I love this so much! Since the first of the year I have started a really simple practice each morning when I come to my studio. I light a candle while saying, "My creative self-expressions are a sacred act of love for myself and the world." It sounds so benign but it has completely changed what I choose to focus on each day and how I feel about what I do. Your suggestions and choices are absolutely beautiful and inspiring. Thank you!🌿💚
Lighting a candle and affirming life is such a beautiful ritual and remembrance of our higher self, Leenie. Thank you for sharing that. I'm struck by how many women light a single flame each morning to begin their day, and I'm grateful for the feeling of sisterhood that brings. I believe we connect in the simplicity and profundity of a single flame.
I will be traveling this path with you and the others who choose it. After the earlier four years of chaos, I've decided to simply notice, but not get emotionally upset by decisions that were so not for the benefit of we the people. If I say, Hmm, I wonder how that will turn out, with no stress, I'm seeing some outcomes that are sensible. Others are not, but I cannot control that. But I can, as primarily a shut-in these days at nearly 83, that I am loving btw, write my stories again, spread all the light I can when I'm out and stay in the light as much as I can. I love these practices you have written and thought I'd add a strong-self care way that helps me stay peace-full and calm and is what I can do in my quiet way.
I stand united with you, Mary Jo. You lay out for us a measured way of viewing what is happening and what is ahead. May we continue, as you say, to spread all the light that we can. Self-care is an excellent addition. Thank you for this. It is helpful to us all.
And thank you as always for sharing your generous wisdom with us. Together as we are, I dream that one day strong, wise, and caring women will be in leadership in our country.... just, imagine ....
Mary Jo, this is my practice, too. Notice whatever, notice how it feels to understand it, and then let that go--until I can learn more about it, read about it, and write about it.
Thank you, Susan! I'm happy to know we share this perspective that is so sanity-producing. Yes, I'm well and thriving, in fact, after my two year quiet pursuit for a writing epiphany. Since the New Year, I'm hunkered down in the blessed winter solstice and am starting to outline the story and see what I have. It's been very powerful for me and lifted me into a new focus and increased energy. More to come. Have a joyous solstice!
Thank you to each woman who has "Liked" my approach to the year. So far it is working well, and given all the wisdom I've sought in the past year or two, I think there may be a book in there. Your support encourages me.
Okay, Stephanie. First you introduce me to the word I fall in love with: Creatrix . And I name my new cottage Creatrix Cottage and now I am sitting in my Creatrix Room typing this to you to tell you that I am copying and printing your note today and putting it at eye level each time I look up and out the window. The tide has been flowing pretty well, but every now and them I stumble/ upon an ebb tide and pause. Today's the day I declaring I've got this.... Thank you so much, Stephanie, and each supporter I have discovered here. xo
Love hearing from you women in your eighties. Love to hear that you are still creating, still loving being in the world. I'm 73 and need to hear from my elders that there is creativity yet to come. Thank you.
Creativity, curiosity, self-discovery, even the unraveling holds a light of self-knowledge. In other words, I think that the potential for human development is happening until the day we die.
I LOVE everything about this piece! It's easy to feel like disengaging, giving up, or whatever. I absolutely agree that we are not broken or powerless - even if it sometimes feels that way. And yes, we must bear witness to the history we are living through, share our own truths about it, and help lift up others who are sharing truths about it as well. Alone we have limited power. Together, we have so much more.
My plan is to stay informed on my terms, write more, start journaling again, incorporate movement every day, get back to reading more regularly, and whatever else I think of along the way. Your suggestions are terrific.
Thank you for this wonderful article. This fellow old woman is with you all the way!
Thank you Nancy. Each of us in our own small way is a force for good. And you remind us of that with your own list of how to keep compassion and love alive in darker times. Linking arms, old wise woman. Together we are mighty!
