Today, instead of an essay, I’m offering something new. This is a micro-homily I wrote and delivered at Yale this past week. The video will only take a few minutes of your time. I had so much fun with it. Let me know what you think!
Special thanks to feminist quantum physicist Karen Barad, whose work captivates me and gave me the language I needed to express ideas about time I’ve been mulling over for ages. Special thanks also to Sarah Graves, who inspired my snowy background and supports my life in myriad ways.
Between you and me—
Happy gathering week. John and I are looking forward to slowing way, way down, seeing people we love, and resting for the holiday. We are excited about the flurry of activity December will bring — concerts! parties! papers! — but love any opportunity we can find to pause and bring more balance into our lives.
This particular holiday always makes me feel hyperaware of our country’s genocidal beginnings and history of domination. Even as we relish the invitation to be with delightful people, I am holding a vision for reconciliation and reparation in my heart. I know many of you share that vision with me.
“Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings” by Joy Harjo is a poem that reflects all this week holds. I appreciate her reminder to always “walk the perimeter of truth for understanding.”
Recognize whose lands these are on which we stand.
Ask the deer, turtle, and the crane.
Make sure the spirits of these lands are respected and treated with goodwill.
The land is a being who remembers everything.
Thank you, as always, for reading, and today, for watching. I will see you again on December 3. Till then, I’m wishing you peace and joy. And “Boundless Love!” Take care out there.
The audio version of WE’RE ALL FRIENDS HERE is available on Spotify, Apple, Substack, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
WE’RE ALL FRIENDS HERE is written by Lauren Maxwell. Can you help us grow? Send this to a friend and ask them to subscribe. Share it on Instagram and tag @lauren_only. If you enjoy this work, become a sponsor, which makes this publication possible and keeps it free for all. Thank you so much for your contributions!
Polar Bears and Time Travel–An Inquiry for the Climate Crisis