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Forest's avatar

beautiful... Im thinking, Andrew, which young person I can forward this to.... or which old person might value reading it too:)

Looking forward to Grahams reply.... and yours... and his... and then to whenever your paths cross in person:)

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amigaEspecial828's avatar

thank you for this much-needed reminder that "Something is moving you...inspiring you, directing the flow of your energy and attention." your words help us remember and connect to that something, time after time.

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Leslie's avatar

I am soaking in the tenderness of these emails … The unabashed willingness of the young quester to turn to a developing elder with their deep soul longing touches my heart. While reading,I acknowledged the truth and relief that I experience of having less and less certainty with each passing year- a gradual freedom from the shackle of “needing to know“.

Thank you for sharing this tender, heart full exchange.

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Andrew Forsthoefel's avatar

"the truth and relief...of having less and less certainty with each passing year" what a script-flip, and so inspiring to see you living it. Thanks, Leslie, I love having you here.

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C.J. Dirago's avatar

Beautiful. I’m excited for this potential series of letters to a young Graham. Graham - what an inspiration!

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Andrew Forsthoefel's avatar

"Letters to a Young Graham"...that's good. So grateful he reached out.

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Jacob Ames's avatar

I think your definition of an educator is so perfect, and for you especially. Are you ever surprised by how many people have not only read WTL but then come to you after with either existential questions or gratitude? Maybe not. Maybe that’s why you write about interconnectedness and the gravity of not knowing. Given, none of us really know like you said. But you are a leader. You are my Rilke and Whitman. I wonder if you knew. Which is a funny curiosity because this post is about not knowing lol. If you knew the power of what you were doing when you decided walking across America was the only option to truly come of age. Clearly something was pulling you, right? Maybe it was your intention to listen that allowed for everything else. Maybe that’s the difference between ignorance and curiosity. In both cases, we don’t know or cannot begin to know. But only curiosity gives us the chance to listen. Thank you for another beautiful reflection, Andrew!

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Andrew Forsthoefel's avatar

"Maybe it was your intention to listen that allowed for everything else. Maybe that's the difference between ignorance and curiosity. In both cases, we don't know or cannot begin to know. But only curiosity gives us the chances to listen." Thanks for wordsmithing this wisdom-wondering, Jacob, and honored to know my own words serve as companions to you. I so appreciate your reflection and support.

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Liver Brook's avatar

"Don't believe anything you think."

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Andrew Forsthoefel's avatar

That's a good one.

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Carolyn Burger's avatar

“Knowing what thou knowest not is in a sense omniscience”

Piet Hein

Love yo Andrew

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Andrew Forsthoefel's avatar

There it is! Love you, too, Carol.

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Ricki Carroll's avatar

Amen with love, Ricki

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