Oh these are such beautiful guidelines for navigating the choppy waters ahead, Stephanie. Thank you.❤️🙏🕊️
I have a sense that many people, and in particular women, everywhere will find solace and comfort in connecting through our creativity and writing. Also while it's true that we are each but one drop in a vast ocean, it's wise to also remember as Rumi says, "You are the entire ocean in a drop."
And I like this too from Ryunosuke Satoro, “Individually, we are one drop, but together, we are an ocean.”
And I like to remember that every drop of inner work I do to become more aware and not identified with the "defilements of the mind" as they put it in Buddhism, the more I'm able to cultivate loving kindness, compassion, equanimity and mudita - i.e. sympathetic or altruistic joy, gladness at the good fortune of others.
Similarly, Camilla, I'm happy to have found in you a kindred spirit. Thank you for the quotes and for the underscoring of inner work. That work goes a long way in being able to see the light of grace in the darkness.
How much I love your article! I keep on reading this again and again:
“Creativity. Service. Hospitality. Awareness. Simplicity. This is where I am rooting my resistance and resilience. No one can take away our ability to do good in the world. One old woman, joined by another, and then another, can spark a ripple effect in a culture starved for soul and substance.”
💛💛💛 Thank you Stephanie.
I am middle age - so not classically old but your piece resonates a lot. Maybe because I intrinsically believe that we all - no matter the age, the appearance, the origin, etc. can be unstoppable! 💛💛💛
Link arms with young women, mid-life women, old women -- you are so right Rose, link arms with each other and find the unstoppable strength in the support that for another. Love that you're drawn to soul and substance; that's my favorite cup of tea as well. Sending big hugs and much appreciation for your thoughtful comment. Thank you. ~Stephanie
I am so happy to have you in my life, Susan. And Happy 86th revolution around the sun. We are grand old wise women, one and all. Filled with appreciation for our unity!
Every one of these suggestions is a gem. I'm leaning into learning how to watercolor and tutoring in a program for immigrants wanting to learn English so that can get a good job. Both center me.
Learning watercolor. . . what a great way to touch in with the beauty of color and softness. And I love the ideas of tutoring immigrants. I tutored immigrant children one year at community center called House of Hope. Like you say, keeping our center is essential in these times.
I love this essay, with terrific tips for alleviating stress. Like you, I have put limits on how much news I watch. I want to be aware of what's going on, but I psychologically can't handle being deluged by news. Very overwhelming.
And I can't handle the shitstorm that is hitting our country, as well as what will happen starting on inauguration day. So I will do what I always do: create oil paintings. The process is so relaxing that I literally forget everything and am transported into flow -- starting from the moment my paint-filled brushes touch the canvas.
I plan to also volunteer for a worthy organization or more.
Thank you for these first rate tips. Your fan, Beth
While you are painting, I will be writing. And others will be making gardens and quilts and music. I feel comfort in this fact; not so alone; not unable to muster the resilience or hope necessary to continue on. Instead able -- able in the creativity that keeps our civility and compassion alive and thriving. Big hugs and appreciation, my friend.
Thank you Stephanie for this! I’ve not followed a bit of news for such a long time now. And the last 2 days, I’ve peeked my head into the newsroom for a few minutes. What I heard and saw was not pretty at all.
I know not to indulge. I know to bring whatever weight I carry on my chest into ceremony in the evenings, lighting a candle … for me, for each of us.
And all the ways you suggested we stay involved, active in imagination and creativity and service…love them all. We must keep our own ships afloat. The times ahead will require a sea of them. ❤️
Don't you just love that so many of us light a candle and think of other women doing the same as a prelude to their art, their ceremony and their work? It's wonderful to be connected in that way. May we all stay afloat.
All of this is great Stephanie, I join you and this —with two middle fingers up "To Corporate America: I don’t need the endless stream of products you’re pushing. I don’t need another app. I don’t need the latest trend or gadget. Instead, I can recycle, spend less, and not practice of consumerism as the religion it has become. Take good care of your sweet fiery heart. Thank you.
