For 22 years, I was the Chaplain and Director of a wonderfully inclusive community at the University of New Hampshire called the Waysmeet Center. For the last 15 years there, we had one of our weekly dinners with a drum circle, that became its own magical event of blissful community. Jillian's prompt brough sweet memories of those gatherings back to me.
Wow, Larry, this poem is so joyful and speaks of such blissful times. I love this so much, and the context! I am with you - few things are more blissful than drum circles! haha.
I have been part of a drum circle before, they are so powerful and connecting. Yep and everyone is off beat, it is what makes them fun! And I hear this and feel it through your prose. "smiles and laughter dancing in air. Ah, the gentle eruption of bliss, light piercing the shadows at the edges of our darkness." Wondrous!
I’ve been thinking about exactly what you’re sharing; yes, we need to hear the stories of pain, but we so often fail to celebrate the stories of JOY and BLISS that is inherent to every human. To know them deeply, beyond the one facet of their being we assume must be a constant source of struggle (yuck, I’m sorry I held that perception for a long time). I’d love to link this newsletter on my next one, if that’s okay with you?
Thank you so much for this, Aleesha. Yes, in general, I think this is so true - I would love to see that world where media sensationalism truly does run on joy and bliss :) I think, for all the complications and discriminations as well, the queer community has a beautiful opportunity to use their experiences for this purpose, among so many important others.
This point that you make - of knowing us more deeply beyond the visible struggle - is SO important and so SO well appreciated, at least by me. I really see your internal movement here and I thank you for hosting it so lovingly and attentively.
I'd be delighted and honored if you'd like to link this newsletter - sure! :) Thanks for asking <3
So agree Aleesha. It's like if we don't see the struggle, then the momentum towards inclusion, equal rights, connection just isn't as important anymore. Which is completely anti-existence. One thing I have learned and experienced is that I can feel joy even when I am challenged or in pain! All emotions on the spectrum need to be acknowledged and seen.
I love the focus today as much as the word, and your poem made me smile! We absolutely all deserve to experience, share, and see our joy reflected in its fullness.
I actually wrote today's poem days ago as a possible stanza for another poem. I almost added to it today, but I really love it on its own.
Thank you so much, A.! Really appreciate that :) It felt powerful to write the essay today, and I'm glad you enjoy it. Yes!! And since I wrote it, I've seen examples everywhere - even in mainstream media - of exactly this desire to celebrate joy despite the (potential) weight of the struggle.
LOVE your poem - you are a master of these gut-punch, breathtaking shorties. Thank you!
This is wonderful, A. This is a definition of bliss, for sure! I love your poetry: short, medium and long. You cover the spectrum of emotional journey exceptionally well! I also admire how you can let well enough alone with your poems, something I struggle to do--I am always thinking , '"one more line, one more stanza"...the song that never ends!
Jillian, everything you said in your post today stuck a chord, and your poem joyful and poignant! Bliss, delight, happiness, needs to be seen and witnessed.
Today my poem is about an event that happened...just the other day...
What a nice poem, Julie! You take a beautiful precious moment and bring it real for me as I read--and extoll the majesty and wonder of the blue heron and nature in a very vivid way. Thank you!
For 22 years, I was the Chaplain and Director of a wonderfully inclusive community at the University of New Hampshire called the Waysmeet Center. For the last 15 years there, we had one of our weekly dinners with a drum circle, that became its own magical event of blissful community. Jillian's prompt brough sweet memories of those gatherings back to me.
Bliss
Rainbow circle of drummers gather
in ritual, spirit and community.
Ready for a moment or more of bliss.
A prayer of peace and letting go,
a tribute to ancestors and culture;
intention for the time together.
The sounds begin. Slowly, cautiously,
toes in the water—alone then
not alone. One note, one breath,
then another,
until the mystical waters rise
to carry us to places of magic and dreams.
Imperfect circle of imprecise rhythms,
no panel of experts measuring
progress, aptitude or knowledge.
There is a deeper wisdom here.
Hearts open to the wonder
of community where every voice matters.
For a moment, an hour, an evening,
we are held in loving kindness.
Spirits connected by power unseen,
smiles and laughter dancing in air.
Ah, the gentle eruption of bliss,
light piercing the shadows
at the edges of our darkness.
Wow, Larry, this poem is so joyful and speaks of such blissful times. I love this so much, and the context! I am with you - few things are more blissful than drum circles! haha.
So many things I love, but these especially:
"a moment or more of bliss"
"Slowly, cautiously,
toes in the water—alone then
not alone."
