Christina, Thank you for your friendship and support. You shine a welcome light in this world, just by being who you are, and writing what you write. And I deeply appreciate you.
Kayla Marie, This is where we are, and reading the news can curl us into a fetal position under our desks. But we have so much to work with: each of our skills and talents, our fierce voices and compassion, our friends and families, our communities, this Earth. There is so much love and light in this world, despite the attempts to snuff them out. Together we will heal and grow and renew. Sprout by sprout, leaf by leaf, heart by heart.
Pre-orders tell publishers that there's a demand for the book, and they put more resources into getting the word out there. Which really makes a difference for authors like me, who aren't famous with a huge platform to promote the book!
Thank you, Susan. This post is replete with wisdom and actionable suggestions. In light of my recent downturn in health, the Spring Equinox is a call to think, speak, and act on behalf of the Earth’s renewal as well as my own. The solitary apricot tree captured on your recent walk is a picture of beauty and renewal!
Gary, I am glad you are still here with us, and thank you for doing all you can to nurture your own health, and that of this beloved planet. You are needed!
Ramiro, Thank you for picking up on that point. It's one that has taken my whole life to learn and internalize. The essence of who we are, both the parts we appreciate and the parts we don't, is the gift we bring to this world. Learning to use our whole self is so revelatory. Blessings!
What a lovely way to enter this earthly change and find grace within our springtime. The irises are beautiful. So glad you gave them a two-page spread. I love John O'Donohue. Great way to begin this new season.
Thank you, Jane. So lovely to hear your voice here! The book design, including the photo selection and placement, is by my friend and colleague, Jenny Barry of Jennifer Barry Designs. She is brilliant. :) John O'Donohue's voice was the one I heard in my head when I thought about writing this. Love to you!
Beautifully said Susan. I love the concept of caregiving our world. It reminds me of the Buddhist principle known as ahimsa, emphasizing non-violence, compassion for all living beings, and the active avoidance of causing suffering.
Thank you for reminding me of ahimsa, both the word, which has such a lovely sound, and the practice. We caregivers practice ahimsa as we tend ourselves, each other, and this beloved Earth. Blessings to you!
Dear Stephanie, Thank you. Especially thank you for brainstorming with me about how to pre-order the book as a gift for your friend. That is such a brilliant idea!
Nancy, Thank you. I feel like now is the time for all of us to step into our best selves. It's both the season and the time in the larger sense of world events--we have an opportunity to make positive change within and without, and while it may not seem like our individual lives matter, they do in the aggregate. And that is how real change happens, when we each change and then apply that to the larger world. Blessings!
And as for Earthbound, it's available through Simon & Schuster, which means you can pre-order it if you are so moved, either at your local bookstore or through any of the online booksellers you prefer. Pre-ordering is a huge boost for working-class writers like me, who aren't famous, because it signals a demand for the book to the publisher, who then puts more resources into getting the word out. :) https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Earthbound/Susan-J-Tweit/9781591813811
I am dismayed by the expanding wars in the Middle East and the ecological and social destruction occurring, but I am with you on us as individuals spreading joy and light as capably as we can.
Hi Susan, I am a huge fan of the Irish poet and theologian John O’Donohue. I'm sure we are related somehow. I have been tending my garden. We just built raised beds so my tins can participate from their wheelchairs, and also find accessible beaches for more time in nature. My greatest teacher right now if Ruby the cat. Fierce, fun and frightening at times. She knows how to resist work and insist on play — my kind of girl. Thank you!
Hi, Prajna, I love picturing the twins gardening from their wheelchairs with your garden's new raised beds. That's brilliant! I'm glad you have Ruby the cat to remind you to take time for play, even if her kind of play is sometimes scary. Many blessings to you and all the girls!
That would be a pretty big transition for you, David, and I hope a good one. Fingers crossed for Rebecca to find a good place to buy on the Kitsap Peninsula!
And I see I typed all that with my phone . . . meant to say it’s seems a given that care wins over war any time, hands down. For world change or any reason. xo
It seems a given, but that's not how our culture is set up or we wouldn't be in the tumult, I think. So perhaps this is our time to learn that it really is a given.... xo back!
I love the questions from your upcoming book and look forward to having the entire book.
Christina, Thank you for your friendship and support. You shine a welcome light in this world, just by being who you are, and writing what you write. And I deeply appreciate you.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful perspective, Susan! It has renewed my hope to keep protecting all beings and the lands that give us life.
Kayla Marie, This is where we are, and reading the news can curl us into a fetal position under our desks. But we have so much to work with: each of our skills and talents, our fierce voices and compassion, our friends and families, our communities, this Earth. There is so much love and light in this world, despite the attempts to snuff them out. Together we will heal and grow and renew. Sprout by sprout, leaf by leaf, heart by heart.
Thank you, Susan! I loved this and can't wait for the book to come out!
Thank you for your support, Michele! If you're so moved, you can pre-order Earthbound through your local indie bookstore or through an online bookstore: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Earthbound/Susan-J-Tweit/9781591813811
Pre-orders tell publishers that there's a demand for the book, and they put more resources into getting the word out there. Which really makes a difference for authors like me, who aren't famous with a huge platform to promote the book!
Absolutely! Will do! :-)
Thank you!
