Just had to say I so appreciate the practice at the end of this newsletter, and I so appreciated this line: “Don’t worry about trying to find the exact words to describe what you’re noticing.”
It’s often quite hard for me to interact meaningfully with self care-ish content (for my own reasons!) and this practice really grounded me in your message.
Hi Zefan! I'm so happy to hear it! Yes, self-care can feel really gross to me. This idea that we can heal ourselves divorced from the larger systems that impact us is toxic. I hope to create a space here where this bullshit is seen for what it is.
I try to maintain a working ethic that radically accepts bodies in a world not made for bodies (as a person and as a parent), but I needed this reminder today. "What if there's nothing to fix?" helped me settle back into my body this morning.
The more I do the work of healing my body, the more I recognize that settling back is often what's needed. This is where our strongest muscles are. This is where we feel for all that's got our back. Thank you for highlighting this!
also, I had never heard the term politicized healing! The term and your description are so perfect. It describes a shift I made over the past year and a half, while in ED recovery. And when I regard my feelings as sources of inner wisdom, rather than problems to be fixed, I feel so powerful--like i finally have access to the power that resides in my body.
Exactly! Power the white, colonial, patriarchy has been intent on stripping from us. What I love about this approach is that it's not about healing "me" it's about being in service to "us." I'm so happy you're here!
YES. A practice that really helps me return to my body (from a more dissociated state) is listing things I want. Writing the list helps me tune into my deeper wants as a parent—transitioning from “I want my child to go to bed on time” to “I want her to connect with the needs and desires of her body.” It also connects me to the world my body desperately want to live in. A world that takes the first revolutionary steps toward a 1000 year repair (of the colonial legacy). Economies that organise our interdependency without the illusion of self-sufficiency (which relies on exploitation).
Anyway, this piece helps me see that when I’m writing out this list I’m identifying where the pathology resides—in the world we inhabit, not my nervous system.
I’m planning to order your book today-it often takes me a while to find my way to the comments of a newsletter, but yours has been so nourishing for me over the last couple months, and I can’t wait to read your book.
Great post, Kelsey. I've been thinking exactly the same thing about the food system and its impacts on all of us -- but if we're sick it's somehow our fault. Perhaps we could call this institutional gaslighting.
Oof! Don't get me started on the food system. In a past life I was a food editor for a natural foods magazine. The trickery and garbage 😡 Institutional gaslighting feels about right. Thanks Marcella!
The imagery of this piece hit like poetry. I will be allowing that little fish to swim around my mind today, reminding it that she’s perfect as is. It’s the pond that needs deep cleaning.
Thank you so much for recording the audio version of this in your own voice. It's so helpful for the accessibility of the text and the texture of the text 🥰
So powerful, dear Kelsey. I love up-ending the story of our brokenness and re-membering our wholeness. I also want to share that a big shift happened for me when I stopped thinking of the systems as broken, and saw them instead as 'working' with the separation, domination, violence, etc. with which they were intended. This really helped me re-orient myself and my life and work, to move from trying to fix, to releasing what's here and co-creating different 'systems' instead. I see this is a part of what you're communicating here. Would love to talk with you about it more sometime! <3
You know what Shilpa, YOU'RE EXACTLY RIGHT. They are working! This is the way to name it. Thank you for this comment. I'd love to drop in with you. Maybe for a walk in your hood/ my old hood. I miss North Oakland. Game?
"Our healing efforts often reify the myth of an autonomous self.'
This line really stands out to me. I've been working in somatics, embodiment, health, and meditation for years and years. But it's only now that I'm understanding how our interconnectedness is part of that process. I think I've believed that I stand alone, solely responsible for my own wellbeing.
Thank you for this lovely piece. May your retreat be lovely.
This piece offers so much hope for a different way of relating to our wellbeing. This week I've been writing a series about a better way to well - as in we are not broken - and it feels good to be reminded of what is working within us here too.
Thank you Kelsey. I’ve been swimming in my own “I am broken and mentally unwell” narratives and this piece was everything I needed to be reminded of tonight. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and light. I so needed this perspective. I’ve been feeling the weight of society lately and only seeing it for blood and pain.
I know too well how easy it is to fall into familiar narratives. The weight of it all is really too much for us to hold on our own. Thank you for being here Laura Bee. We're stronger together.
This reminder is so poignant and needed in this moment. The feeling practice at the end reminded me of when my therapist uses EMDR to help sink in the goodness of something that is happening with me. This practice is just as important to healing as looking at our pain.
Oh, you've taught me something new about EMDR. I didn't know that recalling what's working can be part of that practice as well. I'm buoyed by this! I There are many approaches to finding a healing path. Thank you Michele!
I loved reading your words, Kelsey. So radiant & important. I think of the work of Gabor Maté and his deep uncovering of the sickness of our culture. I also think of the words of Stephen Porges who said “We have to understand that what we are feeling is a body reacting.
And it's not wrong for the body to react.
