Hello Reader,
One of my favorite ways to feel connection is through parallel play and co-regulation.
In the spring, I waited in a long line (worth it!) to pet ponies at the Lan Su Chinese Garden. I was also invited to Highland Farms to brush Scottish Highland Cows and meet Guardian dogs.
My recent summer highlight was a visit to the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary.
After an orientation, we were invited to interact with the donkeys, brush their fur, pet them. Time got wide, spacious, unhurried.
I walked around the field to gently approach the donkeys, with a brush in my hand. I pet the softest part of their fur below their chest.
I felt calm. I smiled. I felt lucky to be there. The awe lasted for days.
The volunteers shared the donkey’s names, origin stories, and unique personality traits. Some of the donkeys survived abuse, mistreatment, and/or neglect.
Donkeys are misunderstood animals. They are intelligent, soulful. They have amazing memories. They never forget but they do learn to trust again.
In an OPB article, Rhonda Urquhart, one of the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary owners, said:
“If you are dealing with a donkey that doesn’t know you and you haven’t built a mutual relationship with that donkey, you’re gonna put a halter on them and they’re gonna say,
“Where are we going? Who’s gonna be there? Is there gonna be alcohol? Do we have a designated driver? What time are we gonna come home?”
And you have to be patient to let them determine that this is safe.”
I smile. I am a little bit of a donkey too. I move, big-hearted, at the speed of trust.
If you show me who you are, I’ll remember. If you invite me to a party, I will probably go home sooner than most.
The visit to the sanctuary was an embodied reminder of how co-regulation provides nourishment, whether with people, a forest, a cool river, or a donkey.
I surrender to the present moment with child-like awe, as I pet a gentle, wise ancient animal.
Reflection
What is your favorite way to seek connection, whether to your self, your loved ones, the natural world, and beyond?
Resources
My Creative Updates & Offerings
Tickets are available for workshop 9 on August 22 at Performance Works NW, featuring new and in-process sound and music by warm canopy, Maxx Katz and Vanessa Micale. If you like experimental work-in-process, this is for you.
Workshops for organizations: My workplace training "Psychological Safety: Burnout Prevention and Belonging," includes research and best practices alongside reflection and somatic mind-body support. Schedule in advance for winter/spring.
Community & Care
Re-sharing The Embodiment Institutes's free bilingual somatic resources on Being the Ground, also in Spanish as Somos Suelo Firme.
The Marshall Project's "What, to the Immigrant, Is Your Fourth of July?" with brief stories from immigrants. Plus, Raíces Live Policy Analysis: Navigating Immigration Law & Policy.
From Neurodivergent Insights, on autism, ADHD and sleep. Plus, from Sarah K. Chauncey "Craft & Process Tips for ADHD Writers."
From Lisa's My Long Pause Substack post on "The pros and cons of living with my able-bodied partner."
From Malwarebytes, digital safety tips for settings on Meta.
Apparently, there's a viral "eccentric aunt" aesthetic, the weirder, the better. Phew, what a relief to be on trend.
Soft Pants for Your Mind
Robert Glasper performs Radiohead's "Everything in Its Right Place" at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Tears roll down his face.
A ten-minute meditation with Pinky, a cute pink puppet from Ragmop and Goose.
Notes & Citations
https://www.opb.org/article/2026/04/06/think-out-loud-oregon-donkey-sanctuary-animals
https://www.oregondonkeys.org/residents
https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/for-owners/owners-resources/understanding-donkey-behaviour
Let’s resource! Let’s play! Let’s happen to notice, together.
In peace,
Vanessa Micale
Founder of Poderosa Voz LLC
(she, they, ella)
P.S. You can show your support by sharing this micro-newsletter with a friend, or you can send me a digital tip and treat me to a pastry.
P.P.S. Sharing resources is one of my love languages. Is there a resource related to somatic and creative realms you want to see or you know of? Hit reply and let me know.
