36 Comments
User's avatar
Erin Stinson's avatar

“…how did we stray so far from what matters?” This is the question that haunts me. This is the question I’m trying to find answers to. This is the question that I’ve been releasing over and over again to remind myself that it is not my sole responsibility to “fix”. And this is the question that I return to in guiding me back to what my soul knows matters. Knowing there are others who are doing the same is a boost of communal courage. Let it be so, Lisa. Let it be so.

Lisa Olivera's avatar

Guiding me back to what my soul knows matters... Yes. Thank you, Erin 💛

Gillian & Li'l Bean's avatar

Agreed, such a powerful question!

Priscilla's avatar

Wow…and thank you, Lisa. I have been wrestling angels and demons the past couple of months. I needed to hear these truth reminders. I will water them and give them sunlight and let them breathe oxygen into my weary, fearing soul.

Lisa Olivera's avatar

Let them breathe oxygen 💛 I will alongside you from here.

Laura's avatar

Thank you so much for this. I'm printing it out to remind myself when I so easily get overwhelmed with our sometimes very dark world.

Lisa Olivera's avatar

So glad it reached you -- and I'm such a supporter of printed reminders of all kinds xx

Karen H's avatar

"The everyday choice to return to what matters, to return to ourselves and each other." Yes! I really love your pictures! Moody and depth and color! The words, a breath of fresh air. Deep connection with ourselves and others is what will move us forward. ❤ Thank you, Lisa!

Lisa Olivera's avatar

<3 <3 <3 thank you dearly!

Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne's avatar

‘Part of our protest,’

to partake truly, fully.

Part and parcel, all.

Lisa Olivera's avatar

Beautiful, and yes 🧡

Sally French Wessely's avatar

“Does it sort of feel like you’re a volcano, ready to erupt hot lava?” I ask my daughter when she’s trying to understand her anger, because I know. Then, there are moments where my rooted presence, gratitude, and sense of awe feel like they’re blanketing me so lovingly that I just know everything will be okay. It’s a wild thing, to be in a body that can hold it all:” Yes, it truly is a wild thing to be in a body who can hold it all.

Thank you for this beautiful essay, Lisa. I so needed to read every part of it.

Lisa Olivera's avatar

Thank you for reading <3

Gillian & Li'l Bean's avatar

Thank you Lisa, I love when I see your name pop up in my inbox. It is always a beautiful, open hearted few minutes I spend with you!

Lisa Olivera's avatar

Thank you for spending the time 💛

Alice W. Meadows's avatar

Beautifully expressed. And expressed with beauty. 🪷

Lisa Olivera's avatar

Thank you for reading 💛

Courtney Wolstoncroft's avatar

I NEEDED this! It’s a lot to be a person who can feel it all. Your words help give meaning to all the tiny acts of joy and rest and connection that make life worth living and wisely fighting for. ❤️

Lisa Olivera's avatar

It's a lot to be a person 💛

Peg Conway's avatar

Every word here is quietly powerful, and beautiful. A balm. And great links.

Jennifer Nevergole's avatar

I am so grateful for your attention towards gentler (but no less powerful) aspects of protest. My nervous system appreciates this reminder.

Lisa Olivera's avatar

Grateful it reached you 💛

Holly Whitaker's avatar

“Then, there are moments where my rooted presence, gratitude, and sense of awe feel like they’re blanketing me so lovingly that I just know everything will be okay.” 🫂 love you Lisa

Lisa Olivera's avatar

🧡🧡🧡 love you.

Anna Dempsey's avatar

Thank you so much as always Lisa, such insight and wisdom. Your words are a balm

Lisa Olivera's avatar

So grateful for that 🧡

Emma-Jane Barlow's avatar

Love this! Such a beautiful write 😊

Zophia Apricity's avatar

This is beautiful. I feel this in my bones. 🖤