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Allie's avatar

Sarah, I do not have children but I recognized the child in me writhing over a “no” in your offering. My recent no was in the form of the kindest rejection I’ve yet to receive. I responded in grace, but internally and in the days after, I was writhing on the floor, resisting much the same. But unlike your son, my adult mind forgot how to wail for, I tried to reason with my grief, outsmart my feelings to configure a yes. Like I have in many moments of resistance, I put on one of your meditations on accepting what is. It was there I was able to let myself lay on the floor of my heart and wail, to purge and feel through to unclenched fists, recognizing the child in me, holding myself in surrender much the way you soothed your son. Through the guidance of your voice and heart’s wisdom, an ache I’d normally let fester or worse, push down to pollute my worthiness, was released to a dull sniffle in a matter of days. The disappointment still stings, but it cracked open my heart to reveal a storied ache never held. Today’s reading reminded me of the purity of what was taking place within me. And the way you honored his tantrum, regardless of the reason, because it was real for him, reminded me to offer that grace to myself as well. I stand with countless others in gratitude of your willingness to be carved open by the light, so that we may awaken to the wisdom of our hearts. So much love to you and your family.

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Dandan Liu's avatar

wow, this response was a beautiful piece as well. Thank you for sharing. It landed in me deeply.

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Leia Isanhart's avatar

I’m currently saying a big No and it’s impacting everyone around me. I’ve felt stuck, ashamed, guilty for this. Listening to these words made me feel that maybe it’s ok to sit with the No for a bit , to be more gentle with myself

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Alfredo Deambrosi's avatar

I love this part: "And that is when I started to meet the voice that I now use in my writing. And this voice I've come to now as the universal heart—this kind of loving consciousness, a loving stream of consciousness."

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Elizabeth Peebles's avatar

Oh my goodness Sarah, thank you for writing this! I too am a mother, of 3 little growing girls. I can relate so much to being forced into finding myself after becoming a mother, against my will. You so beautiful put into words what I have felt on this journey 9 years into it.

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Annaleigh's avatar

Thank you🤍

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Linda Herrmann's avatar

Beautiful…although my children are all adults, raising their own little cherubs now, this still speaks deeply to my soul. Deep gratitude, Sarah.

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Jessica's avatar

Sarah thank You so much for sharing...

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Jason's avatar

The ineffable no. What a perfect idea. I’ve always talked about this “wall” that appears before me, or that I hold up on purpose. That’s the inner no. Agh. I just love this so much

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Deb Iten's avatar

Thank you ❤️

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Caitlin Leigh's avatar

Absolutely beautiful, thank you Sarah. Your words always touch the depths of Being and radiate so much love and warmth. Many tears and gratitude <3

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Katherine Hammitt's avatar

“The hardship is far to real to try and talk away with sweetness” YES. My 4 yr old doesn’t need me to make it better. She needs me to acknowledge how real the hardship is for her (even if I don’t understand how devastating it is to have the green plate and not the blue one). Your voice grounds me and I feel soothed. Thank you!!!

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Chris's avatar

Again and always Sarah, my Gratitude.

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Tammy's avatar

This is beautiful and so reveals how we must overcome all that stands in our way as we “become”. It brings connection as it shows even in our innocence as children we are all searching for the yes as we learn to soften the No. thank you

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Michele Susan Brown's avatar

You continue to inspire and teach me with the incredible gift of your words, voice, and gigantic heart, and I continue to be deeply grateful. Beautiful lesson. And so timely for me and my inner child too. Thank you 🙏🏼

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Margaret's avatar

What a beautiful story….so heartfelt! I was able to see that the “no” can be a yes to life! 💕

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Michele B's avatar

Your words hit me deep in my soul; I so wish I had this knowledge when my kids were little struggling like Hugo. This piece is so profound and just a beautiful way to handle those internal struggles …..I so wish I had that knowledge as a young mom 35 years ago. My eldest still struggles with so much internal pain and I am gently and slowly introducing your gifts to her. I crave your gift of words and inspiration all these years I have been listening to and reading your works. Thank you Sarah for this beautiful piece.

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