Mediation Thread

I'm starting this thread, rather than a new board because I feel we have too many boards already. This thread will always stay at the top of the Tree House, so you can find it easily.

This is a space for sharing when someone has been offended, felt exposed, felt whatever unpleasant feelings by reading someone else's comment or responses. It's a kind of mediation thread, where anyone can share if they feel upset because of something which has happened within this Diving Deeper pod.

Usually if things get a little 'hot' we all manage to work through it wherever the heat starts - and sometimes via personal emails.  I feel we are actually an extraordinary group here (I'm very involved now with the fall-out from the Seed System, and there is so much endless discussion that never seems to resolve itself - whereas here, so far, we usually resolve issues very quickly and end up feeling 'richer' for it).

However – I do know that a fair bit of 'behind the scenes' mediation (ie via private email) goes on between members.

It is my experience that the more transparent, vulnerable and 'radically honest' I am, the quicker and deeper the transformation. So, I'm inviting everyone to start sharing more openly if there are 'personal' issues arising from feedback or comments here and I encourage us all to support any post that is added to this thread, if only by simply saying “I hear you”.

Most 'issues' in my experience can be resolved within a space of what I call 'deep listening'. This means listening to the 'other' in the fullest way possible, with all our senses, and putting aside our own needs/desires/difficulties for a while - and not saying anything to 'fix' the situation or 'change' the person, simply fully taking in the person who needs to be heard.

Obviously deep listening is not so easy to do in an online environment - well it is easy to do, but it's important that the 'other' knows they are being listened to - hence the necessity to 'comment' briefly on whatever is shared here. And sometimes, active mediation is needed.

I'm available for whatever wants to happen here, and if it looks like we need a specific board for this work, I'll create it.

Love,

Sandra

Re: Mediation Thread

Thank you for this Sandra. I appreciate that you would take the time to create this thread… I don't know about the private exchanges, but it is a good idea to have a safe place to voice 'issues' … I don't want to seem like I have any - though I have been a bit confused about some of the threads here… I am getting the hang of things I think… alot of rules

anyway, thank you… I hope that people will use this.

xo
Leigh-Anne

Re: Mediation Thread

Thanks Leigh-Anne!

A lot of rules. Oh dear. Just forget them all…

I think there has been some weird things flying about in the Universe.. I've had so many emails from people going through crises or high emotions… 

and I'm sure I've contributed to this feeling of 'rules'  with all my posts about commenting etc lately.   if there is anything you are unsure of please do ask and most definitely use this thread to share 'feelings' about anything that is happening here ( including 'rules'!)

Much love,
Sandra

Re: Mediation Thread

Thanks Sandra I was feeling bummed tht no one really commented on me but reading others stories and poetry is helping me find new ways to explore my past memories and put them ina format I have some ideas but getting the memories out is first when i post something here i am exercising my writers voice it could be years before i am a writer of a novel or short stories i know it helps to write andd go back and reread i have a journal i was writing before my boyfriend passed that i know will be helpful in getting feelings out and adding conversation thanks again i told you youd teach me something :)

Re: Mediation Thread

“Open is the magic gesture of the heart ready for deeper love
and the hand for greater good!”      ~ Karen Lynn 05/26/07

Holding this space open for Deep Listening is like a magic gesture waving us to move fearward, toward rather than away from, the uncomfortable stings in our own learning. Conflict and dis-ease is so ripe with nutrient rich soil, acting as the manure we need – I hear you asking us to aerate it into our garden so that those stubborn, dormant seeds can burst with life.

I don’t mean to be preachy here but I was inspired by your post Sandra. Not just because you have created a thread where we can ‘mediate it out’ (so to speak) but because you always call us, so beautifully yet powerfully, to dive a little deeper, to dive into the dark, to dive where it is not so warm and fuzzy, diving deep enough to cause us to gasp for air.  I really love that about you and your leadership.

This is what I love about DD too! I remember the beginning - when we laughed at our own awkward attempts to get naked, when we celebrated each fumble or not so brilliant move toward a deeper spot on the grid. I remember your comments nudging me to reveal more, highlighting my guard, calling me out, - to show my slip (undergarments) as if my gifts were hidden there.

Being radically honest in this thread calls us to courageously step out of the dressing room -in plain view- with nothing but our undergarments on, fighting for that deep gasp of air (validation) with nothing more than the soft armor of our beliefs, wants and personalities. Public nakedness for our private scares to catch some rays of healing! Wow

This could be miraculous! But the potentiality of miracles lives in our authentic gestures of trust! I have sensed the influence of your involvement with ‘the fall-out from the Seed System’ for quiet some time now and I honor your consistent commitment to co-create a place where trust acts as the weed eater for unexpected growth.