I'll see your two middle fingers and raise you one! I know that you know about dark days and the resilience to make it though to the other side. You are always an inspiration to me, dear Prajna.
Thank you, Cherie. There are some great women with whom we can link arms. . . especially in this artistic community of those who seek beauty and meaning-making. Sending you love, hugs and goodwill.
I had been working on a piece of writing along similar lines, under the title “considering cronehood”…with a few additions. I’d better get a wriggle on.
A crown would go well with my crone-couture (some scholars have disputed the interpretation of crone as Krone, the German for crown, but I hold fast!). I wish you well, too.
On November 6th 2024, I sobbed so much I had to take great heaving breaths. You know how crying can calm you? That happened. I used to be a Buddhist and meditated for years, but somehow it fell away. So I started again. I realized that it’s somehow easier this time around; I can access a quiet joy. I spend a lot of time outdoors (fortunately I have escaped winter in the NE USA) and I work on embroidery for hours. These acts are helping to heal and contribute to a sense of equanimity (it’s not always easy to come by, but it’s getting better). I know that we are entering a period of darkness and grief. But if we grieve together, we can ease the way for each other.
Martha, I share in your sorrow and in your resolve to "access a quiet joy." We are all in this together, millions of women, united in being a force for good. May the forest trails whisper the poetry of beauty in your ears. Let's link arms. I stand with you.
I love this so much! Since the first of the year I have started a really simple practice each morning when I come to my studio. I light a candle while saying, "My creative self-expressions are a sacred act of love for myself and the world." It sounds so benign but it has completely changed what I choose to focus on each day and how I feel about what I do. Your suggestions and choices are absolutely beautiful and inspiring. Thank you!🌿💚
Lighting a candle and affirming life is such a beautiful ritual and remembrance of our higher self, Leenie. Thank you for sharing that. I'm struck by how many women light a single flame each morning to begin their day, and I'm grateful for the feeling of sisterhood that brings. I believe we connect in the simplicity and profundity of a single flame.
I will light one to each day mine will be battery operated and love radiant too
I know the radiant love runs on your heart . . . no batteries required. Sending big hugs, Lynette.
I will be traveling this path with you and the others who choose it. After the earlier four years of chaos, I've decided to simply notice, but not get emotionally upset by decisions that were so not for the benefit of we the people. If I say, Hmm, I wonder how that will turn out, with no stress, I'm seeing some outcomes that are sensible. Others are not, but I cannot control that. But I can, as primarily a shut-in these days at nearly 83, that I am loving btw, write my stories again, spread all the light I can when I'm out and stay in the light as much as I can. I love these practices you have written and thought I'd add a strong-self care way that helps me stay peace-full and calm and is what I can do in my quiet way.
I stand united with you, Mary Jo. You lay out for us a measured way of viewing what is happening and what is ahead. May we continue, as you say, to spread all the light that we can. Self-care is an excellent addition. Thank you for this. It is helpful to us all.
And thank you as always for sharing your generous wisdom with us. Together as we are, I dream that one day strong, wise, and caring women will be in leadership in our country.... just, imagine ....
Mary Jo, this is my practice, too. Notice whatever, notice how it feels to understand it, and then let that go--until I can learn more about it, read about it, and write about it.
I hope this new year finds you well, dear.
Thank you, Susan! I'm happy to know we share this perspective that is so sanity-producing. Yes, I'm well and thriving, in fact, after my two year quiet pursuit for a writing epiphany. Since the New Year, I'm hunkered down in the blessed winter solstice and am starting to outline the story and see what I have. It's been very powerful for me and lifted me into a new focus and increased energy. More to come. Have a joyous solstice!
Thank you to each woman who has "Liked" my approach to the year. So far it is working well, and given all the wisdom I've sought in the past year or two, I think there may be a book in there. Your support encourages me.
Your comment is making me grin, Mary Jo. You go, girl! You got this -- book and all! Sign me a fan.
