Hey Sandra! Things Fall Apart has been my "bible" that guides me through my son's struggles. I need to update you on what's happening with him!! (and how it pertains to this post!) How the heck have you been?! Love, Tracy
What powerful reflections on hope, fear, and impermanence. I've always been fascinated by the philosophers debate about hope -- it's been long debated why hope was left in Pandora’s box when all the punishments were unleashed on humanity. Was it a gift being kept from us, or was it another misery—one that never made it out along with the other curses? Does hope keep us going and build rescilience, or does it trap us in false expectations?
I don’t think the myth gives us a clear answer, but I love that the tension is there. Hope is messy — it can be both. And I love how you’ve captured that complexity here.
Great post! I think about the concept of a lot, and this really speaks to me. (I also love this book, though it has been here since I read it.)
I wrote a whole post several months ago, as the calendar year was transitioning, about the topic of hope, and how it does not feel like a bright or light place to me. [ https://substack.com/inbox/post/153618206 ] I had forgotten about that sentiment on hope and fear in Things Fall Apart, and may want to go revisit it now. So thank you for that!
I have this book and in the past have been drawn to its principles, usually when I’m in crisis and feeling intense uncertainty. Well, here I am again 🤷🏻♀️, finding myself reacting in my usual ways (as in, thinking, can’t this somehow be magically fixed so I can enjoy my life again?). When things are going well, I delude myself and expect that state to be permanent, setting myself up for panic when things eventually fall apart in small and large ways. Because as you said, things are always changing. It makes more sense to anchor myself to the present moment, whatever it is, and be with it. I like Kristen Neff’s way of recognizing difficult moments, by saying to ourselves with our hands on our hearts, “this is a moment of suffering.” Or Tara Brach’s words of acceptance: “yes, and this too,” said repeatedly to ourselves. In doing these small practices, I can feel a bit of tension release from my body. Ahh! Thanks so much for the reminder. They were the words I needed to hear.
Love this post! Thank you!
Thank you sm! I loved writing it 🥰
Hey Sandra! Things Fall Apart has been my "bible" that guides me through my son's struggles. I need to update you on what's happening with him!! (and how it pertains to this post!) How the heck have you been?! Love, Tracy
Aww I love this book too! I’ve been ok. Definitely update me sometime on your son! I hope you’re all doing well. Much love to you too 💜
What powerful reflections on hope, fear, and impermanence. I've always been fascinated by the philosophers debate about hope -- it's been long debated why hope was left in Pandora’s box when all the punishments were unleashed on humanity. Was it a gift being kept from us, or was it another misery—one that never made it out along with the other curses? Does hope keep us going and build rescilience, or does it trap us in false expectations?
I don’t think the myth gives us a clear answer, but I love that the tension is there. Hope is messy — it can be both. And I love how you’ve captured that complexity here.
Great post! I think about the concept of a lot, and this really speaks to me. (I also love this book, though it has been here since I read it.)
I wrote a whole post several months ago, as the calendar year was transitioning, about the topic of hope, and how it does not feel like a bright or light place to me. [ https://substack.com/inbox/post/153618206 ] I had forgotten about that sentiment on hope and fear in Things Fall Apart, and may want to go revisit it now. So thank you for that!
(Sorry, I can never figure out how to edit on this app. That should say I think about the concept of *hope* a lot...)
I have this book and in the past have been drawn to its principles, usually when I’m in crisis and feeling intense uncertainty. Well, here I am again 🤷🏻♀️, finding myself reacting in my usual ways (as in, thinking, can’t this somehow be magically fixed so I can enjoy my life again?). When things are going well, I delude myself and expect that state to be permanent, setting myself up for panic when things eventually fall apart in small and large ways. Because as you said, things are always changing. It makes more sense to anchor myself to the present moment, whatever it is, and be with it. I like Kristen Neff’s way of recognizing difficult moments, by saying to ourselves with our hands on our hearts, “this is a moment of suffering.” Or Tara Brach’s words of acceptance: “yes, and this too,” said repeatedly to ourselves. In doing these small practices, I can feel a bit of tension release from my body. Ahh! Thanks so much for the reminder. They were the words I needed to hear.