I love the growing pains of Zaadz and DD right now because passing through these darker alleys of mistrust and conflict is calling us all toward the light. I imagine the DD crew diving deep enough to pop up inside these little cave pockets far beneath the surface where the cool air of old energy serves to freshen our lungs and the healing stirs us toward an intimacy rarely possible on the surface.

I am here.
in deep repose
Nameste’
Syn

Re: Mediation Thread

Undergarments? Darn.

Your naked heart is beautiful to me, Synerjyz. In dream analysis part of the symbolism of nakedness is vulnerability. That's where the goddess lives, and human hope. And good writing. It could be a slogan from a New-Age Brave New World: Vulnerability is Strength.

Thank you for sharing your magic gesture, beloved one. It is a strong strength to be open to weakness.

And I join everyone is welcoming this space to our holy ya ya. At first I thought it was a Meditation thread. And now that I think of it, I wonder if these things should not be called threads, but roots or sprouts, perhaps, or blossoms.

Love & Peace,

Tom

Re: Mediation Thread

Oh Holy Brother Ya Ya

this vulnerable goddess feels like lady godiva..the Go Diva!
Uncertainty is rather naked and unlimited isnt it and beautiful all at the same time. It takes getting used to if you have held onto something else instead.
Holding gets boring after awhile it starts telling instead of showing or living.
Like a snow man melting, a snow person temperature challenged.

Holy Sista Ya Ya
mother of buddha
maya
buddha is burning ya ya
dont hold on, dont hold on

Re: Mediation Thread

Awe my dear ya ya hai master, I love you too!

Would you believe that only here and perhaps in a few very private places, am I willing to allow my vulnerability to speak much less live as strength? In fact, vulnerability is, and has almost always been, the greatest challenge of my real carbon-based life. I find that so interesting about myself.

Yes Yes - the blooms unfolding so rapidly in the heat of bright genius and the roots digging in so deep for a drink from pure intention. Love that!

Re: Mediation Thread

Syn, Starseed, everyone,
feeling very touched at the responses hear. ( I keep making that typo.. what did Freud say? No mistakes….)

Starseed - well I don't know if it helps for me to say you are not alone in feeling bummed when your pieces are not commented on or not commented on much…. I feel the same way! And I know so many others do too. And it seems to be part of the 'process' - to experience that at some point we are 'alone' in our work, that although we do need the community and friendship and support of others, even if we have a mentor or an editor or a publisher – in the end, it is only myself and the computer, and I have to love the work enough to sit those long days and nights out when there seems to be no outside encouragement.

There is a point in the writer's life when the 'bug bites' – when the pure bliss of creating flows through. It is a kind of satori, a spiritual experience, an experience ot feeling absolutely 'one' and in flow. If this happens, then no matter what happens afterwards, we always have it in our 'cells' as it were, and we know it is possible. The days when writing is a drudge seem easier… that cellular memory seems to keep feeding me.

Syn,  “Being radically honest in this thread calls us to courageously step out of the dressing room -in plain view- with nothing but our undergarments on, fighting for that deep gasp of air (validation) with nothing more than the soft armor of our beliefs, wants and personalities. Public nakedness for our private scares to catch some rays of healing!”

I don't know how you do it, but whatever you write brings tears of delight and love to my eyes.

I was just talking about radical honesty the other day… I'm sure you know the book?

As for my undergarments.. well I'm enjoying being here, I mean really being here on DD for a change, rather than trying to grok a dozen postings and say something coherent to them in 10 mins. I've been so busy, and so wanting to give more of my time here - reading the work, discovering the new writers… so today I spent a little time doing that and it's just wonderful. I felt a bit on tilt there with all the issues 'on commenting' that arose the past week ( was Mercury heading into Mars or something?)!

And, what else. I'm very aware that I haven't written anything new myself for a couple of weeks - and aware that it will be another couple before I can do so. I'm okay with it, but… that lingering feeling hangs over me ..”will I be able to ever write again?” :-) I don't listen to that voice too much - whose is it I wonder?

