I relate to this so much, society has a lot to say about how we, specifically as women, should be and what we should do and what we shouldn't be and do. I've tried on lots of boxes and lives and places too, until I realised it's ok to carve out your own path. People struggle sometimes when you don't neatly fit into one box, but I love that quote "I am large, I contain multitudes".
Thank you for sharing, Sophie. Society does have lots to say and really, no boxes are comfortable. Carving your own way is the path the freedom! You contain multitudes!
Hi Wendy, this is fantastic and I think you may have written it specifically for me. I have done some traveling and have lived in very few places but have not felt like I’ve been in my place or space for many years. You’re always making me think Wendy🩵😊
Thank you, Kris! It is for you—and for the many of us who struggle with society’s boxes. We are far more glorious. As Maya Angelou so beautifully said, “You only are free when you realize you belong no place—you belong every place—no place at all” (And, let’s go on an adventure!) ❤️
I can relate and also say that I have been challenged with belonging/not belonging my whole life. I still wrestle with it. We all want to be loved, as the person that we think we are. To be accepted, as the person that we think we are. I am always hoping for the kindred spirit who really sees me. I think it is somewhat more difficult these days, but I have hope. Thank you for your wise words, Wendy. 🧡
Thank you for sharing, Ang. In some ways, I suspect we all struggle with belonging/not belonging. Even those who don’t recognize this might be doing more “fitting in” than truly belonging (ala Brené Brown), which often doesn’t lead to truly thriving. As for these days…I’m grateful for the resonance I feel in this community. ❤️
My guess is that undisrupted indigenous cultures have a deep sense of belonging inextricably linked to land and place that promotes a collectivist sense of community and self. The fraying of these connections in modern society comes with great cost to our well-being.
So very true. Perhaps that is why I feel a connection to the indigenous people and their culture and art. Past spirit? Or just appreciation of their expressions and connections with the environment and world around them…
Your last question is the most important: “Who and how would you love?” We don’t ask that of ourselves nearly enough. Maybe we’ve stopped asking that of ourselves. Because, how can there be any other answer other than “Everyone, and deeply”? If THAT were our answer, I am awed by the kind of world we could create as a collective humanity for all Beings. But that’s not our answer. So the world will be much darker, more separate, and with more hatred as we choose to love only those who look, act, and believe like we do—but with a love that is transactional and conditional; you must prove your love to me in return by giving me something.
But none of that stops each of us from trying to love that more idealistic and benevolent way in our own little circle of influence. “It takes just one heart to start the whole chain.” ~ Ram Dass
Thank you, Kert, for these beautiful insights—especially, “we’d love …everyone, and deeply”—including, I’ll explicitly add, all other living beings and our natural habitat. To being one heart…💗
Thank you for writing such a touching article which resonates with me quite deeply. As a uranium type I prefer to be on the outside looking in, I like being on the edges, or over them. I like being invisible, I like exploring things and I like to be kept in a permanent state of wonder and curiosity. I've never felt this was a form of escapism, but more of a way of connecting to the world that we live in. Wonder is what makes life profound and joyous - it gives us perspective.
My life was badly affected by brexit and ever since 2020 I feel I've been forcibly put in a box. I would also say a consequence of this has been to decline my productivity as an artist; I too have spent the last four years asking all the same questions you've been asking yourself Wendy. I'm almost coming out of the other side of a long tunnel. I'd say the four years of introspection have helped intensify and ground my intentions as to why I need to live outside the box. In those four years I've had a complete identity shift in terms of changing my name, my language, and the way I paint. I've lost family and friends. My path wasn't for them and that's OK. Not everyone likes making new paths or finding themselves in terrain where there isn't one. I love it.
I recommend playing with your name Wendy, if only for a day. It sends our ego in a spin and it releases you. Blessings x
Úrsula, Thank you so much for your kind words. I found myself feeling a little vulnerable when I decided to write and share this piece. And, as is so often the case, doing so allows others to open up and fosters connection. I'm so happy to hear it resonated with you.
It seems we share a similar outlook on life--perhaps different orientations--but both centered on wonder and curiosity. I am grateful to know this about myself and to be deeply committed to being in the world in a way that orients me towards wonder and joy. It allows me to feel whole in a society that does not promote it. It sounds as if you navigate the world in a similar world.
I'm grateful you've shared some of your story. I don't entirely understand the complexities of brexit and its cultural impact but do know that it's been tough on creatives. I love hearing that despite all the difficulties, you've been able to carve your unique path and end up in a place you love. There's little more enlivening and empowering.
What an interesting thought--to play with my name. I've always liked my name, for it is relatively uncommon and its etymology (The Wanderer) absolutely suits me. However, I am curious to see what emerges if I'm to let go of this identify, if only for a day.
Thank you again for your heartfelt share. xo Wendy
I relate to this so much, society has a lot to say about how we, specifically as women, should be and what we should do and what we shouldn't be and do. I've tried on lots of boxes and lives and places too, until I realised it's ok to carve out your own path. People struggle sometimes when you don't neatly fit into one box, but I love that quote "I am large, I contain multitudes".