Okay, Stephanie. First you introduce me to the word I fall in love with: Creatrix . And I name my new cottage Creatrix Cottage and now I am sitting in my Creatrix Room typing this to you to tell you that I am copying and printing your note today and putting it at eye level each time I look up and out the window. The tide has been flowing pretty well, but every now and them I stumble/ upon an ebb tide and pause. Today's the day I declaring I've got this.... Thank you so much, Stephanie, and each supporter I have discovered here. xo
Love hearing from you women in your eighties. Love to hear that you are still creating, still loving being in the world. I'm 73 and need to hear from my elders that there is creativity yet to come. Thank you.
Creativity, curiosity, self-discovery, even the unraveling holds a light of self-knowledge. In other words, I think that the potential for human development is happening until the day we die.
Hi Stephanie,
I LOVE everything about this piece! It's easy to feel like disengaging, giving up, or whatever. I absolutely agree that we are not broken or powerless - even if it sometimes feels that way. And yes, we must bear witness to the history we are living through, share our own truths about it, and help lift up others who are sharing truths about it as well. Alone we have limited power. Together, we have so much more.
My plan is to stay informed on my terms, write more, start journaling again, incorporate movement every day, get back to reading more regularly, and whatever else I think of along the way. Your suggestions are terrific.
Thank you for this wonderful article. This fellow old woman is with you all the way!
Thank you Nancy. Each of us in our own small way is a force for good. And you remind us of that with your own list of how to keep compassion and love alive in darker times. Linking arms, old wise woman. Together we are mighty!
Oh these are such beautiful guidelines for navigating the choppy waters ahead, Stephanie. Thank you.❤️🙏🕊️
I have a sense that many people, and in particular women, everywhere will find solace and comfort in connecting through our creativity and writing. Also while it's true that we are each but one drop in a vast ocean, it's wise to also remember as Rumi says, "You are the entire ocean in a drop."
And I like this too from Ryunosuke Satoro, “Individually, we are one drop, but together, we are an ocean.”
And I like to remember that every drop of inner work I do to become more aware and not identified with the "defilements of the mind" as they put it in Buddhism, the more I'm able to cultivate loving kindness, compassion, equanimity and mudita - i.e. sympathetic or altruistic joy, gladness at the good fortune of others.
So grateful to have found your Substack🥰✨🌟💖🙏🕊️
Similarly, Camilla, I'm happy to have found in you a kindred spirit. Thank you for the quotes and for the underscoring of inner work. That work goes a long way in being able to see the light of grace in the darkness.
Beautiful! 💙
How much I love your article! I keep on reading this again and again:
“Creativity. Service. Hospitality. Awareness. Simplicity. This is where I am rooting my resistance and resilience. No one can take away our ability to do good in the world. One old woman, joined by another, and then another, can spark a ripple effect in a culture starved for soul and substance.”
💛💛💛 Thank you Stephanie.
I am middle age - so not classically old but your piece resonates a lot. Maybe because I intrinsically believe that we all - no matter the age, the appearance, the origin, etc. can be unstoppable! 💛💛💛
Plus, I am always drawn to soul and substance 🦋
Link arms with young women, mid-life women, old women -- you are so right Rose, link arms with each other and find the unstoppable strength in the support that for another. Love that you're drawn to soul and substance; that's my favorite cup of tea as well. Sending big hugs and much appreciation for your thoughtful comment. Thank you. ~Stephanie
Thank you Stephanie - I am all for linking arms :-) and let's have that faviorite cup of tea together 💛
And I too, joining arms here, Stephers. Just began my 86th journey around the sun--so glad we are in this together, all of us old women!
I am so happy to have you in my life, Susan. And Happy 86th revolution around the sun. We are grand old wise women, one and all. Filled with appreciation for our unity!
Every one of these suggestions is a gem. I'm leaning into learning how to watercolor and tutoring in a program for immigrants wanting to learn English so that can get a good job. Both center me.
