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I found this really interesting. Just when I was beginning to be relieved that formalized religion, particularly Catholicism, was on the way out, Sister Burns is embracing social media as a way to reach more people. It’s seems a really smart strategy. Inconceivable to me who grew up in the dark ages where nuns were mean, dour and anything but fun. The pope on Twitter - that’s incredible!

Yes, tears gently gathered as I read this very touching story. Our first and only dog when my children were young was a Shepherd/Lab mix but she most resembled a Shepherd. We got Sasha from a farm as a puppy. She chose us as we all stood looking down at the pups sleepily entangled together in their pen. Sasha could not have been a more excellent addition to our family. She was protective, loving, playful, intelligent, loyal and intuitive. When my children were in grade school, they could bring in the most important person in their lives - they chose Sasha! She lived to be 19, unheard of for most dogs. I can still feel the deep loss of this amazing companion. Thanks for such a beautiful story and pictorial Sung.

An absolute 10! I had a complete breakdown freshman year giving a paper on Vitamin K in nutrition class. It’s one of those scars that still brings on the flush of humiliation, which was over 46 years ago! Yeah, anyone who is authentic and super confident when in front of an audience has a super power that few possess. I’m thinking about Shark Tank - it’s a real test of confidence and self possession for those who can captivate and entertain such a seasoned, powerful group of individuals - and the millions watching. The young kids that nail it are remarkable.

Another very charged subject matter. I personally have never been pro death penalty. I believe, given the right environment and opportunities, that a person can change. I am VERY much for prison reform - that is what is most needed in my opinion. We can not treat criminals like animals and then, when their sentences are up, release them into a world where they have no new skills to navigate the system. There are many success stories of individuals that transformed their lives while in prison and returned to society with a deep passion and commitment to help others like themselves. That could be such a win/win for us all.

This is a 10! Highly recommend. All I kept thinking about while reading this was the documentary of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. While I found it extremely compelling and amazing, I also found it deeply disturbing. Reading this article made me realize why. Really fantastic insights about super success and how not to despair once achieving it.

This subject is right up there with religion and politics - very charged! I had an aunt and good friend who chose her career over marriage and family. She was glamorous, traveled the world and the life of the party. When she became older and her health seriously declined, she was envious of my family life of husband and 2 adult children. She was unrealistic in her fantasy of the perfect husband and kids - all healthy, all successful. As if it were a given. I told her all decisions in life have risks, uncertainty, compromises and consequences. I could have a husband whose health was not so robust or children born with many possible health or cognitive challenges as well. “The grass is always greener” is too simplistic and immature a view that will cause great suffering if dwelled upon.

Surprising and rather a crazy thought.

Great storytelling - deeply moving. I am also suspicious of people who are not animal lovers. For me, a 10!

Very disturbing. My Reiki group gathers each Monday for intentional group healing services. This is our agenda for today. I know that there are others globally doing the same thing. The power of Spirit is a mighty force. So pleased that we can unite as one for such a worthy cause. Please don’t lose hope - we ARE waking up!

Wow, all I can say is that I found myself riveted and compelled forward in this most bizarre and imaginative story. I will need to reread this slower, as I feel it demands that attention. The message is beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing.

Great article. Being my own experiment in this field, I have found all forms of meditation and mindfulness to be life altering in every aspect of my life. I find that all of my senses are more honed, my connections deeper, my awareness more acute. I feel I am more able to respond to life than react. Even how I work out has become more about somatic awareness - inside and outside of my body. And I do feel much more connected to everything. It’s such a great counterbalance to our rapidly growing technological world. Walks in nature also ranks very high on my list. So healing.

So much I did not know about Camus. Love this: “Then I think of flowers, smiles, the desire for women, and realize that my whole horror of death lies in my anxiety to live.” I feel the pain of that statement.

Bravo!

This is beautifully written. “All I could think was that we spent the last ten years practicing how to leave each other before ever considering whether we could stay.” Romantic notions, a product of the brain from my standpoint, can really get one into trouble. Matters of the heart need to be felt. Tune into that wisdom that never lies. Ten years is a lot of time on hold. Unless it works for both parties. It doesn’t seem the case here.

