.16 “let the apocalypse not be the lifting of the veil, let it be the lowering.”

a gentle reminder:

i’ll be moving maybe we’re infinite to substack in march. readers won’t be automatically moved over, so if you’d like to keep reading, you’ll need to subscribe there directly. i hope to see you over there! 💕

increasingly, i am thinking about the importance of observation, of bearing witness.

as a somatic tool, observation allows us to regulate our nervous systems. we turn our observations inward to scan the body for feelings and sensations. we turn observation outward to take note of our environments — and the threats that may or may not actually exist around us.

we count things we can see, hear, feel, smell, taste. in doing so, we feel safer, calmer. we regain some measure of control when things feel very out of control.

in the social change ecosystem map, observers become the weavers, the visionaries, the storytellers, and the guides. observing allows us to find connections. it allows us to bear witness to what is now, so we may envision what comes later. it allows us to document and share histories and possibilities. it allows us to understand what works and what doesn’t, and how to share that wisdom.

observation is poetry, is critical. we bear testimony about each other as proof of our existence. we are social creatures, we are meant to be seen. and this act of observing is as important as the things we observe. through observation, we create meaning, we engage in the interpretation of symbols and rituals, we invite curiosity and collaboration.

to be in conversation with each other, we must be observant.

observing is so important right now, both in the world as it exists and in the world as we dream of it existing. we watch, we try to understand, we hold each other, we share stories.

by watching, we open ourselves, too, to being perceived. we become more aware of the power of vulnerability, of allowing ourselves to be seen. seeing others’ imperfections gives us permission to also be flawed, but to continue moving on in through the world, imperfect as we are.

it’s easy to want to turn away in the face of atrocities, to not observe. and it may even be necessary to create that space when we’re able to, to care for ourselves in the long term. 

but it’s brave and bold and necessary to bear witness to evil. to not allow it to go unseen. observing each other is survival.

i see you. i see your humanity. i am bearing witness to your existence, and holding it as precious.

i’ll leave you here with some words that are not mine, words that speak to this moment:

stay soft, stay brave.

<3,

n.

p.s.

• another reason to keep your eyes wide open, through it all: “and above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” ―roald dahl

• the post that catalyzed this month’s topic, from @pagegalleryjournal: the commute writing game

• from @gendersauce: some ways to develop an anti-fascist life force

• from @malakagharib: how to interiorize beauty

• finally, there are so many tiny actions we can take to fight fascism that it can get a little overwhelming. definitely start where you are, in your home area. but if you have the capacity and/or funds to spread around, consider supporting the good people of minneapolis. my favorite romance bookstore there, tropes & trifles, regularly shares out ways you can support their city — give them a follow!