I have gotten pretty good at recognizing the voice that shames me. Well, i don’t recognize it all the time or as quickly as i would like to. Eventually, though, i realize that “oh, there’s this voice telling me that i am not xyz enough.” Whatever xyz is. It’s there almost all the time. And i am hoping that it’ll become easier for me to differentiate myself from it. To not view it as The Truth. What i hadn’t noticed until today is that there’s another voice that tears other things apart very similarly. It’s not sunny enough where i … Continue reading »
Dec 292011
Nov 252011
The same thing happened last year: I was super excited about an annual folk dance festival that takes place the two days after Thanksgiving. I was excited, planning to be there the whole time – until it was time to go. Then i came up with all sorts of reasons for not going. Last year, i simply decided that changing my mind was okay. This year, i wanted to know why i was changing my mind again. I could sense some fear in my body. So, i spent some time today trying to figure out what that fear is about. … Continue reading »
Sep 212011
The first question Sarah asked in response to my rant about how difficult i am finding it to build community: What kind of community are you trying to build? Good question! As a spinster by choice, a woman who weaves her own life, i am interested in building a support network that replaces the traditional family (both nuclear and extended) with a network of people i chose. I envision that this network offers mutual support and helps us all live more resilient, secure lives because we know there are others who have our backs. I’d love to have connections where … Continue reading »
Jul 022011
I am noticing just how lonely i am feeling right now – reacting to an email exchange i had within a now virtual community with people i’ve deeply connected with when we spend 9 days together. I am posting this here as well to increase my reach. If my words (esp. in my first email) resonate with you, could you please contact me. I would love to connect with other atheists/skeptics who also value Nonviolent Communication (NVC). (Here is a feelings & needs inventory that might be helpful when practicing NVC). (Also note the emotional shift i describe in the … Continue reading »
One of my most powerful experiences at the recent intensive Nonviolent Communication training i attended came when i shared with the group that i felt uneasy when i hear references to religion and spirituality. I believe there is no God (i am certain there is no God as described in the Judeo-Christian tradition; i am pretty certain there is no god period). I approach things skeptically and will ask for evidence that stands up to the scientific method especially if you make exceptional claims. I was terrified to share this because i also value connections with others, even across difference. … Continue reading »
I learned about Joy DeGruy Leary’s work in a class i am taking on Transforming Oppression. As part of a class, we attended a talk she gave. I was impressed by the talk – and shocked and infuriated. Shocked by the information about slavery that i had never learned and infuriated that i never learned that it was Maafa, Black Holocaust. I guess that shows, in part, my own ignorance but it is also a pattern that DeGruy notes in her book.
Recent Comments