Stoop Surprises
I believe that we're given everything we need. This shows up in my life in strange ways. One of the most common is through a practice in the city, especially in neighborhoods like mine, in which people put things they are done with out on the stoop to give away. Clothes, kitchen appliances, and boxes of books are frequently sighted. Personally, I love this practice, and the way it promotes fluidity in the economy of things. Possessions don't come to us to stay for life, but to serve their purpose and move on to another.
A couple months ago I picked up a book that changed everything for me. It gave me the keys to unlock the mystery of how to be myself--something which, if you think about, seems ludicrous to have to learn from a book. But so much of the knowledge in life that we value is really just a collection of bad habits that we have to unlearn later. I have spent many years perfecting these behaviors, so I'm trying to be patient with myself as I oh so slowly let them go.
I'm leaving in the morning for a large conference with a lot of people. It's the kind of thing that traditionally would send me full-on into Looking Good mode, but not anymore. My only intention for the trip is this: I am going as myself. For me, that's meant that aside from a couple shawls (I remembered that excessive air conditioning is really a problem at such events), I haven't bought any clothes. I'm wearing what I have. I'm being who I am, and it feels really revolutionary. In the past, most of my life felt like a costume party and I was always trying to show up in the right part.
For this, and for my life, I'm going as myself. That's a gem to pick up off the sidewalk in the city, and it's only the beginning.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 8:46AM | Share Article 8 Comments | Email Article Print Article | Permalink | in authenticity
Reader Comments (8)
i always read and never comment, but this post really spoke to me and reminded me of a couple things. how much I MISS the city for the things left on the street. our stereo table is this very thing - i remember being impatient because my husband HAD to have this table, ran back to our apartment with it and now, 13 years later, it's a piece we love.
the other thing, after seeing the book you mentioned out of print, is that i haven't been to the strand in ages and since i have a dinner date tonight in the 20's, i'll stop by beforehand, to see if i can find this book, (which i think i really, really need), and a few others.
thank you.
I am going to get a lot of pleasure by thinking about you being so exquisitely and beautifully just you at BlogHer this weekend. I can't wait to hear the stories you'll bring back.
I am finding the courage to be more me and just me every day!
You'll be so warmly received, at BlogHer and everywhere, when you show up as you. :) Can't wait to hear the stories from the conference. And that book sounds incredible.
"I am going as myself." love this...
I'm refreshed by your writing. Thank you.
Jen, I remember the first time I visited Brooklyn and I marveled at the things people put out in front of their buildings. We do something similar in Chicago, except we put the things in the alley but they usually don't seem as cool as the stuff I saw in Brooklyn.
I'm so glad I met you this weekend. You are already a beautiful friend to me.
xoxo
Soul Sister Jen...honestly, meeting you in person this weekend was one of the highlights of the conference for me. I felt an instant connection with you and obviously, our spirits recognized each other. I am beyond thrilled to have had some time to chat with you and I hope to do this again very, very soon. Let us make a point of keeping in touch and mean it.
Oh. You are Good. Chookooloonks said so. So I came and took a peek. And, hell, I'm subscribing. In email. Not too many blogs get that kinda treatment from me. I wanna hear what you have to say. Because tasting a bit here, I detect that you have something to say. And, like Karen said, you write oh so beautifully. You've given me my day's cyber cup of chamomile for the soul. Thank you. I'll be back.