It's not illness. It's natural adaptive reactions.” 😮💨🥹 so much compassion can live inside of us for ourselves & for those bodies we share this world with. Especially once we start to make this shift you’re talking about. Sending you so much gratitude for shining light on this.
Based on what you’ve shared I think you might really appreciate his work. There’s a podcast he just did recently that I thought was pretty good. Not sure if I can share the link on a comment.
What a wonderful way to express these ideas. Thank you as always, Kelsey! I love love loved the “we are alive” reframe. I keep returning to “aliveness” as the central theme of what I want to experience and what I want to see in the world. Aliveness for ALL. All the humans, all the creatures, all the Earth and cosmos. Your writing helps illuminate what that means and how to let it in. Also, my partner has been reading and sharing with me about the Colorado mining industry that poisoned the rivers and land in absolutely horrendous ways (one of the many many industries “designed to kill us” as you say). It’s been so heart-breaking. And the fish swimming in poisoned waters really captures that reality. Thank you for your deep awareness and clear expression.
The mining industry is an abomination. So, too, fracking. I mean, how could anyone believe these actions are not causing harm. And yet, I know my phone is made with precious metals that come from the earth in harmful ways. Holding my anger alongside my involvement has been such a teacher. I'm committed to continuing to learn how to unhook and decolonize. I know it's a lifelong journey. Thank you for standing alongside me in this. <3
Yes! How could they not know? And it seems they did know, and just didn't care. And still know, and still don't care. And there's a "we" in that "they." My partner and I unexpectedly drove through an enormous mine in southeastern Arizona a few weeks ago and it was absolutely gut-wrenching and jaw dropping to witness. And yes, like you, at the same time I have a computer and a phone and I drive a car and use electricity... The "conveniences" of our lives come from those very places. I'm committed as well to doing less harm and finding ways to be gentler in my impact. This is also work we do together. thank you, Kelsey.
Just had to say I so appreciate the practice at the end of this newsletter, and I so appreciated this line: “Don’t worry about trying to find the exact words to describe what you’re noticing.”
It’s often quite hard for me to interact meaningfully with self care-ish content (for my own reasons!) and this practice really grounded me in your message.
Hi Zefan! I'm so happy to hear it! Yes, self-care can feel really gross to me. This idea that we can heal ourselves divorced from the larger systems that impact us is toxic. I hope to create a space here where this bullshit is seen for what it is.
I try to maintain a working ethic that radically accepts bodies in a world not made for bodies (as a person and as a parent), but I needed this reminder today. "What if there's nothing to fix?" helped me settle back into my body this morning.
The more I do the work of healing my body, the more I recognize that settling back is often what's needed. This is where our strongest muscles are. This is where we feel for all that's got our back. Thank you for highlighting this!
This. “A world not made for bodies” - that resonates so much! Made for automatons, not bodies, not true life. Thank you.
That grabbed me too! So well said Shaina!
also, I had never heard the term politicized healing! The term and your description are so perfect. It describes a shift I made over the past year and a half, while in ED recovery. And when I regard my feelings as sources of inner wisdom, rather than problems to be fixed, I feel so powerful--like i finally have access to the power that resides in my body.
Exactly! Power the white, colonial, patriarchy has been intent on stripping from us. What I love about this approach is that it's not about healing "me" it's about being in service to "us." I'm so happy you're here!
YES. A practice that really helps me return to my body (from a more dissociated state) is listing things I want. Writing the list helps me tune into my deeper wants as a parent—transitioning from “I want my child to go to bed on time” to “I want her to connect with the needs and desires of her body.” It also connects me to the world my body desperately want to live in. A world that takes the first revolutionary steps toward a 1000 year repair (of the colonial legacy). Economies that organise our interdependency without the illusion of self-sufficiency (which relies on exploitation).
Anyway, this piece helps me see that when I’m writing out this list I’m identifying where the pathology resides—in the world we inhabit, not my nervous system.
I’m planning to order your book today-it often takes me a while to find my way to the comments of a newsletter, but yours has been so nourishing for me over the last couple months, and I can’t wait to read your book.
This sentence: economies that organize our interdependency without the illusion of self-sufficiency (which relies on exploitation). Exactly this!
Thank you for supporting me here and through your book order. I'm so glad you made your way to the comments.
Great post, Kelsey. I've been thinking exactly the same thing about the food system and its impacts on all of us -- but if we're sick it's somehow our fault. Perhaps we could call this institutional gaslighting.
Oof! Don't get me started on the food system. In a past life I was a food editor for a natural foods magazine. The trickery and garbage 😡 Institutional gaslighting feels about right. Thanks Marcella!
This line, “Imagine pulling an ailing fish out of a polluted pond, giving it such advice, and then throwing it back in.” 🙏🏼
It's so much easier to see when we look to the natural world. Thank you for being here.
The imagery of this piece hit like poetry. I will be allowing that little fish to swim around my mind today, reminding it that she’s perfect as is. It’s the pond that needs deep cleaning.
Exactomundo! And we need each other to clean the pond! Can't do it alone.