Wow, this hits home, very personal for me. I had a stillborn my second trimester. At the time I was managing a health club and in the best shape of my life. This doesn’t happen to people who take really good care of themselves. I was confused, shocked and heartbroken. The doctor said there was no known cause, that it typically happens with a first pregnancy. That seemed like an insane statement until all the brave women in my life started telling me their own stories of miscarriage. Why was this such a hidden statistic? Like there was shame attached to it. I was comforted by their stories, so much so that 3 months later I got pregnant again. And each woman who decides that is brave because you risk the pain and loss all over again. But like this author, it’s so worth it when you have a successful pregnancy. And I had 2, which I am forever grateful for. Mysteries and miracles.

So interesting, this person’s life. Rich on many levels. Their illness perhaps a portal to a much deeper experience of living. Forced into “being,” they glimpsed a world others too busy “doing” might miss. Hummingbirds are magical. We have them in our backyard. Once, we heard a repeated banging outside. Drawn to the entrance of our home, I noticed a hummingbird caught in the corner, over by the door, repeatedly banging into the glass door. My husband got a ladder and gloves. He very carefully reached for this frightened bird and cupped it loosely in his hands. When he got off the ladder, we both got a very close look. The iridescent blue/green body was magnificent. To actually be holding magic in one’s hands was insane. My husband opened his palms and the bird flew away unharmed. What a gift!

Dear Lord, this took me back in time when my children were born. The trajectory of 35 years of not forgetting how lucky I was despite all of life’s challenges. A great little piece - emotionally on target - bullseye! I’ve had a remarkably moving morning of reads. Thanks Readup.

A stunner on SO many levels! This simple read is exceptional just for the range of emotions that I felt. Loss is like the waters this man explores. The mysteries of life are remarkable, enchanting, magical. So many questions. And that bottle is something I would covet - it’s gorgeous. To return it was such an unselfish act. Beautiful!

I deeply feel your ache.

Beyond a 10 - compelling.

Incredible that at your age you have a profound sense of self worth and to say no without explanation - that’s impressive! I love your openness, your willingness to share yourself, your ideas, your passionate energy. Welcome indeed! Look forward to more revelations!

Beyond a 10 - as are all sentient beings! Early one morning I was watering my garden by the river. A circle of 8 hawks appeared swirling overhead, graceful and angelic. I looked around for small prey and there were none. It became apparent that they were giving me some kind of message. Their energy was incredible, sacred and majestic. I was so moved, so overcome with awe, that I felt my husband had to witness it. I ran quickly into the house where he was playing the piano. I told him to come immediately outside, that I was witnessing some kind of miracle. When we got to the garden, they were gone. I searched the sky, area trees - nothing. He went back inside to resume his playing. As soon as he was gone, the eight Hawks reappeared, circling so closely over my head as to make me dizzy. I just stood there, arms wide and chest open, receiving their Hawk Medicine, tears gently rolling down my cheeks. They are my spirit guides, I have no doubt, an experience I’ll never forget. Hawks teach us to be observant and to see things from a higher perspective. It’s a strong message to follow your intuition, your own inner voice. To become more involved in my spiritual practices. I now have a red fox living on my property. He is almost like a pet dog, appearing during the day in the middle of the lawn, unafraid. We stare at one another, curious. He knows I will not harm him - that he is welcomed. As are the swans who come and nest by our pond, the huge blue heron who fishes in the same pond - the multitude of birds that gather at the feeders, talking, as if around a water cooler at the office. I am humbled by their company, their trust, their intelligence. The same goes for all the trees, shrubs, plants and the great mother, the river.

Wow, this article is tragic on so many levels. Highly recommend. It’s truly unfathomable to me how this young woman stays so optimistic and passionate. Inspiring.

I loved this article. Jen Miller describes Baubo as “the queen of deep belly laughs, dirty jokes and unbridled sexuality...She is the goddess who speaks directly from her genitals and your approval is neither sought nor required.” Maria Wulf says that Baubo “is the part of us that is ‘too loud’ and cackles at dirty jokes. The one who is having too much fun.” Guilty as charged!

