Learning and Leaning In
War, family, and the best and the worst of humans
Good day, dear ones!
I have three big articles bumping around within me, all of which are partially written in my head. I’m learning to allow more space and dreaming and patience with each piece of writing, especially when the topic is controversial or challenging. I also know even when I take lots of time to write and research thoroughly that I’m still going to upset / disappoint / anger some of you and bring a sense of healing, relief, and feeling seen to others.
A recent article, These Are a Few of the Heartbreaking Things, brought both gratitude and upset. This is what I appreciate about writing about controversial or challenging topics here instead of on social media: we can dialogue and have hard conversations. We can learn from each other. We can ask hard questions and not always like each other’s opinions. I feel really grateful for the communications I’ve had, and the thoughtful, respectful shares and reflections. I don’t consider anything I’ve written to be the final truth, but a window into where I am now, with my current understandings and experience. I am always evolving and growing and willing to be wrong and also willing to have a perspective that may differ from you. When we respect each other we can learn and lean in rather than tear down or demean.
I spent much of yesterday up on the land making soup, going for walks, and reading in front of the wood stove while it snowed outside.
This morning I finished A Fort with Nine Towers by Qais Akbar Omar about war and family in Afghanistan. This book shines, and is truly a testament to both the courage and strength of humans and an intimate experience of the cruelty and depravity of humans. Truly a masterpiece of a memoir.
I’m back on GoodReads, sharing what I’m reading and reviews. Here is my review of A Fort with Nine Towers: goodreads.com/review/show/6348729466
Here’s a question: anybody interested in joining me in an Out of the Fire monthly book club?
I’ve been following
and am fascinated by her walking book club, which she offers both live and online. Two of my favorite things together! Let me know in the chat if you are interested in a book club of some form, or if you are part of one now that you recommend.Below is a list of books from
who writes in honor of International Women’s Day. Happy reading. May we all lean in to the joys and the sorrows.Ash
A book club with you HeatherAsh sounds delightful! In whatever form. A walking book club? Love the image that brings to mind of putting heads together in deep discussion while walking…in the woods preferably!
While a book club with you sounds wonderful, I’m currently working through a reading list a mile long! It’s a miracle I’ve managed to read 4 books this year so far with so much distraction from other media. It’s overwhelming! I wonder if anyone else feels overwhelmed trying to consume the constant barrage of media. To be honest, I’m excited to read the additional books suggested in Warrior Goddess Training. For me, I’d rather take suggestions as you noted in this post, rather than a commitment to a full on book club. Thank you for your time and commitment to this community!