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Katz Llale's avatar

Your words had me stepping away to reflect. On the tension of pouring into ourselves as the world burns too.

And in that reflective space, the thought that came was:

You may not be able to save the world, but you are a world worth saving.

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

You said that so well whew 👏🏾 it’s the last line for me

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HEW(Hue) of Poetry's avatar

You mentioning double Dutch brought back memories of my own as a kid and how every Black girl I went to elementary school just seemingly knew how to do it flawlessly. Legit Black girl magic.

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

That part. Like how do you all know how to do this?!

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Biany's avatar

Appreciate this so much! I cannot rest either. Maybe it’s our spiritual practice right now to contemplate and be with our kin in this collective pain and suffering

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Aleksander Constantinoropolous's avatar

This is the holiest confession I’ve read all week.

Rest, in a world like this, is not a spa day. It’s an act of defiance. And yet even defiance gets tired. Especially when your soul won't stop noticing everything.

You’re right—true rest is communal. No one gets free alone. And double Dutch theology might be the sharpest take I’ve heard this year. Rhythmic grace, shared breath, joy with tension built in. May we all learn to jump like that.

Thank you for the musing. Thank you for not spiritualizing away the ache. And thank you for reminding us that guilt doesn’t have to paralyze—it can be compost for something beautiful.

Still tired. Still loving.

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badriyaishere's avatar

If you manage to figure out what it looks like taking care of yourself, please let us know.

Mikaela Loach is an awesome activist (mostly known for climate activism, and is also involved in other spheres). In her book, and on her socials, she's talked a few times about how it's very easy to feel a lot of guilt at experiencing joy during times of immense suffering (and general existential dread) but being able to rest and enjoy periods of personal and shared happiness is an integral part of the overall cause.

A part of the world wants us beaten down by fighting the good fight and lose hope. The small pockets of joy will help overall. Take care of yourself 💖✨️

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Melanie Williams de Amaya's avatar

Thankyou Robert. My journey has been different to yours (I was jumping rope on the other side of the world on Anawian country). I have long felt that tension of knowing I need rest and care and nurturing practices and knowing those resources (including my time) could be used in more "needful" ways. I guess the times I've broken (really broken) have taught me without the rest for me, there is no me to help others rest. But yes, deep matters for musing. Thank you.

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BEE Channel's avatar

This is deep. You definitely offer food for thought. The only way to continue being the person that you are is to take that time to pour into yourself. I see rest as an act of resistance. Otherwise, you start to move through the world in a way that is bitter and resentful. Take pregnant pauses and then get back to the mission at hand.

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Casey O'Brien's avatar

Beautiful musings Robert.

You have a beautiful heart. ❤️

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Becky Schmidt's avatar

Everything I read lately has some kind of hint of how to take on a world of injustices while in this shy/introverted/anxious body. This was such a beautiful musing on what that internal battle sounds and feels like.

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The Relation Revolution's avatar

Youre words touch me deeply, this is really not what should happen, these parabole ropes touche a hidden Part of me. Something in ancestor spirals, mirror and recieving, thank you for sharing your story

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