sun, is greeted with open arms, to vote for our first woman President, and to pass my hard-earned wisdom on. You are needed, fellow crones. Now is our time
"We are going to move through our lives being as different from him as we can." I love this so much, Courtney. I'm not American, but the trouble with how I met the moment in 2017 was that actions were so reactive and also DEFINED by him. Everything was wrong with that. This is an approach feels freer, more sustainable, and wonderfully subversive too. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you for the words I needed to hear - honest & real. As I awakened today it has been almost impossible for me to “inhabit the present” but I know it is the only way for me to be with myself & others. Wow - stay tender, stay together- my new mantra.
Now is the time to think about mobilizing a real mass civil disobedience movement once the government starts its invasion of our rights. We have the best model in MLK’s historic nonviolent resistance to racism. DD
We are all in this together. As I sit with so many feelings, I know that community matters and makes a difference. The metta practice (loving kindness) creates a container for all my emotions and yet reminds me of our connections across what feels like a ravine. We shall stay tender and stay together - for ourselves as well as for everybody.
Unfathomable that we’re here again. Thanks for making the morning after more bearable, Courtney — as you did in 2016 with your post-election Creative Mornings/Oakland talk that was to have celebrated our first woman president then — but had to be re-tooled last minute to comfort/ground/fortify us instead. Thanks for doing that again!
I have a postcard of a saying that has been a guiding light for me for many years - you should see how tattered the card is! Anyway, thank you so, so much for your moving words and encouragement to carry on together - I would like to share this with you -and others “Your heart is a muscle the size of your fist. Keep loving. Keep fighting.” Today is for processing and regrouping. Tomorrow, back to it!
Thank you, Courtney, for having the capacity to share a slice of your life and wisdom today. Much needed and appreciated! Xo
I, too, was moved to put pen to paper the minute I got up.
NOVEMBER 6, 2024
O, America, I weep.
The Nation stands at the doorway of a future we can't even imagine, and I weep because you lacked the courage to take that step forward. You chose instead to turn back into the dark, comforting arms of the past: "getting ahead" instead of "giving a hand"; slamming doors shut instead of opening them wide to new breezes, new ideas, new people; ; hating our neighbors instead of loving them as ourselves; raping the earth as if we owned it instead of nurturing and preserving it as if our lives depended on it ; shunning "the other" instead of weaving the threads of the indigenous, the immigrant, the divergent into the tapestry of America along with the falsely named "normal."
I used to say I was glad I was old and would not see an uncertain future, but now I know I must live long to keep the flames of compassion alive, to ensure that the future, like the incoming tide or the rising sun, is greeted with open arms, to vote for our first woman President, and to pass my hard-earned wisdom on. You are needed, fellow crones. Now is our time
Today I weep.
Tomorrow I rise.
Heather Wilson
Amen. Thanks for sharing.
"We are going to move through our lives being as different from him as we can." I love this so much, Courtney. I'm not American, but the trouble with how I met the moment in 2017 was that actions were so reactive and also DEFINED by him. Everything was wrong with that. This is an approach feels freer, more sustainable, and wonderfully subversive too. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you for the words I needed to hear - honest & real. As I awakened today it has been almost impossible for me to “inhabit the present” but I know it is the only way for me to be with myself & others. Wow - stay tender, stay together- my new mantra.
Now is the time to think about mobilizing a real mass civil disobedience movement once the government starts its invasion of our rights. We have the best model in MLK’s historic nonviolent resistance to racism. DD
We are all in this together. As I sit with so many feelings, I know that community matters and makes a difference. The metta practice (loving kindness) creates a container for all my emotions and yet reminds me of our connections across what feels like a ravine. We shall stay tender and stay together - for ourselves as well as for everybody.
The ravine! Perfect metaphor, Mary Lou. Thank you.
Thank you, Courtney. Yes to staying tender and staying together.
Sending a big care bear stare of love straight into your home this morning, Sharon. You both deserve a better story, too.
Unfathomable that we’re here again. Thanks for making the morning after more bearable, Courtney — as you did in 2016 with your post-election Creative Mornings/Oakland talk that was to have celebrated our first woman president then — but had to be re-tooled last minute to comfort/ground/fortify us instead. Thanks for doing that again!
thank you. we are all in this together and he does not define us. telling my three children this morning, though, was devastating.
This brings me to tears. I really needed this more than I can express. Thank you.
Thank you for telling me, Karen. My dad thought you were a genius, too!
I have a postcard of a saying that has been a guiding light for me for many years - you should see how tattered the card is! Anyway, thank you so, so much for your moving words and encouragement to carry on together - I would like to share this with you -and others “Your heart is a muscle the size of your fist. Keep loving. Keep fighting.” Today is for processing and regrouping. Tomorrow, back to it!
Thank you for sharing that. I love it.
Thank you so much for this.
I have been waiting all morning for these consoling, wise words. Thank you.
Ann Connolly
Thank you so much, Ann. Sending love.
Love you so, so much, Court.
Thank you for this fierce tenderness you express so well. Hard hard day. Bless us one and all.
Best thing I've read today Courtenay. I love your humanity and your writing. Thank you.