the sitting with oneself and the returning self seem to be the direction my heart and soul want to take with me. and even in being still while reading this piece, it touched a part of me that's been screaming to be let out. the part that sits and sings and dances with words. i think it's time. also, this was beautifully written.
I love this. Yes, the way that ebonyjanice articulated this has stuck with me too and can’t wait to hear more on how its been for you. the poise Toni Morrison had was so elite. and I think of the journey she had to undergo to get there. when the woman asked her about her success mama Morrison said she stood at the boundaries and claimed it. WHEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
The bravery to be soft in public view as a Black man ❤️ gorgeous words, more books to add to the Wishlist. I’m trying, far less gracefully, to come home to my heart truths. It’s forever work and I wish I had fellow travellers like you do. In my country and yours, we owe everything to black women.
Oh friend. This is right on time. You’ve given me some reminders from Mama Toni and ebonyjanice about how to sit properly. This is so so insightful, Robert.
the irony is friend you’ve taught me how to sit properly. no less than 5 times a week I remember my first time “meeting” you when we interviewed you on 3BM and you told us your hair was big and you were going to take up room. I quote that to myself often. and I mean often. my whole demeanor changes.
Thank you for honoring Morrison and her beautiful creative light. Sitting with her writing for months is something that I need to do (I’ve read Beloved a few times; the visceral image of the tree branches and roots growing from scars still haunts my heart to this day.) Reading about your experience with slowing down to meditate on the complex meaning in Toni’s work encourages me to revisit Morrison. Ah I don’t think I could have been as gracious or as enlightened as the heroic Toni with responding to that questioning; it makes me feel like screaming from the rooftops inside. Her response is an artistic masterpiece. Grounded and rooted, while speaking the truth. I’ll watch it again to absorb more of the love and power in her voice. Thank you for shining a light on the gift of Morrison’s voice and related books of beauty.
I felt very seen by this piece. Having conviction about oneself enough to handle projections made by others with such grace is the reason why I look up to Toni Morrison so very much. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
When I saw the title of this stack I knew you had been reading EbonyJanice’s book! I finished the book not too long ago in a local book club.
“The Seat of Toni” — I love how ebonyjanice names this evocative space of personal power that I’ve so admired and even aspired to in my own life. It is movement of poise, confidence, authority, knowingness and grace that Mother Toni exuded so well in interviews and talks.
Thank you for this wonderfully thoughtful piece. May we all be empowered to sit well in our journeys.
Wow thanks for sharing that interview with Toni Morrison. That was so profound. She definitely does stay seated! What you said about how arguing is bad for your nervous system is so true.
That interview is so powerful, thanks for sharing! I think it takes so much bravery to live your life from that seated, grounded place of peace and self-awareness. Especially when the fear is so loud. Thanks for the reminder.
the sitting with oneself and the returning self seem to be the direction my heart and soul want to take with me. and even in being still while reading this piece, it touched a part of me that's been screaming to be let out. the part that sits and sings and dances with words. i think it's time. also, this was beautifully written.
oh this is beautifully said
The idea of being fully seated has been with me since my reading of ebonyjanice’s book early this year. (I would love to share more on it privately)
The poise of Toni Morrison is an inspiring force to this day. I long for that clarity of purpose.
Thank you for sharing your reflection. 🖤
I love this. Yes, the way that ebonyjanice articulated this has stuck with me too and can’t wait to hear more on how its been for you. the poise Toni Morrison had was so elite. and I think of the journey she had to undergo to get there. when the woman asked her about her success mama Morrison said she stood at the boundaries and claimed it. WHEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
The bravery to be soft in public view as a Black man ❤️ gorgeous words, more books to add to the Wishlist. I’m trying, far less gracefully, to come home to my heart truths. It’s forever work and I wish I had fellow travellers like you do. In my country and yours, we owe everything to black women.
Oh friend. This is right on time. You’ve given me some reminders from Mama Toni and ebonyjanice about how to sit properly. This is so so insightful, Robert.
the irony is friend you’ve taught me how to sit properly. no less than 5 times a week I remember my first time “meeting” you when we interviewed you on 3BM and you told us your hair was big and you were going to take up room. I quote that to myself often. and I mean often. my whole demeanor changes.
🥹
Thank you for honoring Morrison and her beautiful creative light. Sitting with her writing for months is something that I need to do (I’ve read Beloved a few times; the visceral image of the tree branches and roots growing from scars still haunts my heart to this day.) Reading about your experience with slowing down to meditate on the complex meaning in Toni’s work encourages me to revisit Morrison. Ah I don’t think I could have been as gracious or as enlightened as the heroic Toni with responding to that questioning; it makes me feel like screaming from the rooftops inside. Her response is an artistic masterpiece. Grounded and rooted, while speaking the truth. I’ll watch it again to absorb more of the love and power in her voice. Thank you for shining a light on the gift of Morrison’s voice and related books of beauty.
thank you for reading and yes Beloved is a forever text for me. Phew.
I felt very seen by this piece. Having conviction about oneself enough to handle projections made by others with such grace is the reason why I look up to Toni Morrison so very much. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
oh i’m so glad you feel seen. yes mother Morrison is still speaking. what a bright light
When I saw the title of this stack I knew you had been reading EbonyJanice’s book! I finished the book not too long ago in a local book club.
“The Seat of Toni” — I love how ebonyjanice names this evocative space of personal power that I’ve so admired and even aspired to in my own life. It is movement of poise, confidence, authority, knowingness and grace that Mother Toni exuded so well in interviews and talks.
Thank you for this wonderfully thoughtful piece. May we all be empowered to sit well in our journeys.
I love that. I read it last year and just love it so much
Wow thanks for sharing that interview with Toni Morrison. That was so profound. She definitely does stay seated! What you said about how arguing is bad for your nervous system is so true.
Yeah I love watching it for inspiration
Beautiful. Toni is treasure and I am grateful her words have helped you give shape to your own powerful work ❤️
thank you brother
That interview is so powerful, thanks for sharing! I think it takes so much bravery to live your life from that seated, grounded place of peace and self-awareness. Especially when the fear is so loud. Thanks for the reminder.
I had to rewatch this interview again. it has so many lessons.
Why are you so wise bro
Tryna get like you
I like that I can hear your voice when you read your posts. This is a good, good one.
this touches me