Thank you, Susan. This post is replete with wisdom and actionable suggestions. In light of my recent downturn in health, the Spring Equinox is a call to think, speak, and act on behalf of the Earth’s renewal as well as my own. The solitary apricot tree captured on your recent walk is a picture of beauty and renewal!
Gary, I am glad you are still here with us, and thank you for doing all you can to nurture your own health, and that of this beloved planet. You are needed!
Thank you Susan! It’s way too early to give up. All the best. Always.
I don't think of you as a giving-up kind of guy, Gary. :)
"Now consider if there an aspect of yourself that you have hidden, dismissed or disavowed that could actually be a superpower?" (sic)
I loved this thought. We're so frequently forced to hide who we are to make a living and survive in this world. But who we are, is our superpower.
Ramiro, Thank you for picking up on that point. It's one that has taken my whole life to learn and internalize. The essence of who we are, both the parts we appreciate and the parts we don't, is the gift we bring to this world. Learning to use our whole self is so revelatory. Blessings!
Right on!
Kathryn, Thank you for your whole-hearted support. You are a blessing. :)
What a lovely way to enter this earthly change and find grace within our springtime. The irises are beautiful. So glad you gave them a two-page spread. I love John O'Donohue. Great way to begin this new season.
Thank you, Jane. So lovely to hear your voice here! The book design, including the photo selection and placement, is by my friend and colleague, Jenny Barry of Jennifer Barry Designs. She is brilliant. :) John O'Donohue's voice was the one I heard in my head when I thought about writing this. Love to you!
Beautifully said Susan. I love the concept of caregiving our world. It reminds me of the Buddhist principle known as ahimsa, emphasizing non-violence, compassion for all living beings, and the active avoidance of causing suffering.
Thank you for reminding me of ahimsa, both the word, which has such a lovely sound, and the practice. We caregivers practice ahimsa as we tend ourselves, each other, and this beloved Earth. Blessings to you!
Beautiful essay! I love the idea of spring cleaning for the soul. And like so many here, I'm so excited for your new book.
Dear Stephanie, Thank you. Especially thank you for brainstorming with me about how to pre-order the book as a gift for your friend. That is such a brilliant idea!
Hi Susan,
Oh, spring cleaning of the soul, how I love that phrase and your ideas for doing it, too. Your book sounds wonderful. I look forward to reading it.
Nancy, Thank you. I feel like now is the time for all of us to step into our best selves. It's both the season and the time in the larger sense of world events--we have an opportunity to make positive change within and without, and while it may not seem like our individual lives matter, they do in the aggregate. And that is how real change happens, when we each change and then apply that to the larger world. Blessings!
And as for Earthbound, it's available through Simon & Schuster, which means you can pre-order it if you are so moved, either at your local bookstore or through any of the online booksellers you prefer. Pre-ordering is a huge boost for working-class writers like me, who aren't famous, because it signals a demand for the book to the publisher, who then puts more resources into getting the word out. :) https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Earthbound/Susan-J-Tweit/9781591813811
I am dismayed by the expanding wars in the Middle East and the ecological and social destruction occurring, but I am with you on us as individuals spreading joy and light as capably as we can.
Agreed, Walt. What we do as individuals can add up in powerful ways; each of us spreading joy and light makes a collective positive difference.
Wonderful post. So uplifting. Happy spring.
Thank you, Jerry! Spring blessings to you.
Hi Susan, I am a huge fan of the Irish poet and theologian John O’Donohue. I'm sure we are related somehow. I have been tending my garden. We just built raised beds so my tins can participate from their wheelchairs, and also find accessible beaches for more time in nature. My greatest teacher right now if Ruby the cat. Fierce, fun and frightening at times. She knows how to resist work and insist on play — my kind of girl. Thank you!
Hi, Prajna, I love picturing the twins gardening from their wheelchairs with your garden's new raised beds. That's brilliant! I'm glad you have Ruby the cat to remind you to take time for play, even if her kind of play is sometimes scary. Many blessings to you and all the girls!
Thanks for this.
There is a possibility I might be moving this year. I may rent off of Rebecca, assuming she gets a place on the Kitsap Peninsula. Lots of birds there!
That would be a pretty big transition for you, David, and I hope a good one. Fingers crossed for Rebecca to find a good place to buy on the Kitsap Peninsula!
Interesting comment from RS — yes, and there’s no maybe about caregiving being not about war, is there?
The video of the interview is very much worth a watch. She makes a lot of good points.
That point about caregiving being more germane to changing the world than war just seemed perfect to me. xo
I’ll watch, dear Susan! I’ve not read her much, and I’m eager to hear ideas that seem perfect to you. xo back at ya, equinox pal.
And I see I typed all that with my phone . . . meant to say it’s seems a given that care wins over war any time, hands down. For world change or any reason. xo
It seems a given, but that's not how our culture is set up or we wouldn't be in the tumult, I think. So perhaps this is our time to learn that it really is a given.... xo back!
Hear ya! I do think the majority of us believe that and are pulling for it. But I’m just one of the choir. Will keep spreading the Terra word!
May the beauty prevail. Oh please may it. With you at the helm.
I believe it will, in time. And I will keep helping as long as I can. Hugs to you!