Hi Andrew, I am so glad you wrote about this topic. It’s something I’ve wondered about ever since reading WTL.
You write both, “You don’t need to walk across America to find the sacred. You don’t need to go whale-watching. It’s right here.” And also, “I had to walk all the way across America to realize a very simple thing.”
This is the conundrum I face. I believe you in both cases. I believe the sacred is here. I believe the sacred is all around me and in every single person. And yet, I also believe you know this intimately because of your walk. It is the reminder you’re talking about. It is the truth always on your tongue. I want to cherish each season. I want to feel at home in my body. But how can I do that if I don’t first know what absence feels like? If I don’t first hold my breath? I’ve always admired your walk for so many reasons. But maybe no reason more important than your ability to begin.
I don’t know what my question is or if anyone other than me is capable of answering it. I just wanted to thank you for WTL and the courtyard. I cried when reading this and appreciate you sharing your journey.
Jacob, when I write and share here in the Courtyard, a comment like yours is a gift of reciprocity that I hope for: to know how my work stirs the people who read it. Thank you so much for sharing this. In just a few powerful sentences, I feel I've been given a real glimpse into who you are. I salute you and celebrate you! Such care, responsibility, and gravity. No doubt your walk has and is and will take you into the depths. And you got me in the contradiction! Or is it a paradox? It's all right here, and yet, it seems we need journeys, rituals, experiences to awaken us to what's here, to clarify our vision, to cleanse and purify ourselves of the old attitudes and views that aren't true, and to know for ourselves what is. In it together. And thank you so much for chiming in to offer this generous gift of a reflection and insight. I hope to hear from you again here in the Courtyard.
Love you, Little Brother
Thank you!
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much.
Sue Burkart
Many thanks from one sacred soul to another XOXOXO Ricki
Stunning, Andrew. Just as you are...one incredible sacred human sharing your immutable, brilliant gifts. Thank you.
Thank you, Jessica. So grateful for your support over all the years. All my best to you and your family.
Hi Andrew, I am so glad you wrote about this topic. It’s something I’ve wondered about ever since reading WTL.
You write both, “You don’t need to walk across America to find the sacred. You don’t need to go whale-watching. It’s right here.” And also, “I had to walk all the way across America to realize a very simple thing.”
This is the conundrum I face. I believe you in both cases. I believe the sacred is here. I believe the sacred is all around me and in every single person. And yet, I also believe you know this intimately because of your walk. It is the reminder you’re talking about. It is the truth always on your tongue. I want to cherish each season. I want to feel at home in my body. But how can I do that if I don’t first know what absence feels like? If I don’t first hold my breath? I’ve always admired your walk for so many reasons. But maybe no reason more important than your ability to begin.
I don’t know what my question is or if anyone other than me is capable of answering it. I just wanted to thank you for WTL and the courtyard. I cried when reading this and appreciate you sharing your journey.
Jacob, when I write and share here in the Courtyard, a comment like yours is a gift of reciprocity that I hope for: to know how my work stirs the people who read it. Thank you so much for sharing this. In just a few powerful sentences, I feel I've been given a real glimpse into who you are. I salute you and celebrate you! Such care, responsibility, and gravity. No doubt your walk has and is and will take you into the depths. And you got me in the contradiction! Or is it a paradox? It's all right here, and yet, it seems we need journeys, rituals, experiences to awaken us to what's here, to clarify our vision, to cleanse and purify ourselves of the old attitudes and views that aren't true, and to know for ourselves what is. In it together. And thank you so much for chiming in to offer this generous gift of a reflection and insight. I hope to hear from you again here in the Courtyard.
Beautifully expressed - thanks for the reminder. I have a lot of grieving to do.
My day feels different today, and I mean that in the most exquisite way.
You're welcome, Jan, and thanks so much for letting me know this essay found you. Feels good!
this is lovely, thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading, Ruth!