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Susan Baker's avatar

In 1977, I moved from western Massachusetts to West Texas. I felt as though I needed to leave academia, leave "Mecca" ( the 5 college area of the Berkshires), and figure out how to "make it on my own" without the cushion of family and friends. I needed to grow up. It was as though I had moved to a foreign country. I cried every night for a month but something wonderful happened. I began to notice a different kind of beauty than I knew in New England. I saw a sky that stretched from horizon to horizon, tiny straw flowers blooming in parched earth, the Milky Way so close as though I could touch it, horned toads doing push ups in the sun. I learned to look and listen and be amazed at the everyday sacred.

Thank you for your words. I see your words and those of your sub stack sisters as soul work for today!

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Sabrina Simpson's avatar

I had to look up the word distrait, as I had never seen it before (except perhaps from you once before when I skipped over it.) Such an interesting observation about the book! I haven't read Enchantment, although I appreciate the premise. I wholeheartedly agree with your description of enchantment, and finding it where ever we are. I do remember a period of intense depression when it was really, really hard to find those moments. But I clung to the seeking out of some kind of beauty and joy every day as a marker that I hadn't yet lost it completely. Your posts always remind me of that and to centre myself and stop pinging around. thanks for that deep breath and moment of quiet contemplation.

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