Thank you so much for recording the audio version of this in your own voice. It's so helpful for the accessibility of the text and the texture of the text 🥰
You’re so welcome! I feel the same way when I listen other’s work!
So powerful, dear Kelsey. I love up-ending the story of our brokenness and re-membering our wholeness. I also want to share that a big shift happened for me when I stopped thinking of the systems as broken, and saw them instead as 'working' with the separation, domination, violence, etc. with which they were intended. This really helped me re-orient myself and my life and work, to move from trying to fix, to releasing what's here and co-creating different 'systems' instead. I see this is a part of what you're communicating here. Would love to talk with you about it more sometime! <3
You know what Shilpa, YOU'RE EXACTLY RIGHT. They are working! This is the way to name it. Thank you for this comment. I'd love to drop in with you. Maybe for a walk in your hood/ my old hood. I miss North Oakland. Game?
Yes! Let's do a walk in July or August! Looking forward! <3
Yes! August is looking wide open for me. Let’s do it!
"Our healing efforts often reify the myth of an autonomous self.'
This line really stands out to me. I've been working in somatics, embodiment, health, and meditation for years and years. But it's only now that I'm understanding how our interconnectedness is part of that process. I think I've believed that I stand alone, solely responsible for my own wellbeing.
Thank you for this lovely piece. May your retreat be lovely.
Thank you for these kind words Julia!
This piece offers so much hope for a different way of relating to our wellbeing. This week I've been writing a series about a better way to well - as in we are not broken - and it feels good to be reminded of what is working within us here too.
I love the name. I better way to well. So good! I'll keep my eyes open for this series. Thank you for being here Claire!
Love seeing and reading the comments- the connections you are making and the power in it all. Thankyou!
And many thanks to you Cynthia for telling me about Substack!
Thank you Kelsey. I’ve been swimming in my own “I am broken and mentally unwell” narratives and this piece was everything I needed to be reminded of tonight. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and light. I so needed this perspective. I’ve been feeling the weight of society lately and only seeing it for blood and pain.
I know too well how easy it is to fall into familiar narratives. The weight of it all is really too much for us to hold on our own. Thank you for being here Laura Bee. We're stronger together.
This reminder is so poignant and needed in this moment. The feeling practice at the end reminded me of when my therapist uses EMDR to help sink in the goodness of something that is happening with me. This practice is just as important to healing as looking at our pain.
Thanks Kelsey!
Oh, you've taught me something new about EMDR. I didn't know that recalling what's working can be part of that practice as well. I'm buoyed by this! I There are many approaches to finding a healing path. Thank you Michele!
I loved reading your words, Kelsey. So radiant & important. I think of the work of Gabor Maté and his deep uncovering of the sickness of our culture. I also think of the words of Stephen Porges who said “We have to understand that what we are feeling is a body reacting.
And it's not wrong for the body to react.
It's not illness. It's natural adaptive reactions.” 😮💨🥹 so much compassion can live inside of us for ourselves & for those bodies we share this world with. Especially once we start to make this shift you’re talking about. Sending you so much gratitude for shining light on this.
Thank you Zoe for this reflection. 💯 I’m a giant fan of Gabor Mate. Porges is new to me. I look forward to learning more.
Based on what you’ve shared I think you might really appreciate his work. There’s a podcast he just did recently that I thought was pretty good. Not sure if I can share the link on a comment.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4OPxN4FHnbW0oKwhPjkzHH?si=T0-J9aZpQBeJGL_M9z7bXw
Thanks Zoe! I’ll check it out.
What a wonderful way to express these ideas. Thank you as always, Kelsey! I love love loved the “we are alive” reframe. I keep returning to “aliveness” as the central theme of what I want to experience and what I want to see in the world. Aliveness for ALL. All the humans, all the creatures, all the Earth and cosmos. Your writing helps illuminate what that means and how to let it in. Also, my partner has been reading and sharing with me about the Colorado mining industry that poisoned the rivers and land in absolutely horrendous ways (one of the many many industries “designed to kill us” as you say). It’s been so heart-breaking. And the fish swimming in poisoned waters really captures that reality. Thank you for your deep awareness and clear expression.
The mining industry is an abomination. So, too, fracking. I mean, how could anyone believe these actions are not causing harm. And yet, I know my phone is made with precious metals that come from the earth in harmful ways. Holding my anger alongside my involvement has been such a teacher. I'm committed to continuing to learn how to unhook and decolonize. I know it's a lifelong journey. Thank you for standing alongside me in this. <3
Yes! How could they not know? And it seems they did know, and just didn't care. And still know, and still don't care. And there's a "we" in that "they." My partner and I unexpectedly drove through an enormous mine in southeastern Arizona a few weeks ago and it was absolutely gut-wrenching and jaw dropping to witness. And yes, like you, at the same time I have a computer and a phone and I drive a car and use electricity... The "conveniences" of our lives come from those very places. I'm committed as well to doing less harm and finding ways to be gentler in my impact. This is also work we do together. thank you, Kelsey.