If you are receiving this email, you are most likely someone very dear to me. A stranger perhaps, but kindred nonetheless. I have shelved this moment- this first newsletter- for when my youngest stepped his small feet into kindergarten. That day has come. I have been returned to the shore of myself. I am alone in my office, with only my voice to crowd me. This first newsletter carries something very sweet within it, both curious and nervous sentiment, as I learn to share in a different way. A risk I am now ready to take. So welcome to my offering. I am so very glad you are here.
So much of what I write never makes it off the quiet page of my journals. I have leaning stacks of notebooks, filled with underlined poems, grievous stories, and humbling realizations hidden in dark closets and creaking desk drawers. I want to change this. This pandemic has left me another person, one who is longing for deeper connections and more intimate sharing. One thing I know for certain is I would not be alive had I not been buoyed by the poets and healers who have graced my path. Each one selflessly offering whatever shards of light and understanding they have gained to help soften the path for others. I want to live as generously as those who have helped me. I want to die beautifully worn from giving and sharing the light that washed over the ground in front of me. Our stories mean mountains to one another, so I am here to share more in the face of this fickle, fleeting life because… it matters.
Through Substack, I plan to form an inter-connective body of work for a responsive community. Each week I will post my ruminations, voice notes, favorite poetry, and musings on whatever comes up from the waters of the heart, pieces of my world, free to all.
On Tuesdays, paid subscribers will find my first serial, Folding In. No one has read these pages. Private journal entries from my constant inner unfolding. I will post the first few entries for everyone and then my paid subscribers will receive a new installment every week.
Dear reader, dear kindred heart, thank you for being here. Your presence is my purpose.
Sarah,
Thank you so much for the communication. Your podcast touched me incredibly deeply in a dark time of need. My partner of 20 years fell into the depths of depression and opted to leave our family to focus on himself. It was a very challenging moment in our family and your words deeply healed me.
In response to your subscription offer…. I am a musician, singer, mother and entrepreneur and what I most love about your podcast is the thoughtful musicality and the liquidity of your voice that elevates your writing so well. My desire would be to hear these diary entries read. Is that available?
Congratulations on having both boys in school. A whole new beginning awaits. They only get better at every stage.
Enjoy mama, and thank you so much again for creating something so beautiful in the world.
Warm regards,
Emily Jensen
Eugene, Oregon
You are definitely my favorite teacher on Insight Timer. Your lovely voice brings innerpeace and your words are so healing for me. I’m so grateful to have you in my live 🙏🏻😘