Hello Reader,
I flipped back through The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors, where I underlined these words by Lama Rod Owens:
“My body is more ancient than any system of violence created to tame it. How do I trust my body's ancient intuitive wisdom?”
I surrender to awe of giant gold-green leaves larger than my head as the sun bathes the forest in the botanical garden.
I notice the people and places where I can be myself, where I feel messy and natural like the leaves piled up on the muddy forest floor. I tune into rhythms. I express care.
Recently, I facilitated a somatic workshop for performance artists at a conference. It was meaningful to offer nourishment towards a community that has nourished me, an experience of reciprocity.
I try not to let fear of imperfection stop me from making attempts. I acknowledge the fear.
I consider presence over preparation, one of the core principles of emergent strategy.
In an interview, adrienne maree brown, says “life moves towards life, longing moves towards longing.”
Now more than ever as systems of violence bear down, we must practice noticing what we long for, so we can move towards it.
I notice the flyers for Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) hotline stapled to posts in my neighborhood.
I let two separate people in front of me in the grocery line because they only have a couple items.
Later, a stranger pulls their car over to let me pass on a narrow road, and we wave to each other.
I follow, ancient, heart-led, where pain, where love, where sensation, lead me towards this life we share.
Reflection
What are you longing for that you can move towards? What can you surrender to the forest floor?
Resources
My Creative Updates & Offerings
In Uruguay, four of my Spanish short stories are published in Lugares Que No Recordamos Bien, a new anthology curated by Argentinian author Mariela Peña for Ginkgo Editora. The anthology is available in all bookstores in Uruguay. A big thank you to Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), whose grant helped support my participation in both the anthology and Escaramuza’s El Fuego writer’s workshop led by Mariela.
Community & Care
From Make & Mary on the supportive use of breath, music and aromatherapy.
Portland: Artist talk 2p.m. PT on January 10 at Blue Sky Oregon Center for Photographic Arts, 122 NW 8th Ave. Escaramuza: The Poetics of Home, pairs photographic portraits of US-based escaramuzas by Constance Jaeggi with commissioned poetry by the Mexican American poets ire’ne lara silva and Angelina Sáenz. Exhibit runs January 8 - 31.
From The Commons Social Change Library: A Community Guide for Opposing Hate, and Trauma First Aid After a Mass Shooting.
My life partner has been living with Long COVID acquired ME (Myalgic encephalomyelitis) for three years. This article by Phillip Hoover in The Sick Times hits home: You know someone with Long COVID. They need you to ask about it genuinely.
Soft Pants for Your Mind
Jennifer Huang’s poem, "Gender Euphoria and the Superbloom."
A cutting humor piece by the brilliant John Paul Brammer: 'Cloud Dancer': A Measured Response: Regarding Pantone's decision, and so on, and so forth.
Jason Reynolds “For Everyone,” a moving twenty minute spoken word piece, a deep sonic delight.
Notes & Citations
Lama Rod Owens, The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors.
"Emergent Strategies" - adrienne maree brown, Nov 1, 2017.
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.
