I so enjoyed reading this piece today. I read How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell and was captivated. In January I thought of paying attention to my days and decided to do a personal project of mapping out the days. I had no pre-conceived idea of what these maps would look like and they are for personal consumption so they can look like doodles. I don't do them every day but I do them a few times a week. I was surprised when I reviewed the month of January to find out what I had learned, what I wanted to get better at doing and how I didn't write down goals or intentions despite me having them. I'm almost afraid to in case I disappoint myself I think.
The connection to nature is VERY interesting as well. I moved to this house and place just before the Covid lockdowns. It is a very small village close to a small town, so it is quiet. It is picturesque being by the ocean, so nature abounds. The added bonus though was having the bridge close. Yes it does mean we have to drive a 20 minute detour to get the the closest village rather than the 7 minutes but it also means almost no traffic. This has given me the quiet and solitude I require for my wellbeing. I thought it was quiet when the bridge was open but once it closed it was a different level of solitude. I am experiencing how nature is nurturing me. Thanks for your beautiful writing and contemplation.
I'm further intrigued to dig into this for myself! There are things here I need to see and feel and grasp. Loved the Kimmerer words, too. You are a remarkable resource of some kind of beautiful energy and perspective, and observation as someone said above. I wonder, is it finely honed or a non-conscious pursuit of sacred ground? It's powerfully compelling, regardless! 💚
I always resonate with your words, Kathryn! I loved Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer! So much wisdom in there so thank you for sharing some of it! I love your word of 2023- attention! Mine is love so that always gets my attention- in different ways we can give and receive love like reading your beautiful and kind words on where to put our attention- especially to the natural world! Thank you!
I wrote about the book I mentioned on my IG account if you want to check it out. I can't seem to add a photo of my map doodles. I'll send you a msg through the lighthouse.
Kathryn, you are an exceptional observer, and it shows in the quality of your writing. In reading this, my first thought was one of my many favorite quotes by Carrie Newcomer, “A tree stands alone, and yet in deepest communion.” My attention recently is on the paradox that when people come together, and are in an environment with so much potential for connecting, it rarely happens on a deep level. Yet I am always amazed that the human heart finds a way to connect against all odds. And I believe that connection is our true calling and nature, but out of some deep primal fear or woundedness, we put up our shields. I also love learning about female researchers and scientists, and their broader approach to things. Thank you for putting this offering out into the world.
Thank you! I always enjoy your book recommendations and just visited your IG account to read this one. I put the book oh hold at our library too. And thanks for sending the map doodle too!
I so enjoyed reading this piece today. I read How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell and was captivated. In January I thought of paying attention to my days and decided to do a personal project of mapping out the days. I had no pre-conceived idea of what these maps would look like and they are for personal consumption so they can look like doodles. I don't do them every day but I do them a few times a week. I was surprised when I reviewed the month of January to find out what I had learned, what I wanted to get better at doing and how I didn't write down goals or intentions despite me having them. I'm almost afraid to in case I disappoint myself I think.
The connection to nature is VERY interesting as well. I moved to this house and place just before the Covid lockdowns. It is a very small village close to a small town, so it is quiet. It is picturesque being by the ocean, so nature abounds. The added bonus though was having the bridge close. Yes it does mean we have to drive a 20 minute detour to get the the closest village rather than the 7 minutes but it also means almost no traffic. This has given me the quiet and solitude I require for my wellbeing. I thought it was quiet when the bridge was open but once it closed it was a different level of solitude. I am experiencing how nature is nurturing me. Thanks for your beautiful writing and contemplation.
I'm further intrigued to dig into this for myself! There are things here I need to see and feel and grasp. Loved the Kimmerer words, too. You are a remarkable resource of some kind of beautiful energy and perspective, and observation as someone said above. I wonder, is it finely honed or a non-conscious pursuit of sacred ground? It's powerfully compelling, regardless! 💚
I always resonate with your words, Kathryn! I loved Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer! So much wisdom in there so thank you for sharing some of it! I love your word of 2023- attention! Mine is love so that always gets my attention- in different ways we can give and receive love like reading your beautiful and kind words on where to put our attention- especially to the natural world! Thank you!
I wrote about the book I mentioned on my IG account if you want to check it out. I can't seem to add a photo of my map doodles. I'll send you a msg through the lighthouse.
Kathryn, you are an exceptional observer, and it shows in the quality of your writing. In reading this, my first thought was one of my many favorite quotes by Carrie Newcomer, “A tree stands alone, and yet in deepest communion.” My attention recently is on the paradox that when people come together, and are in an environment with so much potential for connecting, it rarely happens on a deep level. Yet I am always amazed that the human heart finds a way to connect against all odds. And I believe that connection is our true calling and nature, but out of some deep primal fear or woundedness, we put up our shields. I also love learning about female researchers and scientists, and their broader approach to things. Thank you for putting this offering out into the world.
Thank you! I always enjoy your book recommendations and just visited your IG account to read this one. I put the book oh hold at our library too. And thanks for sending the map doodle too!