24 Comments
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MariaChong's avatar

Thanks for sharing the lovely experience of the forest, sauna, cold water, and shimmering webs. This all was good advice for anyone previously told, “You’re too sensitive or Don’t be so sensitive.”

We should still love and care, but also we need to find solace in this difficult world.

Carrie Dancing Bear's avatar

Kel, I cried when I read this, both from the feeling of being so beautifully seen, as well as for the solidarity you provide here and provided yesterday by hopping onto that live feed about Radical Heart Activism right after our retreat ended and I’d heard the news from Minnesota. You were a witness to my real-time use the very tool I’d just taught in our retreat — and wow, did I ever need to use it right then. So thank you — for your presence in the retreat and on that livecast, for your tip, for these beautiful, heartfelt words of solidarity and wisdom. So grateful you braved the unknown two summers ago. Abrazos fuertes, compañera del corázon. 💜

Carrie Dancing Bear's avatar

Here is the post of the live stream that Kel joined me on: https://carriedancingbear.substack.com/p/radical-heart-activism

Dia Calhoun's avatar

Thanks for this, Kelli. It was permission I needed. I find listening to Heather Cox Richardson’s politics chats twice a week and reading her daily letters to an American gives me most of the info I need in a way that works for me.

Lorne Daniel's avatar

Perfect for the moment, Kelli. Today starts my news scrolling and social media sabbatical too. BBC has long been a favourite source, since years ago when I was teaching Communications Studies and saw research that showed BBC as the least biased source. Be well, Kelli.

Kelli Russell Agodon's avatar

The BBC has always been my favorite. And cheers to a social media sabbatical!

Elizabeth Murray's avatar

I am grateful for the love and kindness.

lindapizza@yahoo.com's avatar

All I can say right now is that this post made me feel less alone in the midst of these terrifying times. Grateful to you.

Kelli Russell Agodon's avatar

Linda, thank you. If I can make people feel less alone, then I feel as if I'm doing my part in the world. We are all in this together> <3 xo

lindapizza@yahoo.com's avatar

You are doing your part so well. Keep it up!

Janice Falls's avatar

I find my moments of peace in poetry and in nature, neither of which are busy killing people intentionally. Thank you for sharing your love and encouragement Kelli.

Grace Rose Whitehorse's avatar

I appreciate your writing about our precious time together yesterday, Kel. I felt inspired as I left to write a post later today. Your presence touched me when we gathered initially in the cozy geo-dome. The way you stood up from the couch seat and moved gracefully to sit on the floor next to me. Thank you for your sensitivity to the seating situation.

Sensed a deepening with all ten of us yesterday, honoring our silence, solace and quality time to purify our bodies & feeling hearts.

I ordered your book!

Such an accomplishment to being a poet these days and have Copper Canyon Press as your publisher.

Kelli Russell Agodon's avatar

Thank you! And so lovely to meet you. And so hope you enjoy Accidental Devotions! Hope to see you at another gathering. xo

Laura Garrard's avatar

Thank you for your post, Kelli. I enjoyed hearing about your retreat and sweat/plunge experience. I plunged into Lake Crescent yesterday. It was so great, much easier than I thought it would be for me. I find hope in what we can endure and how it can invigorate. I plunged before hearing the news. We knew more was coming, didn't we all? Still, it's devastating. At the same time, we must continue, in all the ways we contribute to our people and worlds. And not cower and not bury truth. More later, stay in touch. Look forward to reading your book!

Lesley Scher's avatar

You had me at Dosewallips & Sequim, two of my favorite spots to camp. Your post felt like a warm hug after yesterday's awful news. Please keep sharing your thoughts. Looking forward to reading your new book.

Kelli Russell Agodon's avatar

Thank you, Lesley! And yes, two beautiful places in the PacNW!

Erin Hay's avatar

Thanks for holding the door open for audacious delight

Poets are essential in

This tragic and

embittered moment

Kelli Russell Agodon's avatar

Love: audacious delight!

Erin Hay's avatar

A poet would😘

Ellen Girardeau Kempler's avatar

Thank you. Wishing you peace and the strength for continued resistance.

Jennifer Louden's avatar

i love that forest experience!!!

Nancy Sobanik's avatar

What a heartfelt, meaningful post. Taking care of oneself is foremost. I'm glad I'll be able to follow you on substack! And can't wait to get my pre-ordered copy of Accidental Devotions.

Sue Fagalde Lick's avatar

Kelli, your writing is like a glass of cool refreshing water. Thank you for sharing this and inspiring me to follow your example.