Learning watercolor. . . what a great way to touch in with the beauty of color and softness. And I love the ideas of tutoring immigrants. I tutored immigrant children one year at community center called House of Hope. Like you say, keeping our center is essential in these times.
Hi Stephanie,
I love this essay, with terrific tips for alleviating stress. Like you, I have put limits on how much news I watch. I want to be aware of what's going on, but I psychologically can't handle being deluged by news. Very overwhelming.
And I can't handle the shitstorm that is hitting our country, as well as what will happen starting on inauguration day. So I will do what I always do: create oil paintings. The process is so relaxing that I literally forget everything and am transported into flow -- starting from the moment my paint-filled brushes touch the canvas.
I plan to also volunteer for a worthy organization or more.
Thank you for these first rate tips. Your fan, Beth
.
While you are painting, I will be writing. And others will be making gardens and quilts and music. I feel comfort in this fact; not so alone; not unable to muster the resilience or hope necessary to continue on. Instead able -- able in the creativity that keeps our civility and compassion alive and thriving. Big hugs and appreciation, my friend.
Thank you Stephanie for this! I’ve not followed a bit of news for such a long time now. And the last 2 days, I’ve peeked my head into the newsroom for a few minutes. What I heard and saw was not pretty at all.
I know not to indulge. I know to bring whatever weight I carry on my chest into ceremony in the evenings, lighting a candle … for me, for each of us.
And all the ways you suggested we stay involved, active in imagination and creativity and service…love them all. We must keep our own ships afloat. The times ahead will require a sea of them. ❤️
Don't you just love that so many of us light a candle and think of other women doing the same as a prelude to their art, their ceremony and their work? It's wonderful to be connected in that way. May we all stay afloat.
All of this is great Stephanie, I join you and this —with two middle fingers up "To Corporate America: I don’t need the endless stream of products you’re pushing. I don’t need another app. I don’t need the latest trend or gadget. Instead, I can recycle, spend less, and not practice of consumerism as the religion it has become. Take good care of your sweet fiery heart. Thank you.
I'll see your two middle fingers and raise you one! I know that you know about dark days and the resilience to make it though to the other side. You are always an inspiration to me, dear Prajna.
Thank you, Stephanie. Simple, encouraging and effective. And much appreciated.
I feel so blessed to be in the company of creative women who are willing to use the powers of persuasion for the sake of the collective good.
Together, we are a powerful force.
Another old woman linking arms here! Great ideas, Stephanie!
Thank you, Cherie. There are some great women with whom we can link arms. . . especially in this artistic community of those who seek beauty and meaning-making. Sending you love, hugs and goodwill.
After hearing Trump's plans for conquest this morning, these guidelines were perfect. Thank you!!!!!!!
Thank you, Susan. I know that you do a lot of this type of reflective work in your writing. I stand with you in creativity and goodwill.
I had been working on a piece of writing along similar lines, under the title “considering cronehood”…with a few additions. I’d better get a wriggle on.
Hi India. May you continue to write the passions of your heart, and consider the crowning of your cronehood. Biggest of hugs.
A crown would go well with my crone-couture (some scholars have disputed the interpretation of crone as Krone, the German for crown, but I hold fast!). I wish you well, too.
On November 6th 2024, I sobbed so much I had to take great heaving breaths. You know how crying can calm you? That happened. I used to be a Buddhist and meditated for years, but somehow it fell away. So I started again. I realized that it’s somehow easier this time around; I can access a quiet joy. I spend a lot of time outdoors (fortunately I have escaped winter in the NE USA) and I work on embroidery for hours. These acts are helping to heal and contribute to a sense of equanimity (it’s not always easy to come by, but it’s getting better). I know that we are entering a period of darkness and grief. But if we grieve together, we can ease the way for each other.
Martha, I share in your sorrow and in your resolve to "access a quiet joy." We are all in this together, millions of women, united in being a force for good. May the forest trails whisper the poetry of beauty in your ears. Let's link arms. I stand with you.