I’m so glad that you gently call out the language we protectors of the environment do often use, metaphors of warfare. I think this creates a mood in which potential allies (however remotely) are cast as enemies. We don’t need that! Let’s think of everyone as someone who can learn and become a fellow protector of our cherished planet!
Thank you Amanda for this lovely gift. Thank you for reminding me of these profound wisdoms, some of which I know and then forget. Thank you for the sprinkle of beautiful moments in the hills and with your mother.
Imagining oneself as a plant, with the same needs and sensitivities- such a great way to humbly enter nature, to commune with her. Thank you for this graceful, flowing post. I wish to be that patient friend!
Poetry 😊 Thank you for sharing your delightful, mindful stroll - and beautiful images. And a glimpse into your dear mom's day. I enjoy our brief chats ❤
I always look forward to reading your comments, rena. Your responses and others are part of Amanda's writing now. Together, there's a quiet, growing power. Also, I love that you bring poetry into the circle. Amanda has been talking about those yellow flowers for weeks. I knew they made a deep impression on her but I didn't understand why until now.
Thank you for writing and sharing this, Amanda. Slowing down is one of the hardest but best things we can do. Still often a conscious choice for me, but it’s the right choice.
I feel like we are sisters from another mother. I have been having this same sort of awakening over here for most of the same reasons, and we even have the same name. Trippy. Mindfulness meditation practice, getting to know my mind, constantly battling crippling anxiety and finding that I can manage it after all. I’ve been learning that Slow and steady wins the race. I think I already told you I also live with my mom who has dementia and am her care provider. And I keep steady with my love of animals that feeds my creativity, sustains me, and keeps me looking for the positive when the darkness keeps growing. I’m so glad we met here. You are like that rare yellow flower for me. I’m glad I didn’t march by looking at my phone and miss the chance to see you! PS yes to a more wholistic less fearful way of talking about conservation that is sustainable for all.
“And I wonder, why have I never seen this flower before? In over 15 years of trudging up this hillside, how could I have missed it?” This is how I feel about most things in my life. Never have one of your posts spoken to me more.
I knew you were a badass but I love that you have so much history with skiing, etc. I love that you have found yourself slowing down. Me too. I often deliberately make my steps slower and mindfulness is something I strive for more than anything else. The anxiety keeps it from coming naturally.
Thank you so much for this beautiful walk and your gorgeous pictures. Truly stunning. Your peaceful ways of being present in this world. Your mother and her secrets to the universe. Your posts make me a better human.
I'm glad it resonated with you. It's always interesting to see how much shared experience there is. Perhaps we should come up with an alternative to "Keep charging!" Something like, "Keep slowing down to photograph the flowers."
I’m so glad that you gently call out the language we protectors of the environment do often use, metaphors of warfare. I think this creates a mood in which potential allies (however remotely) are cast as enemies. We don’t need that! Let’s think of everyone as someone who can learn and become a fellow protector of our cherished planet!
I wholeheartedly agree.
Thank you Amanda for this lovely gift. Thank you for reminding me of these profound wisdoms, some of which I know and then forget. Thank you for the sprinkle of beautiful moments in the hills and with your mother.
Thank you, Monica, and you're welcome 🙏😊🌻
Hi Monica DuClaud, (nice name),
I like your website and comments in substack. I'm going to join my daughter, Amanda Royal, and subscribe.
Hello Mariana. Thank you for connecting. I might manage to meet Amanda in person during Bioneers this weekend. Will you be attending?
Imagining oneself as a plant, with the same needs and sensitivities- such a great way to humbly enter nature, to commune with her. Thank you for this graceful, flowing post. I wish to be that patient friend!
Thank you, Julie. 🙏
I often see your sensitive encouraging words in response to Amanda's stories. I value your connection with her almost as much as I think she does
Amanda is such a great writer. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy reading each post. Thank you for bringing this lovely person into the world!
Beautiful, my first time reading Earth Hope.
Thank you.🙏
Poetry 😊 Thank you for sharing your delightful, mindful stroll - and beautiful images. And a glimpse into your dear mom's day. I enjoy our brief chats ❤
you're the best, rena 🌻
I always look forward to reading your comments, rena. Your responses and others are part of Amanda's writing now. Together, there's a quiet, growing power. Also, I love that you bring poetry into the circle. Amanda has been talking about those yellow flowers for weeks. I knew they made a deep impression on her but I didn't understand why until now.
Thank you for writing and sharing this, Amanda. Slowing down is one of the hardest but best things we can do. Still often a conscious choice for me, but it’s the right choice.
Thanks, James
I think some of your posts might have helped me get up the courage to share.
I am very glad to hear that, Amanda
I feel like we are sisters from another mother. I have been having this same sort of awakening over here for most of the same reasons, and we even have the same name. Trippy. Mindfulness meditation practice, getting to know my mind, constantly battling crippling anxiety and finding that I can manage it after all. I’ve been learning that Slow and steady wins the race. I think I already told you I also live with my mom who has dementia and am her care provider. And I keep steady with my love of animals that feeds my creativity, sustains me, and keeps me looking for the positive when the darkness keeps growing. I’m so glad we met here. You are like that rare yellow flower for me. I’m glad I didn’t march by looking at my phone and miss the chance to see you! PS yes to a more wholistic less fearful way of talking about conservation that is sustainable for all.
Glad to know you, too, Amanda. There are so many of us caregivers here. Healing is hard work. Thank you for not scrolling by!
“And I wonder, why have I never seen this flower before? In over 15 years of trudging up this hillside, how could I have missed it?” This is how I feel about most things in my life. Never have one of your posts spoken to me more.
I knew you were a badass but I love that you have so much history with skiing, etc. I love that you have found yourself slowing down. Me too. I often deliberately make my steps slower and mindfulness is something I strive for more than anything else. The anxiety keeps it from coming naturally.
Thank you so much for this beautiful walk and your gorgeous pictures. Truly stunning. Your peaceful ways of being present in this world. Your mother and her secrets to the universe. Your posts make me a better human.
I'm glad it resonated with you. It's always interesting to see how much shared experience there is. Perhaps we should come up with an alternative to "Keep charging!" Something like, "Keep slowing down to photograph the flowers."
Yes! Walk slowly and smell the flowers that you’ve been missing. My new lifetime affirmation
Absolutely beautiful, Amanda. Sincere thanks for slowing down :) and writing this, it's a real gift.
🙏
Beautiful, Amanda. Thank you for walking us up that hill, slowly and mindfully.
Thank you, Jason. That means a lot coming from you. 😊
Thanks so much for this lovely reflection. It is just the reminder my heart needed to hear today!
You're welcome 💗
🙏
💗