Dear reader,
Nature is THE host.
We read three novels cover to cover by the banks of a flowing river. The rumble of cicadas echoed and bounced off the trees like a perennially roaring engine on a soundstage, even overpowering the rush of the water. My pup Jack found a swimming hole that’s easy on his joints — he’s a natural swimmer and a very happy camper when he gets to dive in.
We also became acquainted with the underwater treadmill. Have you tried one? The action mimics those of a wading bird and it is a sight to behold.
What got me thinking beyond the surface (literally!) about underwater treadmills is NOBODY ELSE REALLY KNOWS THE GROUND YOU WALK ON. Whether it’s moving or not. Whether it’s whiplash fast or painfully slow. Only you do. They only see you going about your life waist up, rarely with any context. So don’t discount how much you’ve had to navigate under the murky water/under the radar!
Perhaps this means that we can assign more importance to trusting our inner compass regarding our own lived experiences rather than relying on external directions. Similar to how judgement is now the skill differentiator in this age of AI’s technical/systems prowess. I believe this is why I have been so passionate about stories all my life. Storytelling and making art are the processes of humans trying to empathize and understand ourselves and each other, failing often, and using our sharpening senses of judgement to find ways forward.
Today is my grandmother’s 10th death, or “lift off,” anniversary. She was a profoundly courageous doer with the most unshakeable faith. Someone who served everyone with unreasonable hospitality, no matter the shifting ground she walked on, with judgement that surpassed earthly preoccupations. Cicily was the only grandparent I had, and I think about how we might’ve been more like friends if we had gotten to spend time together as the versions of ourselves that we are today. And boy oh boy have there been iterations.
I feel that if Cicily were here today, she’d tell you and me: JUST KEEP SWIMMING.
Only you know the ground you walk on.
Use it.
Propel.
With much love & to going beyond the surface,
Anjali
P.S. A summer snack I’m loving: sliced figs + goat cheese + a drizzle of honey + a sprinkle of rosemary sea salt. ENJOY!