Love to all,
Sandra

Re: Mediation Thread

Sandra dear, you should know how I do it since you do it to me too! Like here…
…. we always have it in our 'cells' as it were, and we know it is possible. The days when writing is a drudge seem easier… that cellular memory seems to keep feeding me.
~tearing truth from my exhale~ Thanks

 
“will I be able to ever write again?” :-) I don't listen to that voice too much - whose is it I wonder?    I don’t know who that is but I heard it the other day and earnestly told him to shut the hell up, being able to write has little to do with it!  tee hee hee ~smirk

Love yall

Re: Mediation Thread

I don’t know who that is but I heard it the other day and earnestly told him to shut the hell up,

Oh hah hah!!

Yes the bugger… good lord is it a he? Poor guy. He's got no chance has he ;-)

xo

Re: Mediation Thread

Absolutely wonderful thread, yes to it!

How different our 'worlds' are, that makes me often wonder. While I am experiencing the Silence, Serenity and Security others go through the opposite, one moment, separate lives, and vice versa, oh lord haven't I been there too. It is good to have this place.

I have nothing to say though, more than give my support. No complaints heh heh.

That flow thing you talk about Sandra - my heaven, that is the most wonderful place a writer can be and I hope everyone have a chance to experience it. Quite right, it gives such a strength to know that I can go back there. I have not really got into that experience when I write in English, but I will get there eventually, some day soon *smiles*.

Let's be naked together and lets dive deeper.

Love,
Nono

Re: Mediation Thread

hello. I am glad you started this as well. not only can I say what i feel but I can read other's thoughts as well. I know how starseed feels about few to no comments. I think we all feel bad about that and it makes us gun shy. sometimes from my point of view, I don't always comment because I am not sure what to say. It doesn't always mean that works are not being read. Sometimes I have to go back and read again. I will make an effort to comment more. Hopefully everybody will. I think one time Sandra said something about commenting a couple every times when you post. I do want to say for myself that I am hesitant to post on the poetry board. I feel like I don't know enough about the poetry process to actually be there. I love poetry and maybe I need to get over that and just write without a concern. Why do i care so much anyway. 

Re: Mediation Thread

Hi Jenni
Im feeling  the same about posting comments also. Im slowing down a bit though. I realize it really takes time to read a piece take it in, absorb it. Wondering how committed I am to this whole process time wise. I feeling maybe Im going to just read for while without writing.

All in all I notice right now Im knowing less and less. Im amazed at all that has happened here.
With all of you. The incredible writing here.

Sandra you have poured so much into this, its such a passion for you and it shows.

Slowing down.
maya

Re: Mediation Thread - SUGGESTION

Dear Sandra & Mods,

The issue of not been commented on. I believe Jim took it up under the seeds discussion that zaadz could add the counter of how many reads a posting has. Our profiles and blogs have that, so it shouldn't be that difficult to add for the pod postings.

My thought behind this is that the writer can actually see that people do read their postings and it could give at least some comfort while there's none or just one comment.

What say you?

Re: Mediation Thread - SUGGESTION

I believe Jim took it up under the seeds discussion that zaadz could add the counter of how many reads a posting has.

Yes to this. Why don't you add it to the Think Tank section on pods? It's were such suggestions should go… if you post we can all chime in over there and say yes please!!

Love,
Sandra.

And a p.s.

I'm really tuning into this 'transparency' thing – how can we all be more transparent? It doesn't have to happen on this thread, but wherever we are - so for example Jenni - yes I feel the same often.. how to comment on a piece, not knowing… wanting to etc. So perhaps even if you/I just said exactly what you/I feel – eg, I've read this and I want to comment but the words are not coming right now..?

And..another p.s.
I have found that if I make one 'good' comment and by good I mean one I've really put some time and energy into, I feel very good. So I'm trying to do this - ie. not pressure myself to comment on lots of pieces, but at least do one 'full' one every so often.

Re: Mediation Thread - SUGGESTION

It's there now, on that Think Tank pod. Go support the idea, go! We can make a difference.

Love,
Nono

Re: Mediation Thread

Oh and Jenni: I do want to say for myself that I am hesitant to post on the poetry board.

why not experiment with writing a poem to one of the assignments? Then it can go in the Responses to Assignments board :-)

S.

Re: Mediation Thread

I had thought about that, thanks sandra. I just posted one on poetry, before I wrote this, but next time. thanks jen

Re: Mediation Thread

Hello everyone,

*warning diving in without floaties on*

I have not been ‘present' here as much as I would like to be these days - I am very busy at work at the moment, however, I still am trying to take the time in the evening to read and catch up on the day's posts. The “issue” of commenting is one, I have to be honest, I have wrestled a bit with how to address it with the group… there is a definite structure and expectation for DD, and I find it kind of restrictive. I don't like to comment just for the sake of commenting.