Thank you for sharing, Sophie. Society does have lots to say and really, no boxes are comfortable. Carving your own way is the path the freedom! You contain multitudes!
Hi Wendy, this is fantastic and I think you may have written it specifically for me. I have done some traveling and have lived in very few places but have not felt like I’ve been in my place or space for many years. You’re always making me think Wendy🩵😊
Thank you, Kris! It is for you—and for the many of us who struggle with society’s boxes. We are far more glorious. As Maya Angelou so beautifully said, “You only are free when you realize you belong no place—you belong every place—no place at all” (And, let’s go on an adventure!) ❤️
I can relate and also say that I have been challenged with belonging/not belonging my whole life. I still wrestle with it. We all want to be loved, as the person that we think we are. To be accepted, as the person that we think we are. I am always hoping for the kindred spirit who really sees me. I think it is somewhat more difficult these days, but I have hope. Thank you for your wise words, Wendy. 🧡
Thank you for sharing, Ang. In some ways, I suspect we all struggle with belonging/not belonging. Even those who don’t recognize this might be doing more “fitting in” than truly belonging (ala Brené Brown), which often doesn’t lead to truly thriving. As for these days…I’m grateful for the resonance I feel in this community. ❤️
My guess is that undisrupted indigenous cultures have a deep sense of belonging inextricably linked to land and place that promotes a collectivist sense of community and self. The fraying of these connections in modern society comes with great cost to our well-being.
And, why you’re an earth mama.
So very sweet! Thank you.
You inspire me!
So very true. Perhaps that is why I feel a connection to the indigenous people and their culture and art. Past spirit? Or just appreciation of their expressions and connections with the environment and world around them…
Great piece. Thank you.
Your last question is the most important: “Who and how would you love?” We don’t ask that of ourselves nearly enough. Maybe we’ve stopped asking that of ourselves. Because, how can there be any other answer other than “Everyone, and deeply”? If THAT were our answer, I am awed by the kind of world we could create as a collective humanity for all Beings. But that’s not our answer. So the world will be much darker, more separate, and with more hatred as we choose to love only those who look, act, and believe like we do—but with a love that is transactional and conditional; you must prove your love to me in return by giving me something.
But none of that stops each of us from trying to love that more idealistic and benevolent way in our own little circle of influence. “It takes just one heart to start the whole chain.” ~ Ram Dass
Thank you, Kert, for these beautiful insights—especially, “we’d love …everyone, and deeply”—including, I’ll explicitly add, all other living beings and our natural habitat. To being one heart…💗
Thank you for writing such a touching article which resonates with me quite deeply. As a uranium type I prefer to be on the outside looking in, I like being on the edges, or over them. I like being invisible, I like exploring things and I like to be kept in a permanent state of wonder and curiosity. I've never felt this was a form of escapism, but more of a way of connecting to the world that we live in. Wonder is what makes life profound and joyous - it gives us perspective.
My life was badly affected by brexit and ever since 2020 I feel I've been forcibly put in a box. I would also say a consequence of this has been to decline my productivity as an artist; I too have spent the last four years asking all the same questions you've been asking yourself Wendy. I'm almost coming out of the other side of a long tunnel. I'd say the four years of introspection have helped intensify and ground my intentions as to why I need to live outside the box. In those four years I've had a complete identity shift in terms of changing my name, my language, and the way I paint. I've lost family and friends. My path wasn't for them and that's OK. Not everyone likes making new paths or finding themselves in terrain where there isn't one. I love it.
I recommend playing with your name Wendy, if only for a day. It sends our ego in a spin and it releases you. Blessings x
Úrsula, Thank you so much for your kind words. I found myself feeling a little vulnerable when I decided to write and share this piece. And, as is so often the case, doing so allows others to open up and fosters connection. I'm so happy to hear it resonated with you.
It seems we share a similar outlook on life--perhaps different orientations--but both centered on wonder and curiosity. I am grateful to know this about myself and to be deeply committed to being in the world in a way that orients me towards wonder and joy. It allows me to feel whole in a society that does not promote it. It sounds as if you navigate the world in a similar world.
I'm grateful you've shared some of your story. I don't entirely understand the complexities of brexit and its cultural impact but do know that it's been tough on creatives. I love hearing that despite all the difficulties, you've been able to carve your unique path and end up in a place you love. There's little more enlivening and empowering.
What an interesting thought--to play with my name. I've always liked my name, for it is relatively uncommon and its etymology (The Wanderer) absolutely suits me. However, I am curious to see what emerges if I'm to let go of this identify, if only for a day.
Thank you again for your heartfelt share. xo Wendy
Great read. Much like Roosevelt’s quote about the Man in The Arena, tis not about the winning or losing, but tis about being in life’s arena!
Thank you, Ron! Right—the big, messy, and magical arena…💫