When I was 27 years old I was invited to an annual convening called Authentic Leadership in Action, led by the friends and followers of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Over the next four summers, I learned to meditate. I met myself. I became myself. And then the Executive Director stepped aside, or was pushed aside, or some confluence of forces arose, and ALIA was over.
I’ll allow myself to think about it for long enough for gratitude to consume me and then I’ll let it go - because we did meet. And we’re never going back to the time before.
Aug 31, 2023·edited Aug 31, 2023Liked by Jessica James
What is it about laughter that is so vital? Through all the hard moments it seems to open a door and remind us of something, like opening a window that fills a dark, suffocating room with air and light. I’m so grateful that we get to feel it all together, and that no matter how crunchy life gets, we involuntarily find these moments of bliss. They’ve carried me, we’ve carried each other, and I’m cheering you now. I loved this and I love you.
Wheeeew! Thank you for your heart and the descriptive words chosen that let me in. So much vulnerability and passed down wisdom. Also, so many lines that had me on my toes, but today this one got me, “Because it’s not just that they can see and hold and even untangle my misery.” Thank you for sharing.
Whew, Jess, thank you. I needed to read this today and I might reread it tomorrow and the next day. Like you, I am also getting a divorce at 40 and I am learning a lot.
Just getting to read this on the eve of heading out over the Pacific tomorrow. That line.. "Like they could float on their backs in the sea for hours, undulating with the waves, but impossible to pull under." Holy shit. Bravo Jess, so much wisdom to take from this one. Thanks!
I needed this today 💓
Love you forever and always
Grace plus unbridled wildness --- i'm crying into my coffee. what if we had never met?!?!?
I’ll allow myself to think about it for long enough for gratitude to consume me and then I’ll let it go - because we did meet. And we’re never going back to the time before.
What is it about laughter that is so vital? Through all the hard moments it seems to open a door and remind us of something, like opening a window that fills a dark, suffocating room with air and light. I’m so grateful that we get to feel it all together, and that no matter how crunchy life gets, we involuntarily find these moments of bliss. They’ve carried me, we’ve carried each other, and I’m cheering you now. I loved this and I love you.
Our laughter together has been some of the most resplendent moments of my whole life. I can’t wait for decades more with you.
Wheeeew! Thank you for your heart and the descriptive words chosen that let me in. So much vulnerability and passed down wisdom. Also, so many lines that had me on my toes, but today this one got me, “Because it’s not just that they can see and hold and even untangle my misery.” Thank you for sharing.
You’ve been by my side through it all. Love you so.
Whew, Jess, thank you. I needed to read this today and I might reread it tomorrow and the next day. Like you, I am also getting a divorce at 40 and I am learning a lot.
Love you sis. With you in this.
Just getting to read this on the eve of heading out over the Pacific tomorrow. That line.. "Like they could float on their backs in the sea for hours, undulating with the waves, but impossible to pull under." Holy shit. Bravo Jess, so much wisdom to take from this one. Thanks!