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Smere Tactics's avatar

Thank you for your wisdom and the way you weave words that always feel like a warm embrace or the lush blended flavors of cakes I still dream about tasting. I may have to build an altar for the ancestors of the land ( mound builders) that I express gratitude for and ask guidance from when I'm hiking. I need them even closer.

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Monica O'Connell's avatar

Sara, that may be the highest compliment I've received--comparing my writing to cake! You know I love that. I've thought of some of your public work as altars but I'd love to hear how building a personal one might feel for you.

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Nancy Sorensen's avatar

Thank you Monica-- thinking about all of this. I recently lost my dad, and have slowly been building an altar to spend time with. And just last night, in a group of people I greatly admire, we were asked How are you honoring your ancestors? and What does survival mean to you? So far i am still teasing the word survival away from a physical body and towards a web of life.....and then back again.

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Monica O'Connell's avatar

HI Nancy, as always, thanks for reading and thank you especially for sharing these beautiful thoughts. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad and I love that you and yours are asking such important questions and finding such good answers! I'm (always)sending you big hugs from these wooded suburbs outside of Atlanta. xx

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Naila Francis's avatar

Such a beautiful read that nourished my heart today. I, too, have small altars (and a larger one) throughout my house and I appreciate this reminder to tend them with more intentionality.

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Monica O'Connell's avatar

Naila! Thank you. Yes, I seem to keep needing to learn, over and over, that while a little attention and intention may not "work" wonders, they definitely open awareness to the wonders ever present. xx

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Mitzi Melaine's avatar

thank you... so much resonance here. i am sitting with words and feeling close to putting them to "page" here. similarly situating in presence and thus, the rhythms and wisdom of nature.

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Monica O'Connell's avatar

Hi Mitzi, thanks for reading and I'm glad something resonated. I hear you on those words. It's a whole practice learning to "sit with them" in a way that coaxes them to page. I'm definitely trying to learn that art. I know it will be a big part of our witness bearing, way finding and joy tending.

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