I definitely recognize that the purpose of posting here is to get some feedback (good bad or ugly) and to be fair to everyone, commenting is important, but it is useless to me to give out a comment that is forced or hollow - I feel that many of mine have been because I cannot give my energy to them the way I would like to. There is a lot of pressure to comment, and while it has been very helpful for me the feedback I have received so far, but it is certainly not something that I expect. I have pieces go for weeks no being commented on, one even has never been commented on… I don't take it personally, why should I? I don't want to become attached to the comments or the expectation of getting them - it's not very helpful to me. The feedback that I have gotten on my own things has been authentic and truthful, and what I needed to hear at that particular time. I am truly grateful for those comments.  If no comments come, then nothing does. It just isn't the right time for it - that is what I believe anyway.

I personally don't want to write for comments, I want to write to move deeper into the art of writing and into myself… writing comments for other people's work is different. I can comment about the structure or the elements of the writing - no problem, but instinctively I want to go deeper than that, in a way that isn't just coming off as praise… and, being sensitive to the needs of others, if something just doesn't work for me, I am very hesitant to include that into my response (partly that has to do with being new here, and not knowing everyone terribly well enough to be able to give constructive criticism that won't be taken the wrong way… the energy of late has been kind of dicey and I wouldn't want to misstep)  

Anyway - I guess the challenge for me right now is more about the writing itself. I am not too concerned with things that I have posted going without response/ recognition or views (it happens not just in Zaadz but elsewhere). I treasure the comments that people have left for me, and I hope that I will be able to comment in a constructive way that will be seen less as the number of comments made, and more in the light of their quality instead.

Well sorry for the blahblah - just wanted to take the time to write about it while it was top of mind

la

Re: Mediation Thread

quietlaughter: No worries on the floaties. We will save you. That is to say we won't let you drown.

I love what you have to say here, how your focus is on writing. Commenting is a difficult thing and it's no wonder it creates different responses. One reason I quit joining regular writing groups is because critiqueing somebody's work while they're sitting right there is so unpleasant. It's why I love DD so, we can talk about spirituality rather than esthetics, which is such a quagmire of egos.

Write on, quietlaughter.

Love for the Word,

Tom

Re: Mediation Thread

aww you know Tom, I could just hug you right now for writing this. I so appreciate the extended hand to keep me from drowning, the kindness and understanding that you've shown me. I have never been a part of a writing group before… DD is my first, and every day I am understanding more and more that I have chosen the right place to become braver in my writing.

I will continue to write and comment when I can :-)

thank you thank you

la
xo

Re: Mediation Thread

Dear Leigh-Anne–

personally don't want to write for comments, I want to write to move deeper into the art of writing and into myself…

!! I feel the same way!

And I have discovered that I learn so much by taking a look at why I like (or don't like )some pieces - why they 'work'. It teaches me a lot about writing. I used to be someone ( still am really) who only wants to say, I like this, I don't like this… I'm learning to go deeper.

It takes a lot of time and energy to comment – it doesn't come 'naturally' to me. I do it because  I want to give 'back' to this space, to people who have commented on my work; I do it because it helps my own writing - and I do it because it feeds this community.

I feel that if this place were just a place to publish our work, it would not be the place it is, it would fade and wilt. There are so many places where one can post one's work – and they seem dry cold places to me.

I am definitely for you to dive into writing - you can use what works for you here, and discard what doesn't.  You don't have to post anything at all – if some of the tips on writing help, If some of the assignments are fun…then that's great! If reading other people's writing is inspiring and you don't feel to comment -that's fine too.

I have seen that people who post their own work  and don't comment, tend not to get so many comments. It's a community thing.


writing comments for other people's work is different. I can comment about the structure or the elements of the writing - no problem, but instinctively I want to go deeper than that, in a way that isn't just coming off as praise…

What I find helps me – is to simply state what goes on in my body and heart as I read the work. I always have a physical / feeling response, and this is not difficult (for me) to share. even just a few words - I felt sad reading this; I felt a surge of energy go through me at the end etc.

 and, being sensitive to the needs of others, if something just doesn't work for me, I am very hesitant to include that into my response (partly that has to do with being new here, and not knowing everyone terribly well enough to be able to give constructive criticism that won't be taken the wrong way… the energy of late has been kind of dicey and I wouldn't want to misstep) 

I'm sorry that you have joined at a time when there has been so much talk on commenting etc. It's very unusual quite frankly  – mostly we are just posting our creative work and commenting. Some hanging out at Hotel California. A dip into the Hais. Thats it…

I don't know why there has been so much talk 'about writing' lately!! I take it as a good thing and I'm also looking forward to the time when I spend more time reading the work and commenting than 'commenting on commenting' etc!

