Tiny Revolutions №37: Ob La Di, Ob La Da

there's no such thing as a safe space 🔥

Hi, I’m Sara, and this is Tiny Revolutions, a weekly dispatch of personal writing and links about the art of becoming who you are. Reply anytime, I love to hear from you.

Greetings from Los Angeles, where the air is smokey and humid and oppressive, veering from grey to a sickly yellow orange. It looks like the set of a dystopian movie between the unsettling color of the light and the fact that people are staying inside due to the poor air quality.

I’ve been finding it difficult to get things done. Maybe you have too?

My practice this week was to find joy in the places I can find it. Reading. Check-ins with friends. Giving and getting hugs. The gentlest possible yoga classes. Cold brew, and lots of it. Constantly reminding myself that life is always changing, and that that’s a good thing.

Just simple stuff. The simpler the better. It’s enough.

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Here a few things I found worth sharing this week.

There’s actually a word for climate change-induced despair: solastalgia. It’s defined as “the pain or sickness caused by the loss or lack of solace and the sense of isolation connected to the present state of one’s home and territory.” It may well be weighing upon you. I know it’s weighing upon me.

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Something to think about.

Dr. Emily Anhalt @dremilyanhalt

Signs you’re in touch with a hurting part of yourself that needs attention: 🙅🏽 defensiveness 🤏🏼 petty thoughts 🤢 feelings of jealousy ⚖️ judging others harshly 😤 unnecessary stubbornness 🎭 passive-aggressive behavior Pause, look inward, seek support to understand, grow 🌱

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This woman. I didn’t know who Tabitha Brown was before a friend sent this post, but I think we all need it right now. (Click here for her delightful and soothing message).

iamtabithabrown

We will get through 2020❤️ I love y’all! #tabithabrown #2020 #GodisStillinControl

August 29, 2020

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This poem I discovered in Avni Patel Thompson’s newsletter, A Wild and Precious Life.

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My dog before and after her haircut.

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And finally, a reminder.

crowjonah @crowjonah

chill or be chilled

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Hey, it’s my birthday on Tuesday! If you have a second, reply or comment with something that brought you joy amidst this hellish week. I’ll share highlights in the next issue.

😘

Sara

p.s. Thank you for reading, as ever. Share this with a friend who needs it!