100% agree - spot on! Terrific article. One truly imperative quality not mentioned is each person in the relationship having a deep sense of self love, self respect and self acceptance. When one is really centered in ones self, giving to another is natural and easy - it flows.

For the past 9 years, my older sister and I have been writing letters (hour long e-mails) to each other every day. It started as a way of sharing a passion for art. She was fascinated by process, so I would take pictures and explain each step of my finished piece. Then I asked to see some of her poetry, which had been published over the 30 years of her dedication but not too long ago abandoned for her love of horses. We had always been close but she never lived within car distance during my lifetime. Our visits were always holiday gatherings and delightfully chaotic due to her growing family. Now in our old age we have time, that incredibly precious commodity. Over the years, our letters became more intimate, more personal and revealing. The trust we cultivated allowed such depth and breadth of our exchanges. We are containers for each other’s most inner thoughts, desires and feelings. There is nothing we can’t talk about, knowing the other is there as a loving presence, a compassionate witness to our own internal process. Having a best friend, who is also a sister who shares my history, is a gift beyond measure.

This is very interesting because I was not the least bit offended by this woman’s reaction. I felt it was an honest stream of consciousness musing about how her life may change do to such an extraordinary turn of events. Even that it made sense given her family background. I’ll be very interested in what others think. I don’t feel there is a right or wrong reaction to this - just different.

This is such a delightful throw back to my youth, my own innocence. My parents never told me anything, as-if knowing about my body would cause me to discover all the pleasures that would lead to a life of sinful debauchery. Thank God for my best neighborhood friend Tess, two years my senior. Her parents were rumored to be communists. Her mom was a welder by trade, an artist by heart. She had hairy armpits and free swinging breasts. A studio upstairs with works on easels and strewn around the floor’s perimeter and unmade bed. There were cinderblocks supporting a red vellore couch, torn oriental rugs, dishes piled high by the sink. It was in this deliciously unstructured, uninhibited home that I got some of my best and most valuable education. Tess and I are still friends. We laugh a lot when we get together. It’s invaluable to have such a rich, meaningful history with someone.

Congratulations DellwoodBarker! It takes such courage to put your writing “out there.” I love stories with depth and soul - insights into one’s own life experiences. Your comments, in and of themselves, have been really interesting and a glimpse into your unique and sensitive worldview. Expanding into sharing short stories on Readup is a wonderful adventure to explore. I look forward to witnessing the evolution of your creative journey. Bravo!

I so appreciate articles like this because it’s a different work scenario than I ever experienced growing up in the mid 70’s. There were clear cut rules and regulations, chain of command, responsibilities. My work was separate from the rest of my life. I can appreciate how Google created a utopian “family” environment that would appeal to many who lacked that kind of support. And I clearly see the serious danger inherent in its structure. Unfortunately, sexual harassment was endemic back in my day also. Infuriating!

Highly recommend this article. Extremely insightful and disturbing.

I loved how this author wrote something about the tech world that I found fascinating! That’s magic in my book.

This is SO exciting! I hope they have this documented on the History Channel. I want to see it all. I was in college when I went to see a good friend in Washington DC. It happened to correlate with the traveling exhibit of the King Tut discoveries. I will never forget the complete and utter awe I felt. What brilliant artisans! How was it possible that they created such items without modern day tools? The details were amazing. The pyramids must be insanely magnificent in person.

Beyond a 10 - so glad it’s AOTD! How I have somewhat managed this pandemic is keeping my perspective - my gratitude practice. I am retired with adult children who are healthy and managing well. I have a Reiki community where we are committed daily to reaching out to those who are really struggling with their crisis - be it serious health issues, financial issues, loneliness, depression. Helping others really kept me focused on how much worse this was for them - and that I could offer support. And even with all of this perspective, I can SO relate to what this author is saying. When I felt untethered, I asked my community for help. Dear god, this is not something one can manage alone. Going forward, I feel community will be the new black.