I would love to be able to remove the feeling of it being ''dicey' over here – and for you to  enjoy ..and mostly to share your work with us. That's it. Forget the rest :-)

It isn't possible to 'misstep' - there are no mistakes on Diving Deeper. If someone does not comment according to the guidelines - all that does is open the area up, open us all up. If someone gets upset, it's an opportunity ( I hate that word, but I hope you know what I mean) for us to open even more, to take a deeper look at ourselves.

For me everything is a 'mirror' – If I'm feeling grumpy with what's going on here, it's a gift for me to look at myself - it's never about anyone else or about the pod - or at least that is how I approach it here.

So, inspite of all the guidelines and talk about how to comment or not.. just go for it – be yourself…..whatever that looks like…leap and see what happens.. there is so much heart in this pod it simply isn't possible to 'go wrong'. Wrong doesn't exist here…

Love and support,
Sandra

Re: Mediation Thread

Sandra,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a long response to my rambling - I really appreciate it! You have given me a lot to chew on - my favorite part is the open door (springboard?) to dive into writing… which I will do more soon… I am sure that the inspiration will come to comment also. I have noticed that after writing my response here… suddenly I felt more at ease to leave comments. I will give my best to reciprocate.

You are very right - if someone becomes upset, then it is a window to not only look in on myself but also to look through the other way to get a better understanding. I believe that everyone (every situation) is my teacher (a cliché perhaps, but definitely true for me). In thinking further on the topic - indifference is what kills me. I have been on the receiving end of indifference before - it is something I feel very challenged by. I hope that I won't feel it here (and yes the little red light went off signalling a starting point to invesitgate this feeling more)…  I cannot always express what has been stirred up but I will try.

I am glad to hear that the talk about how to comment etc is not the norm… though everything has its place, and it likely will be beneficial for everyone in the long run to get through it, hash it out and wear the guidelines around a bit. I do like the idea of having a go at running around naked in my writing - with respect of course!

Thank you for your reassurance and encouragement… I need a good swim in the ocean, and as much as I love the surf… there are caves down in the depths that I would like very much to explore.

Hugs to you!

(we are getting freezing rain here tonight - I need the warmth from a hug I think!)

xo

la

Re: Mediation Thread

~  HUG  ~

Re: Mediation Thread

Hi everyone,

Just posted a comment on Mary's “Red Tail Lights”. I felt triggered by her comments on child birth as I am writing a book on the subject. Yet I felt that what I wanted to share from my heart about my own experience(s) could potentially interfere with the way Mary perceives her birth experience. It is after all as personal as it gets. And with the underlying humorous ripple, why touch that? I choose to let it be.

Although I am quite new to the pod - I have the feeling I'll run into this a lot - when I read another's deep meanderings and feel into the core of their experience, if I choose to comment at all I probably just share what resonates, and just quietly… bear witness.

In appreciation and delight,
Nell ;-)

Re: Mediation Thread

Nell.. welcome, and thanks so much for sharing this - I think it's a really wonderful point, how the 'content' or subject matter can be triggering – and what to do about this. For me it sounds like you handled it beautifully - i.e. was there 'for' Mary as a writer and for her work, leaving aside your own issues on the content.

I too have been 'triggered' when reading what I presume to be the author's point of view on something, ie. I disagree or felt upset because it seemed to go against what I 'stand for' – and yet as I mention in the guidelines, if I read whatever is written here as 'fiction' I can get out of the way a little and imagine it is the voice of a 'character' speaking and not an opinion piece - and then I'm able to comment more constructively.

Even if there are opinion pieces here ( and there are some ) I feel it's best to talk about the way the piece is written that works for me ( or does not work for me, if the writer is willing for such feedback).

Sometimes I'm able to include a bit of my point of view, or the fact that I'm triggered in the comment I make on the writing –and since I equate writing with a spiritual practice, perhaps it's important to do so.

The main thing is, in my opinion, not to make the writer 'wrong' to have their point of view, or myself 'right' - and to share what is triggered in a way that it's clear I'm taking responsibility for being triggered.

I liked reading you, Nell, it felt open and porous and loving and I imagine Mary would have been available to hear your feelings.

