Wild Voluptuous Quiet
Choosing quiet in the midst of a season of fullness
The title for this newsletter comes from a beautiful poem, Extravagant Stillness by Mirabai Starr. One line urges, “Be wildly, voluptuously quiet.”
Reading this poem has been a daily reminder and companion since discovering it when Fiona Koefoed-Jespersen read it aloud on Instagram at the end of November.
November was a full month. There were many things to be grateful for, as well as some unexpected challenges. It left me longing for slowness and stillness. While these feelings seem just right for the start of winter, they can feel at odds with the lead up to the holiday season.
I love the phrase “Be wildly, voluptuously quiet” because it is an invitation, a suggestion of abundance, not a reproach. The beauty and surprise of this phrase has been a welcome companion this month.
Mirabai Starr’s words support my decision to seek more quiet and slowness. My challenge is to make this choice not as a reaction to feeling overwhelmed, but as a recognition of my capacity and the need to refuel.
I’d love to hear from you too, how might you embrace wild voluptuous quiet?
How are you choosing quiet and stillness this month?
Sources of Inspiration
I am grateful to Maria Popova’s Marginalian newsletter for introducing me to the beautiful book, Bear is Never Alone. You can read her post about the book here. It is a good reminder about quieter ways of gathering and connecting too.
This is a theme that is similarly celebrated in Ella Frances Sanders’ book, Close Again. Originally created as a self-published project during the pandemic, the book highlights the small daily interactions we missed in community while social distancing.
Katherine May’s book, Wintering, is another welcome guide to thinking about the change of season. Her newsletter, The Art of Hibernation explores hibernation practices of a pet lizard and dormice as well as offering cozy suggestions for humans moving into the winter season.
Shop Updates
Taking the time to write a personal note to include with Etsy shop orders is a way I enjoy slowness and connection with those who offer new homes to my creations.
I will continue shipping daily through December 18. I am happy to say orders are arriving in a timely manner.
My creations offer tools for quiet contemplation, connection with others, and awe for our natural world.
Thank you for reading and being a part of creative community through this newsletter.
With a grateful heart,
Kathryn
“I’m waddling toward silence at the moment like a fat bear heading for her winter cave. ”
Mary Rose O’Reilley
Hello Kathryn! I am thankful to have met you this year! I wish you a blessed 2024! This beautiful photo of a tree was in my mind when I sketched a response to a prompt for the new year. With my work at school and my two daughters off to college, I truly need the quiet and awe to ground me! Because of my busy-ness right now, I have to pass on the diocesan art retreat Jan 20, but I look forward to the next occasion!
Thank you Kathryn for such affirming quietness and solitude. I am waiting for this moment. However, I have always told all that I sleep like a hibernating bear, no matter the circumstances. Knowing God is all loving I have always been able to sleep soundly, and I am Grateful.