Marisol, this piece is incredibly thought-provoking, as always. It's sparked a question in me that I've been wrestling with for some time: If power, as you suggest, can be constructive and instructive, even if destructive, where do we draw the line between these two faces of power? Is it possible that what appears destructive in the short term might actually be constructive in the long run, pushing us to change and grow? Or are there certain acts of power that are inherently destructive, with no redeeming qualities? It's a complex question, and I don't pretend to have the answer. But your writing makes me wonder if we sometimes judge power too harshly, focusing only on its negative aspects and overlooking its potential for positive change. Is there a way to harness the destructive face of power to force change, and then redirect it to a positive and constructive path?
The "inward gaze and outward grace" and the "we-world us". This post is so rich, Marisol. Much to ponder. Each section landed in me and feels like bread for the journey. I want to print this and keep it near. Wisdom, compassion and a call to action.
Marisol, your newsletter today is such a thoughtful, hopeful take on the different sides of power and how they affect us all. Through your verses, you tie together so many important ideas - personal, political and spiritual - reminding us of the strength we have within to create change in our lives. Even in these dark and chaotic times, it’s a powerful call to remain hopeful and keep working for justice and connection, both above and below. May it be so.
...May all beings be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all...
Thank you Marisol, for keeping your light turned on and for lighting the path with your deep thinking and words. I had a hard week, struggling with the personal and psychological amidst the political onslaught. I felt my inner light flickering in the violent winds, dimming; old internal voices rearing up, trying to beat me down, thinking to keep me safe. I struggled, reached out and communed with a dear old friend whom I love and trust. In her struggles, she told me she no longer believes "that deep time and the long arc of justice favor what's fair, kind." I don't think that's true. I want to believe that deep down, most of humanity is kind and fair. I am heeding your words:
When in distress, doubt,
inward gaze and outward grace.
Vice versa too.
Given that we’re here,
we might as well look for, hear
what there’s here to learn.
I am digging deep down, seeking support in the spiritual. I am listening to Anne Lamott read her books, and finding strength in her faith and her words - written through turbulent times like these. I will send my friend a link to your words, and hope she has the capacity to read them, and maybe feel supported and inspired like I do. I will keep on grooming my beloved wise horse, whose gaze is similar to the one in your picture. I will trust in old beautiful trees whose roots run deep, and who continue to generate new life even when they fall down.
Thank you again for sharing your words and wisdom. <3
Marisol, this piece is incredibly thought-provoking, as always. It's sparked a question in me that I've been wrestling with for some time: If power, as you suggest, can be constructive and instructive, even if destructive, where do we draw the line between these two faces of power? Is it possible that what appears destructive in the short term might actually be constructive in the long run, pushing us to change and grow? Or are there certain acts of power that are inherently destructive, with no redeeming qualities? It's a complex question, and I don't pretend to have the answer. But your writing makes me wonder if we sometimes judge power too harshly, focusing only on its negative aspects and overlooking its potential for positive change. Is there a way to harness the destructive face of power to force change, and then redirect it to a positive and constructive path?
Power pushes, pulls.
Ponder... Potential products?
Positive, perhaps!
“we believe that power can be constructive and instructive, even if destructive”.
yes i find that things are much more often “both/and” than “either/or”, the poignant power of paradox. let it outta the box!
Present in and/both,
poignant power paradox.
Pry Pandora's box?
(https://marisolmunozkiehne.substack.com/p/also-assemblage)
“we believe that power can be constructive and instructive, even if destructive”.
yes i find that things are much more often “both/and” than “either/or”, the poignant power of paradox. let it outta the box!
The "inward gaze and outward grace" and the "we-world us". This post is so rich, Marisol. Much to ponder. Each section landed in me and feels like bread for the journey. I want to print this and keep it near. Wisdom, compassion and a call to action.
Our bells, echoing
each other, transcending truths.
Namaste blessing.
Speaking up/to/through/by/with. Es muy importante.
Can do more, better,
when you, we, work together.
A shared experience.
Marisol, your newsletter today is such a thoughtful, hopeful take on the different sides of power and how they affect us all. Through your verses, you tie together so many important ideas - personal, political and spiritual - reminding us of the strength we have within to create change in our lives. Even in these dark and chaotic times, it’s a powerful call to remain hopeful and keep working for justice and connection, both above and below. May it be so.
Peace revolution.
Non-violent uprising.
Our evolution.
Thank you for your positivity Marisol
...May all beings be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all...
Farmer saved the snake
that got caught in bird netting.
May all beings be safe.
"May we keep turned on our shared light,
shining through the clouds, and the smoke,
and the dogmas.
May it light the path for us,
the large, all-inclusive
we-world us."
Thank you Marisol, for keeping your light turned on and for lighting the path with your deep thinking and words. I had a hard week, struggling with the personal and psychological amidst the political onslaught. I felt my inner light flickering in the violent winds, dimming; old internal voices rearing up, trying to beat me down, thinking to keep me safe. I struggled, reached out and communed with a dear old friend whom I love and trust. In her struggles, she told me she no longer believes "that deep time and the long arc of justice favor what's fair, kind." I don't think that's true. I want to believe that deep down, most of humanity is kind and fair. I am heeding your words:
When in distress, doubt,
inward gaze and outward grace.
Vice versa too.
Given that we’re here,
we might as well look for, hear
what there’s here to learn.
I am digging deep down, seeking support in the spiritual. I am listening to Anne Lamott read her books, and finding strength in her faith and her words - written through turbulent times like these. I will send my friend a link to your words, and hope she has the capacity to read them, and maybe feel supported and inspired like I do. I will keep on grooming my beloved wise horse, whose gaze is similar to the one in your picture. I will trust in old beautiful trees whose roots run deep, and who continue to generate new life even when they fall down.
Thank you again for sharing your words and wisdom. <3
Your hard week ending.
Anne says we can dance with limp.
Wise horse, fallen trees.
May the link below
shed light on your, your friend's path.
Matches in backpacks.
https://onbeing.substack.com/p/the-news-that-is-breaking-is-never
Thank you. "Deep Truth" and "Deep Time." I subscribed.
such important ponderings! Thank you for filling my pausing with wonder ♥️ 🙏 🤔💭
You paused, passed on. Thanks!
May our wonder lead to work
on our wounded world.