Reading this post couldn’t have come at a more perfect time as I sit here in a little retreat room in an artist’s collective in Colorado. A night away with not much to do except let my mind unravel, untether from the To Dos, and find a bit of nothingness, of quiet (not so easy when the mind is hankering for productivity). Thank you Vanessa for the reminders and the space you create here.
Oh I'm so glad this came at the right time! It sounds like you are in a very nurturing space. I look forward to hearing about what emerges from that retreat room. And it's true, the mind can get addicted to productivity and 'entertainment'... but I know that when I resist and refuse to feed that itch, magical things reveal themselves... ☀️
Nourishment and connection as a priority🤍I’m in a cleaning up period right now, and technology can be one of the major distractions. I know that the parasocial culture of social media aims to entrance us into believing it’s the easiest way to connect, to communicate, or even to build a business. Breaking away from that constant being on feels better and better. xo
Ah…. I too have taken leave of Instagram since the solstice. It is blissful. And makes me ask questions like “do I want a another book deal badly enough to keep living a life that feels itchy and wrong?” (No) “is this a way of being I want to support and endorse by my presence?” (No)
Thanks for this gorgeous reflection and reminder of the things I do say yes to.
Yes, exactly! I've been asking those questions, too. It is so refreshing and freeing to say no, isn't it? Also, I love and appreciate your books! They are beautiful. It is very special to see you and your comment here. I look forward to reading your newsletter. 💚
I'm so happy this resonated at the right time for you. I'm aiming to cut through the incessant online noise this year and offer something useful here. I've been reflecting on that a lot, so it's good to know this hit right. 🌱
Sensual living is in my intentions too! So lovely to see you iterate that here. And I agree, Ive been less and less on instagram and it feels more and more poisonous whenever I take a peek at it. You are right to stay off social media because you are forging a new path for people - it is time for a new way. I find artists and writers who do their own thing and dont need to be online inspirational. You inspire me Vanessa! Thank you for sharing <3
Ah.... I love this! How are you engaging sensual living? I imagine being at Flower Power with all of the magical herbs helps 🌱 And I agree, it is time for a new (old) way. ☀️
vanessa, this is a beautiful reflection on how to slow down, especially at this time of year. thank you for the inspiration to ask the questions of what we want our lives to be like- really choosing how we show up to everything we do.
You're welcome, Hilary. I'm glad this resonated. I find it so important to regularly retreat and reflect. It can be easy to get caught up in pull and momentum of the outside world that doesn't always have our best interest at heart. I hope you had a nurturing holiday. 💚
Yes, social media platforms are ultimately so lonely. They can't touch or hug or love us back. And I appreciate you sharing your experience of getting off of IG. I'd love to hear more about how it changed/deepened life for you.
That is beautiful. I'm sure your beloved dog is happy about it, too! And yes, its not just the time we spend on spaces like Instagram but what does to our minds in between. I already feel much of what you're sharing.
Powerful questions. Thank you. 💗
You're welcome Jiling 💚 I'm so happy they resonated. I look forward to talking to you soon! 🌱
Reading this post couldn’t have come at a more perfect time as I sit here in a little retreat room in an artist’s collective in Colorado. A night away with not much to do except let my mind unravel, untether from the To Dos, and find a bit of nothingness, of quiet (not so easy when the mind is hankering for productivity). Thank you Vanessa for the reminders and the space you create here.
Oh I'm so glad this came at the right time! It sounds like you are in a very nurturing space. I look forward to hearing about what emerges from that retreat room. And it's true, the mind can get addicted to productivity and 'entertainment'... but I know that when I resist and refuse to feed that itch, magical things reveal themselves... ☀️
Nourishment and connection as a priority🤍I’m in a cleaning up period right now, and technology can be one of the major distractions. I know that the parasocial culture of social media aims to entrance us into believing it’s the easiest way to connect, to communicate, or even to build a business. Breaking away from that constant being on feels better and better. xo
Loved these prompts. I got out my journal and worked through most of them. Thank you!
Oh I'm so glad! I love that they prompted you to journal. I hope they were helpful. See you on Thursday for the Writing For The Wild?
YES! Can't wait!
Ah…. I too have taken leave of Instagram since the solstice. It is blissful. And makes me ask questions like “do I want a another book deal badly enough to keep living a life that feels itchy and wrong?” (No) “is this a way of being I want to support and endorse by my presence?” (No)
Thanks for this gorgeous reflection and reminder of the things I do say yes to.
Yes, exactly! I've been asking those questions, too. It is so refreshing and freeing to say no, isn't it? Also, I love and appreciate your books! They are beautiful. It is very special to see you and your comment here. I look forward to reading your newsletter. 💚
💜🙏
So grateful for your insights + poetic reflections always💙🙏🏼
Grateful for you, too. I can’t wait for you to start your newsletter here. 💚
This very much resonates - thank you for sharing and for continuing to lean into nourishment and presence. 🙏🏼
You're welcome, Hilary. I'm so glad this resonates. I hope you're able to lean more into nourishment and fulfillment this year, too. 💚
Thank you for your wisdom
You're welcome, Laurie. I hope you have time and space to reflect today. 💚
This is my one life. I like that line and am thinking about it a lot lately. Thanks for this reflective newsletter. It hits right for me today.
I'm so happy this resonated at the right time for you. I'm aiming to cut through the incessant online noise this year and offer something useful here. I've been reflecting on that a lot, so it's good to know this hit right. 🌱
Sensual living is in my intentions too! So lovely to see you iterate that here. And I agree, Ive been less and less on instagram and it feels more and more poisonous whenever I take a peek at it. You are right to stay off social media because you are forging a new path for people - it is time for a new way. I find artists and writers who do their own thing and dont need to be online inspirational. You inspire me Vanessa! Thank you for sharing <3
Ah.... I love this! How are you engaging sensual living? I imagine being at Flower Power with all of the magical herbs helps 🌱 And I agree, it is time for a new (old) way. ☀️
vanessa, this is a beautiful reflection on how to slow down, especially at this time of year. thank you for the inspiration to ask the questions of what we want our lives to be like- really choosing how we show up to everything we do.
You're welcome, Hilary. I'm glad this resonated. I find it so important to regularly retreat and reflect. It can be easy to get caught up in pull and momentum of the outside world that doesn't always have our best interest at heart. I hope you had a nurturing holiday. 💚
Yes, social media platforms are ultimately so lonely. They can't touch or hug or love us back. And I appreciate you sharing your experience of getting off of IG. I'd love to hear more about how it changed/deepened life for you.
That is beautiful. I'm sure your beloved dog is happy about it, too! And yes, its not just the time we spend on spaces like Instagram but what does to our minds in between. I already feel much of what you're sharing.