Love,
Sandra

Re: Mediation Thread - On Not Being Commented Upon

Re: Mediation Thread

I will endeavor to do my best to comment here on people's work. It is very very hard as I do not wish to offend or give empty praise (echoing other poster's sentiments). But it is something I do want to do.

My goal is to comment positively on other's work at least once a week. And the posts will be on material that has “moved” me or make me come to emotion.

So with that I will go looking around.

Someday when I am not so pressed, I will add some of my own writing for comment. Right now my writing is focued on my buisness and to be truthful I am not even sure it fits here in this community as it is a game and reads like a wikipedia entry.

Re: Mediation Thread

:-) Richie. I love what you say. Yes :-)

I find it does help to make some sort of 'commitment' to how much or how little I'm going to comment - I have to say I keep changing my commitment, but I've found that if I make the effort to do at least one 'good' comment every few days - and by 'good' I mean me taking the time to tune in as much as I can to the work, (and myself as I read) I actually 'feel' really wonderful. Maybe because I feel responsible for this pod ( I do..) but also because it's actually quite energizing to really dive in and comment deeply.

Oh and on the 'on commenting' issue, I think Tom's piece is so wonderful, I've added it to the guidelines, but in case anyone missed it, I'm going to copy it here too:

“I found myself once or twice during the read pulling on my editorial hat and then I realized, holy shit, the free fall method of writing applies to reading too! You have to take off the editorial hat even when you're reading, go completely nude-head, bare-head naked, so the words don't have time to lodge in your brain but sail right into your heart. Then you can read it true. If the editorial voice butts in during the first read, you lose the magic. You have to give up control as a reader too, let the song of the sound carry you where it will. Judgement kills, not only teenager's egos, but artistic communication between souls. You judge art by living it and you can only live it if you let it in.”

Re: Mediation Thread

Oh I missed Nono's post  above re her post to the Think Thank for a counter on our threads…yes lets all go and give the thread our 'yesses'.

Also please note the Thread Hall of Fame pod that Om has just created! I'm sure there are one or two threads here that deserve to be nominated.

Love,
Sandra

Re: Mediation Thread

i am listening….the O factor.us…..seems to be directing me deeper and deeper into ONESELF…….and here i am sharing the balance of the archetypes in play….experiencing the SPACE of that meditation always here and now …the beautiful pure perfect love …THE LOVE in playful active meditative dance…blessings

On the Art of Being Offended

Truth be told, I ain't offended.  Factually, ma'am, I was athinkin of postin somethin a so offensive that it'd rot the nose hairs offa coyotey.  But, stretchin the limits of ma cro-magnon capabilities (so, some might say) I can't athink of a single danged thing.  So be it.

Yup.  and i dont feel like posting no poetry, neither.  cant think of a word, phrase or skippin bee-bop rythym.  doubled 'y's for effect there.  i DID see a red-shouldered hawk soarin over the orchard this morn.  gorgeous sight.  wish some or all or at least one of you word-mongerers coulda been there to share it with. 

had the flu the last week.  good lord, its a doozey.  do yourself a favour and go visit the devil before you give this creep of a virus a ride.  dont pay no mind to that pathetic expression as you pass him by on the turnpike- his kind is a lonesome for folks ta torment is all.  that said, ive arecovered just bout.  i rather worry that what with no fever no more an all, i might not be able to produce such magnificent work.  not that it was magnificent ta begin with, but hell, a little fever enhanced delirium never hurt a poet none- cept those it killed, spose.

been drinking a ton o tea, i have.  good stuff, too.  some japanese stuff called matcha.  bright flourescent green, it is.  and tastes like good ole fashioned mud.  mmmmmm mmmmm.  comon over if any yalls want some.

thats all i gots fer now.  hope ever one a yas is doing just plain peachy.  i do love yous adorables poets muchingly.  and other writers as well (yall poets fars im concerned.)

love n such,
davie the orangutang sea captain of spumoni.

Re: On the Art of Being Offended

! well I have to more or less agree with you david ..but hey man you had too many espressos or something writing this??!  oh, it's that matcha tea of course…

Agreeing with you  in the sense that very little 'offends' me, but this 'mediation' thread is mostly to say: we are able to talk about anything here. Personally I believe in total transparency, and to encourage this the 'space' needs to support a feeling of general open-ness, vulnerability and honesty & self-reflection.

Hugs, glad you are feeling better. “My” David is sick with what sounds like the same thing.

Sandra