"Imperfect circle of imprecise rhythms"
Thank you, beautiful soul <3
Thank you Jillian! You are the director of this blissful orchestra!
I have been part of a drum circle before, they are so powerful and connecting. Yep and everyone is off beat, it is what makes them fun! And I hear this and feel it through your prose. "smiles and laughter dancing in air. Ah, the gentle eruption of bliss, light piercing the shadows at the edges of our darkness." Wondrous!
Thank you Julie! They are special. Drum circles are nice metaphors for finding place and voice in community.
I feel like I'm there with this one.
Like, for a little while, nothing else matters.
Oh yes!
I’ve been thinking about exactly what you’re sharing; yes, we need to hear the stories of pain, but we so often fail to celebrate the stories of JOY and BLISS that is inherent to every human. To know them deeply, beyond the one facet of their being we assume must be a constant source of struggle (yuck, I’m sorry I held that perception for a long time). I’d love to link this newsletter on my next one, if that’s okay with you?
Thank you so much for this, Aleesha. Yes, in general, I think this is so true - I would love to see that world where media sensationalism truly does run on joy and bliss :) I think, for all the complications and discriminations as well, the queer community has a beautiful opportunity to use their experiences for this purpose, among so many important others.
This point that you make - of knowing us more deeply beyond the visible struggle - is SO important and so SO well appreciated, at least by me. I really see your internal movement here and I thank you for hosting it so lovingly and attentively.
I'd be delighted and honored if you'd like to link this newsletter - sure! :) Thanks for asking <3
This is well said and an excellent affirmation of Jillian's essay--the celebrations are a part of the journey towards wholeness and justice.
So agree Aleesha. It's like if we don't see the struggle, then the momentum towards inclusion, equal rights, connection just isn't as important anymore. Which is completely anti-existence. One thing I have learned and experienced is that I can feel joy even when I am challenged or in pain! All emotions on the spectrum need to be acknowledged and seen.
I love the focus today as much as the word, and your poem made me smile! We absolutely all deserve to experience, share, and see our joy reflected in its fullness.
I actually wrote today's poem days ago as a possible stanza for another poem. I almost added to it today, but I really love it on its own.
a sleepless night,
a sleep-filled kiss
I thought, "I could
get used to this"
Thank you so much, A.! Really appreciate that :) It felt powerful to write the essay today, and I'm glad you enjoy it. Yes!! And since I wrote it, I've seen examples everywhere - even in mainstream media - of exactly this desire to celebrate joy despite the (potential) weight of the struggle.
LOVE your poem - you are a master of these gut-punch, breathtaking shorties. Thank you!
Thank you! That's so kind! 💕
This is wonderful, A. This is a definition of bliss, for sure! I love your poetry: short, medium and long. You cover the spectrum of emotional journey exceptionally well! I also admire how you can let well enough alone with your poems, something I struggle to do--I am always thinking , '"one more line, one more stanza"...the song that never ends!
YES! "can let well enough alone" - Sheesh, A., you continue to be an inspiration for me on this front haha
Thank you Larry! I am definitely learning to trust myself and my writing more.
I love this. This kind of statement keeps me curious about my own art :)
I love this, so simple, sweet with a big impact. Jillian said it perfectly, "master of these gut-punching shorties."
Thank you, Julie!
This is a splendid essay and poem, Jillian! A voice and proclaiming rising out across the land. Thank you for sharing your precious spirit and heart.
Thank you so much, dear Larry, as well for receiving this and radiating in turn!
Jillian, everything you said in your post today stuck a chord, and your poem joyful and poignant! Bliss, delight, happiness, needs to be seen and witnessed.
Today my poem is about an event that happened...just the other day...
.
Funny how an instant can change
…everything!
Just the other day,
like I do almost every day
I was outside on a comfortable stroll.
Yet this time a halted momentum.
A suspended moment,
complete stillness.
For in midair, right ahead of me
a majestic blue heron was flying low.
Making its descent, maybe into
the next watering hole.
Each flap of its wing,
beating swaying
in a slow unhurried motion.
Floating leisurely upon a sea of blue.
Passing me by, with another wave of it wing,
time once elongated, came back to
normal?
But did it really?
No, because I was in bliss!
I can feel the showing down here. I love the imagery of the flapping wings and "floating leisurely upon a sea of blue."
What a nice poem, Julie! You take a beautiful precious moment and bring it real for me as I read--and extoll the majesty and wonder of the blue heron and nature in a very vivid way. Thank you!
Bliss.
.perfect happiness.
.great joy.
Like a father's day do-nut.
Let's try 7.
(hold my beer)
I like any poem that combines donuts and bliss!